Lincoln Navigator vs Cadillac LYRIQ

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ was a striking vehicle with a design that commanded attention. Its exterior styling was reminiscent of a long sedan, despite being an SUV, with a long hood and low ground clearance. The design drew inspiration from the classic Seville, featuring a long wheelbase, short tail, and wide track. The front of the LYRIQ was adorned with vertical light bars and nine LED headlights that performed a light show upon unlocking. The grille varied between trims, with the Sport trim offering a more subdued look. The vehicle's wraparound taillights and fender-mounted vertical lights created a unique lighting signature, while the interior boasted luxurious details like leather-wrapped seats and a sweeping 33-inch OLED display.

In contrast, the 2025 Lincoln Navigator embraced a more understated glamour, moving away from excessive glitz. The exterior was simpler and cleaner, with options for blacked-out wheels and details through packages like the Jet Appearance or Black Label Special Edition. The Navigator's interior was minimalist, with a focus on quality materials, though some cheaper elements remained. The Black Label trim offered luxurious features like power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated second-row captain’s chairs. The Navigator's cabin was spacious, though taller passengers might find the rear seats less accommodating. The SUV's cargo area was versatile, with a new Split Gate tailgate design and ample storage space, especially in the Navigator L variant.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ, despite its sporty appearance, was more suited for long-distance comfort than spirited driving. It featured two Chinese-sourced motors producing 500 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque for AWD, with a standard single rear motor option offering 340 hp and 325 lb-ft. The 102-kWh battery provided a claimed range of 314 miles for RWD and 307 miles for AWD, though real-world testing showed closer to 260 miles. Charging was efficient, with the battery reaching 80% in 30 to 35 minutes. However, the LYRIQ's handling was hindered by its 5,800-pound weight, resulting in significant understeer and uninspiring steering feel. The braking system was strong, but the vehicle lacked advanced handling features like torque vectoring or magnetic dampers.

The 2025 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. It was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and had a towing capacity of up to 8,700 pounds. The Navigator's 4WD system and 8.9 inches of ground clearance made it capable on various terrains. Despite its three-ton weight, the Navigator accelerated briskly, with a satisfying engine sound. The adaptive damping suspension offered a rough ride, especially with the 24-inch wheels. The steering wheel design was unconventional, but the SUV handled well on mountain roads. The Navigator excelled on highways, with BlueCruise providing a comfortable and hands-free driving experience.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ faced challenges with build quality and functionality. Misaligned rear fenders, a faulty charging port, and a problematic pull-out tray were notable issues. The floating console lacked practicality, and the glovebox was inconvenient to access while driving. The interior offered generous headroom and legroom, but cargo space was limited, with only 28 cubic feet behind the seats and 60.8 cubic feet when folded.

The 2025 Lincoln Navigator prioritized interior space and luxury. The front seats offered up to 24-way power adjustment, with the Black Label trim providing 30-way adjustment and massage functionality. The Lincoln Rejuvenate system enhanced comfort with stress-relieving programs. The second-row captain’s chairs were comfortable but offered limited knee room due to thick front seats. The third-row seat provided good leg support but was also constrained by hard plastic seatback panels. The Navigator L variant offered expansive cargo space, with a new 40/20/40-split third row for added flexibility. The Split Gate tailgate design facilitated access to the cargo area, though reaching items near the third-row seatbacks was challenging.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ featured a 33-inch OLED screen with three sections, offering touch-enabled controls for lighting and gauge cluster layouts. The infotainment system ran Google Maps and Google Assistant, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The Super Cruise system provided excellent hands-free driving capabilities, while the 19-speaker AKG stereo delivered impressive sound quality.

The 2025 Lincoln Navigator introduced the Lincoln Digital Experience infotainment system, featuring a 48-inch panoramic display and an 11.1-inch center touchscreen. The system integrated Google Built-in and Alexa Built-in, offering an intuitive interface. However, the reduction of physical controls made some adjustments cumbersome. The 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system provided a satisfying listening experience. Additional tech included Phone As A Key, Pro Trailer Backup Assist, and various trailering technologies. The Navigator lacked a head-up display and digital rearview mirror, which could have enhanced visibility.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS. It came standard with forward automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and Cadillac's Safety Alert Seat. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree camera system, and rear emergency braking.

The 2025 Lincoln Navigator offered an extensive list of standard ADAS, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. Unique features included intersection assist, evasive steering assist, and Turn Signal View. BlueCruise provided hands-free driving on approved roads, with the latest version offering improved functionality. The Navigator had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS.