With so many SUVs on the market, how can drivers know which one is right for them? It's time to take a closer look at the Lincoln Navigator and the Cadillac Escalade. The Lincoln Navigator and the Cadillac Escalade are similar in a number of ways but there are some crucial differences that sets each on apart. Both SUVs have passed the test of time, placing interior space and luxury above all else. Both of these vehicles are great at towing large cargo. The Navigator and the Escalade are available in extended versions and a regular wheelbase. However, those who want a longer vehicle would benefit from the Escalade over the Navigator. The Escalade’s more classical styling appeals to more consumers but it’s not as flashy as the Navigator. With a 3.5-liter twin turbocharged V6 engine that can be more powerful than the 6.2-liter V8 engine in the Escalade, the Lincoln Navigator has arguably become the leader in the segment. Read on to find out more about how the Lincoln Navigator and Cadillac Escalade compare!
The Lincoln Navigator is one of the best luxury large SUVs. It has everything that drivers are looking for. There are three spacious rows of seats and one of the roomiest cargo areas. There are plenty of standard features and a smooth, comfortable ride. The Navigator also comes in two different body lengths.
The Cadillac Escalade can tow more than most SUVs of the size. It has a robust and smooth powertrain and the ESV model has a lot of cargo and passenger space. The robust V8 engine gives this vehicle a surplus of power and can be good at fuel efficiency. There is a suite of entertainment features and advanced safety systems come standard.
The base Navigator starts at $73,200. There are three additional trims with different prices. The Navigator Select starts at $77,500 and goes to the top of the line Black Label, which starts near $100,000. Prices for the Escalade start at $75,000 and will top off at $94,000. For those who want the long wheelbase ESV Escalade, it will cost an additional $3,000.
The Navigator has an overhead cam design that provides smoother operation and less moving parts. It also has a “limp home system” in order to prevent drivers from being stranded if coolant is lost. The Escalade doesn’t offer this system, leaving drivers stranded if there is a coolant leak.
The Navigator offers optional hill descent control, in order to help drivers creep down a hill safely. The Escalade doesn’t offer this. The Navigator also has an optional driver alert monitor that will detect an inactive driver. The Escalade doesn’t offer this feature. Both the Escalade and Navigator have standard airbags, along with rearview cameras, lane departure warning systems, and electronic stability systems.
The Navigator will get better fuel mileage than the Escalade. The Navigator gets an estimated 16 city and 23 highway MPG on the two-wheel drive, while the Escalade gets only 14 city MPG. For the four-wheel drive, the Navigator gets 16 city and 21 highway MPG and the Escalade still only receives 14 city and 21 highway. In heavy traffic, the engine in the Navigator will turn off when it’s stopped to save fuel and reduce pollution.
The Navigator will give passengers 51.2 cubic feet more of space. The Navigator also has more front hip room, more front shoulder room, more rear legroom, and more rear headroom. For even added comfort, the middle and third-row seats recline in the Navigator but not in the Escalade. The cargo area also has more space in the Navigator.
The Lincoln Navigator has fully independent rear and front suspensions for better ride and handling. The independent suspension allows the wheels to follow the road at the best angle and it doesn’t compromise on ride comfort. For an even smoother ride, the wheelbase on the Navigator is 6.5 inches longer than the Escalade. The Navigator has a better off-road capability with 1.6 inches higher minimum ground clearance, making it easier to travel over rougher terrain.
The Navigator also offers optional passenger memory to go along with the driver-only memory in the Escalade. The Navigator also has front and rear power windows that close or open with one touch of a switch. It also has an exterior PIN entry system, which the Escalade doesn’t offer.