When it comes to luxury SUVs, Escalade is about as big a name as it gets. But the Lincoln Navigator is giving the Escalade a run for its money with the new 2023 model. Now Lincoln and Cadillac have been rivals for over 100 years, and in 2023 the competition between the two luxury SUVs – producing behemoths – will intensify as they both release their flagship SUVs. These two SUVs have many similarities, but what sets these two vehicles apart?
Performance
A 3/4 action shot of the front of a 2021 Cadillac Escalade in motion
The Escalade has a naturally aspirated twin-turbo engine that produces an amazing 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, and a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Lincoln Navigator, on the other hand, takes it a step further, with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 engine, producing an even more impressive 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque.
An action shot of a 2022 Lincoln Navigator in motion
Both engines use a lot of fuel, with the Escalade getting a disappointing 16 miles per gallon and the Lincoln Navigator only slightly better at 18 miles per gallon. But given the sticker price of these two luxury SUVs, fuel economy may not be top of the list of priorities when considering which to buy. But the battle between these two luxury SUVs doesn’t stop at the engines. There are subtle similarities and major differences between these vehicles on every level.
The design
Both the Escalade and Navigator are full-size full-size SUVs. The Lincoln Navigator is 76 inches high and 210 feet long, this coupled with its plush bodywork gives it a certain striking gravitas expected of high-end luxury SUVs. The Escalade, on the other hand, is 77 inches high and 212 feet long, making it just a little more imposing than its competitor.
Both the Lincoln and the Escalade have huge appeal, especially with their big presence and all their light up features. Both cars are equipped with light-up logos that project onto the floor, and both SUVs also seem to come to life when their key fobs are pressed at night.
Interior
2023 Cadillac Escalade interior
The Lincoln Navigator can be said to have an “old money” feel. Think of the big wig of a company that goes to the opera with a few employees. While the 2023 Cadillac Escalade has a forward-looking feel and continues the legacy Escalades have as an attention-grabbing vehicle that makes an unmistakable statement about the driver.
It is equipped with high-tech equipment such as infrared cameras on the driver’s HUD, an AR navigation system that displays directions in real time, and much more. So while they both tick all the boxes in terms of luxury, Cadillac’s 2023 Escalade incorporates the latest innovations in technology to enhance the driving experience.
Both the Escalade and Navigator have enough legroom for everyone during the ride. They have 41 and 40 inches of rear row legroom, respectively. And if that’s not enough, don’t worry. Both the Escalade and Lincoln come with reclining back row seats to accommodate all passenger needs. Both SUVs also have a panoramic sunroof on the rear seats.
The Lincoln Navigator takes its luxurious interior to the next level by adding 30-way reclining seats with heating, cooling and a massage function. Quiet cabs are another feature of modern luxury vehicles present in both models. But to make sure things don’t get too loud on the road, one of the Escalade’s extra features is the conversation amplifier that allows the driver’s voice to be routed through the speakers so passengers in the back rows can hear them. more clearly.
One area where the Escalade seems to beat the Navigator is storage space. The Cadillac has five cubic feet of extra storage space in the rear compartment to carry everything you need wherever you go. While five cubic feet isn’t much, given that these SUVs focus on luxury and practicality, the Escalade’s slightly better storage space may come in handy.
Prices
An exterior shot of a pair of Cadillac Escalades
When it comes to price, both SUVs cost a pretty penny, with the 2023 Lincoln Navigator starting at $101,320 and the 2023 Cadillac Escalade starting at $118,610. Looking at the details surrounding these two SUVs, it becomes clear that they are almost equal in every way. So why would anyone consider paying over $17,000 extra for the Escalade of the Lincoln?
The differentiating factor between these two SUVs is the brands associated with them. The first Escalade was made in 1999 and was a huge hit with celebrities and entertainers due to the car’s high-profile look and Cadillac’s luxury reputation. While these cars are very similar in many ways, many people will choose to go with the Escalade because it’s such a high-profile name, and they’ll be willing to pay the higher price that comes with the well-known name and the instantly recognizable logo.