When it comes to luxury SUVs, Escalade is about as big of 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 competitors for over 100 years, and in 2023, the competition between the two luxury SUVs - producing behemoths intensifies as they both release their flagship SUVs. These two SUVs have a lot of similarities, but what sets these two vehicles apart?
Performance
The Escalade features a naturally aspirated twin-turbo engine producing an astounding 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, featuring a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 engine, which produces an even more impressive 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque.
Both of these engines consume a lot of fuel, with the Escalade getting an underwhelming 16 miles per gallon and the Lincoln Navigator fairing only slightly better at 18 miles a gallon. But considering the sticker price of these two luxury SUVs, fuel economy may not be at the top of the priority list when considering which to buy. But the battle between these two luxury SUVs doesn’t stop with the engines. There are subtle similarities and stark differences between these vehicles at every level.
The Design
Both the Escalade and the Navigator are large full-size SUVs. The Lincoln Navigator is 76 inches high and 210 feet long, this combined with its luxurious body gives it a certain eye-catching gravitas that has come to be expected of high-end luxury SUVs. The Escalade, on the other hand, is 77 inches high and 212 feet long, making it ever so slightly more imposing than its competitor.
Both the Lincoln and Escalade have massive curb appeal, especially with their large presence along with all of their light-up features. Both of these cars are equipped with light-up logos that project onto the floor, and both SUVs also seem to come alive when their key fob is pushed at night.
Interior
The Lincoln Navigator can be said to have an “old money” feel. Think corporate big-wig headed to the opera with a few associates. Whereas the 2023 Cadillac Escalade has a forward-looking feel and carries on the legacy that Escalades have for being an attention-getting vehicle that makes an unmistakable statement about the driver.
It is outfitted with high-tech gear, such as infrared cameras on the driver HUD, an AR navigation system that displays directions in real time, and a lot more. So although they both tick all the boxes in the luxury department, Cadillac’s 2023 Escalade incorporates the latest innovations in technology to enhance the driving experience.
Both the Escalade and the Navigator have plenty of legroom for everyone along for the ride. They have 41 and 40 inches of back-row legroom respectively. And if that’s not enough, no worries. Both the Escalade and the Lincoln come with adjustable back-row seats to accommodate all the passengers' needs. Both SUVs also feature a panoramic sunroof in the back seat.
The Lincoln Navigator takes its luxury interior to the next level, by adding 30-way adjustable seats with heating, cooling, and a massage feature. Quiet cabins are another feature of modern-day luxury vehicles that are present in both of these models. But just to make sure that it doesn't get too loud on the road, one of the added features of the Escalade is the conversation enhancer that allows for the driver’s voice to be run through speakers to allow passengers in the back rows to hear them more clearly.
One area where the Escalade seems to win out over the Navigator is storage space. The Cadillac features five cubic feet more of storage space in the back compartment to help haul all that you need for wherever you’re headed. Although five cubic feet isn't very much, considering the fact that these SUVs are aimed at luxury and practicality, the Escalade's slightly better storage space may come in handy.
Pricing
When it comes to pricing, both of these SUVs go for a pretty penny, with the 2023 Lincoln Navigator starts at $101,320 and the 2023 Cadillac Escalade starting at $118,610. When looking at the details surrounding these two SUVs, it becomes obvious that they are nearly evenly matched in every area, So why would anyone consider paying more than $17,000 extra to go with the Escalade of the Lincoln?
The distinguishing factor between these two SUVs is the brands attached to them. The first Escalade was created in 1999, and it was a massive hit with celebrities and entertainers for the car’s high-profile look and Cadillacs' reputation for luxury. Although these cars are very similar in many ways, many people will opt to go with the Escalade because it is such a high-profile name, and they will be willing to pay the higher price that comes with the familiar name and instantly recognizable logo.