We finally have an all-new fifth-generation Cadillac Escalade, and according to GM, it has been completely redesigned inside and out, featuring pioneering new technologies such as its industry-first curved OLED display, not to mention the first ever diesel engine in the series.
Yet, we wonder if a simple gadget or the option of a diesel unit would suffice for you to choose the new Escalade over its main rival, the well-received fourth-generation Lincoln Navigator, which does a good job separating itself from the Ford Expedition.
Can the same be said about the Escalade and its twins, the Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon? Perhaps a little less so. However, we would argue that unlike its predecessor, the new Escalade features a less imposing, albeit more stylish, front fascia design than the Tahoe and Yukon.
The new chrome grille looks pretty sleek, but overall there are less design lines and creases than you’ll find at the front of its two siblings. If it’s too bling for you, Cadillac also offers a Sport trim for the first time with black mesh grille.
Read: 2021 Cadillac Escalade Embraces Luxury And Tech To Distance Itself From Tahoe And Yukon
The question is, do you think the 2021 Escalade looks more extravagant than the Lincoln Navigator which is three years older than the Cadillac having entered the market in fall of 2017 as a 2018MY? Because if most people will answer ‘yes’, then GM really has nothing to worry about.
On top of that, Cadillac claims that this latest Escalade offers 40% more third-row legroom, plus a 68% increase in maximum cargo space behind the third row in the standard-length model. Although, if you’re mostly interested in practicality, you’ll probably just buy the Tahoe to begin with and save yourself some cash.
How do the compare in size?
Good question, the simple answer is that they’re both adequately gargantuan, especially in their long wheelbase variants. The standard 2021 Escalade has a 120.9 in. (3,071mm) wheelbase and measures 211 in. (5,382mm) long, 81 in. (2,059mm) wide and 76.6 in. (1,948mm) tall. The LWB Escalade named ESV rides on a 134.1 in. (3,407mm) wheelbase stretching its length to 226.9 in. (5,766mm).
In comparison, the standard Lincoln Navigator has a 122.5 in. (3,111mm) wheelbase, measuring 210.0 in. (5,334 mm) long, 79.9 in (2,029 mm) wide and 78.3 in (1,989 mm) tall. The extended Navigator has a 131.6 in (3,343 mm) wheelbase and an overall length of 221.9 in (5,636 mm). So the standard Cadillac Escalade has a shorter wheelbase but is slightly longer than the respective Navigator, while the Escalade ESV beats the longer Navigator in both measurements.
You can get a more detailed look at the exterior and interior dimensions in the following spec sheets:
2020 Lincoln Navigator
2021 Cadillac Escalade
What do you have to say now, McConaughey?
It seems that GM engineers may have focused more on the interior of the new Escalade than its exterior, giving it multiple advantages over rivals such as the Navigator.
It all starts with the curved OLED display, which offers more than 38-inches of total diagonal display area, with twice the pixel density of a 4K TV. The system includes a total of three screens: a 7.2-inch touch control panel to the left of the driver, a 14.2-inch cluster display behind the steering wheel and a 16.9-inch infotainment screen to the right of the driver.
Other goodies include the available Augmented Reality-enabled navigation, Surround Vision, the Trailering Integration Package, Rear Camera Mirror, Night Vision and loads more.
Related: 2020 Lincoln Navigator Is Here With Extra Gear
The Navigator is of course no slouch in this department. In fact, Lincoln only recently added ‘Phone As A Key’ technology for the 2020 model year. Other key features include the Trailer Backup Assist, 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise control, SYNC 3 infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a multitude of driver assistive features.
Visually though, it’s the Escalade’s cabin that appears more modern, with a sloping center console as opposed to a horizontal one like on the Lincoln. What’s interesting is that neither of the two features a steering wheel column-mounted gear selector anymore. The Escalade now has a traditional shifter knob, whereas the Navigator offers you a bunch of thin “PRND” buttons underneath the central air vents.
Also, music should sound better in the Escalade thanks to its 36-speaker AKG Studio Reference system. The Navigator on the other hand features a 20-speaker Revel Ultima system.
Plenty of power to go around
Buyers can choose between two engine options for the all-new Escalade. First, there’s a new 6.2-liter V8 unit with 420 HP, and for the first time ever, a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel with 460 lb-ft (623 Nm) of torque, same as the gasoline V8. Both are mated to a 10-speed automatic.
The Navigator on the other hand comes with a 3.5-liter twin turbo V6, good for 450 HP and 510 lb-ft (691 Nm), plus a 10-speed auto of its own. While most people won’t really care about which is quicker to 60 mph, the fact that the Lincoln has more pulling power is worth noting.
Cadillac’s 2021 Escalade won’t go on sale until late-2020, so if you’re in a hurry to get a large luxury SUV and you want to “buy American”, the 2020 Navigator is still your best option. Otherwise, with no time constraint, choosing between the two may not be that easy.
