Comparing The Cadillac Escalade And The Lincoln Navigator
Luxury SUV Showdown: Escalade and Navigator Comparison
Comparing the Escalade vs. Navigator is a classic showdown of two of the top full-size luxury SUVs available today. Both offer three-row seating, powerful performance, plentiful luxuries, and advanced technologies from their respective manufacturers. Still, only one can come out on top in this SUV comparison.
Join us as we contrast the Cadillac Escalade vs. Lincoln Navigator in areas like performance, dimensions, capacities, and interior features. After this detailed comparison review, we wel
Escalade vs. Navigator at a Glance
- The Cadillac Escalade gives SUV shoppers a choice between RWD or 4WD; the Lincoln Navigator only offers 4WD.
- The Escalade is equipped with a V-8 engine, while the Navigator makes use of a smaller turbocharged V-6.
- The Cadillac SUV provides more cargo space and more headroom in every row.
- The Lincoln Navigator features a 48-inch panoramic display, while the Cadillac Escalade boasts an even bigger 55-inch curved display spanning the dashboard.
Comparing Specs
Proven Cadillac V-8 performance comes standard on every new Escalade. It starts with a 6.2-liter V-8 engine under the hood, generating 420 horsepower with 460 pound-feet of torque. A 10-speed automatic transmission transmits power to the rear wheels in the standard configuration RWD models or all four wheels when this SUV is equipped with 4WD.
A supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 is also offered, boosting power output to a thrilling 682 horsepower. An advanced AWD system and 653 pound-feet of torque are also included with the high-performance Escalade V-Series model. Or, for a fully electric take on this Cadillac luxury SUV, turn to the new Escalade IQ.
Instead of a V-8, the Lincoln Navigator relies on a smaller six-cylinder engine fitted with two turbos. The twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 engine develops 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, placing its performance specs between the two available Escalade engines.
| 2025 Cadillac Escalade Luxury | 2025 Cadillac Escalade V-Series | 2025 Lincoln Navigator Reserve | |
| Engine | 6.2L V-8 | Supercharged 6.2L V-8 | 3.5L V-6 twin turbo |
| Horsepower | 420 | 682 | 440 |
| Torque | 460 lb-ft | 653 lb-ft | 510 |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD or 4WD | AWD | 4WD |
| Wheel Diameter | 22 in | 24 in | 22 in |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 24 gal | 24 gal | 23 gal |
| Max Towing Capacity | 8,100 lbs1 | 7,200 lbs1 | 8,700 lbs2 |
Regarding dimensions, the new Cadillac Escalade is a little longer than the Lincoln Navigator, at 211.92 inches vs. 210 inches – and yet the Escalade provides far more cargo space than its Lincoln competitor. For an even larger edition, see the new Escalade ESV, the extended-wheelbase model.
Comparing Interior Amenities and Space
Drivers shopping for a full-size SUV are sure to appreciate the Escalade model's more generous cargo volume. It can fit up to 120.5 cubic feet of cargo with second- and third-row seats folded. The Navigator only holds up to 107 cubic feet of cargo.
Even though the Lincoln SUV is taller on the exterior, the Escalade provides more first-, second-, and third-row headroom inside its airy interior. Explore Escalade lease offers to get into a roomy new Cadillac SUV.
| 2025 Cadillac Escalade Luxury | 2025 Cadillac Escalade V-Series | 2025 Lincoln Navigator Reserve | |
| Length | 211.92 in | 211.92 in | 210 in |
| Width | 81.08 in | 81.08 in | 80 in |
| Height | 76.7 in | 76.7 in | 78 in |
| Seating Capacity | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Cargo Space (Behind 1st / 2nd / 3rd Row) | (120.5 / 72.9 / 25.5 cu ft) | (120.5 / 72.9 / 25.5 cu ft) | (107 / 69.9 / 22.9 cu ft) |
| Headroom (1st / 2nd / 3rd Row) | (42.3 / 38.9 / 38.2 in) | (42.3 / 38.9 / 38.2 in) | (38.3 / 37.9 / 37.4 in) |
An opulent interior greets you when you step inside the lavish Escalade and find available amenities like:
- Semi-aniline leather seating
- Heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats
- Panoramic sliding glass roof with power shade
- Console refrigerator with freezer mode
- Renaissance Red interior with Jet Black accents
The Lincoln Navigator comes standard with the following cabin comforts and conveniences:
- Ambient lighting
- Tri-zone electronic automatic temperature control
- Heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Heated and ventilated leather seats

Comparing Technology Features
The technology-forward option in this Escalade vs. Navigator comparison is the Cadillac model, which offers next-level innovations and convenient cabin technologies like:
- 55-inch curved pillar-to-pillar dashboard display
- Available 36-speaker AKG® Studio Reference Surround Audio System
- Available Rear Seat Entertainment system with dual independent 12.6-inch displays
- Wireless phone charging
- Super Cruise™ hands-free driver assistance technology
The Navigator, on the other hand, offers the following interior technologies:
- 48-inch panoramic display
- Wireless charging pad
- 11.1-inch center touchscreen
- 28-speaker Revel audio system
- Lincoln BlueCruise

Escalade vs. Navigator Trims
As you're conducting your Cadillac research around the new SUV lineup, you can browse the full Escalade lineup with the following trims:
- Escalade Luxury
- Escalade Premium Luxury
- Escalade Sport
- Escalade Premium Luxury Platinum
- Escalade Sport Platinum
- Escalade V-Series
Similar trims are offered when browsing late-model used Escalade SUVs.
These six stellar trim levels of the new Cadillac Escalade compete against just four Lincoln Navigator trims:
- Navigator Reserve
- Navigator Reserve with Jet Appearance Package
- Lincoln Black Label Navigator
- Lincoln Black Label Navigator with Special Edition Package
What Reddit Users Say About Comparing the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator
Cadillac Escalade or Lincoln Navigator: Which full-size luxury SUV is better? You can look to online reviews from real owners of both vehicles for more insights to help determine which is the better fit for you. See what Reddit users are saying about the Cadillac Escalade vs. Lincoln Navigator:
"I had nightmare issues with my 19 navigator. Bad luck? but very bad customer service and help. sold at a great loss. Most beautiful vehicle though."
Read MoreFrequently Asked Questions
Does the Escalade or Navigator have more engine options?
The new Cadillac Escalade has more engine options than the Lincoln Navigator. The Escalade offers a choice of two V-8 engines, while the Navigator relies on a twin-turbo V-6. Choose from a 420-horsepower 6.2-liter V-8 found in most Escalade models or the 682-horsepower supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 under the hood of the high-performance Escalade V-Series.
Is the Escalade or the Navigator more fuel-efficient?
Based on 2025 and 2024 EPA-estimated gas mileage ratings, the Lincoln Navigator is slightly more fuel-efficient. The 2024 Navigator earns an EPA-estimated 16/22 MPG (City/Highway)3 rating, thanks to its smaller twin-turbo V-6. The 2025 Cadillac Escalade isn't far off, returning up to an EPA-estimated 15/19 MPG (City/Highway) 4 rating with RWD.
Which SUV has more trim options, the Escalade or the Navigator?
The new Cadillac Escalade has more trim options than the Lincoln Navigator. The Escalade offers six unique trim levels:
- Escalade Luxury
- Escalade Premium Luxury
- Escalade Sport
- Escalade Premium Luxury Platinum
- Escalade Sport Platinum
- Escalade V-Series
The new Lincoln Navigator only gives you four trim options:
- Navigator Reserve
- Navigator Reserve with Jet Appearance Package
- Lincoln Black Label Navigator
- Lincoln Black Label Navigator with Special Edition Package
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1Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the Trailering section of the Owner's Manual. The weight of passengers, cargo, and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can tow.
2When properly equipped. Max towing varies based on cargo, vehicle configuration, accessories, and number of passengers.
3EPA-estimated city/hwy mpg for the model indicated. See fueleconomy.gov for fuel economy of other engine/transmission combinations. Actual mileage will vary. On plug-in hybrid models and electric models, fuel economy is stated in MPGe. MPGe is the EPA equivalent measure of gasoline fuel efficiency for electric mode operation.
4Based on EPA city estimate 15 for 2WD and fuel tank capacity. Your range may be less. Based on EPA highway estimate 19 for 2WD and fuel tank capacity. Your range may be less.