The 2021 Cadillac Escalade starts its fifth generation and has undergone a thorough redesign. A new independent rear suspension, updated interior technology, attractive styling, and a new optional diesel-powered engine are part of its new generation. The 2021 Lincoln Navigator is also a top pick in its class, with comparable options. Let’s look at both.
Design
The Cadillac Escalade offers some impressive new changes for 2021. The longest and largest Escalade extends 8 inches and lowers its floor for an additional 10.1 inches of third-row legroom. Escalade delivers a maximum of 121 cubic feet of cargo room with its standard wheelbase configuration. Behind the third-row seats you will get 25.5 cubic feet of space and with the third row folded, down you will get 72.9 cubic feet of space. It seats up to eight people with the second-row bench seat and it drops down to seven with optional captain’s chairs. It has increased its cabin luxury in its materials, craftsmanship, and comfort. Leatherette seats with Linear Tiger Wood trim are standard, as well as ambient interior lighting, automatic heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, and 12-way power driver and front-passenger heated seats with lumbar function. You can choose from five distinct trims, with two choices of a Platinum trim: Luxury, Premium Luxury, Sport, Premium Luxury Platinum, and Sport Platinum.
The Navigator can seat seven or eight people in three rows, depending on the option for second-row captain’s chairs. All three rows are comfortable and supportive and adults can easily fit in any row. It comes standard with some luxury items, such as leather upholstery for the first two rows, heated and ventilated front seats, power-adjustable front seats, and heated second-row seats. The standard wheelbase has up to 20.9 cubic feet of space behind the third row. Folding down the second and third row it opens up to 103 cubic feet of space. The Navigator will get a total of 120.2 cubic feet of space with the long-wheelbase. The Navigator comes in three trims: base Navigator, Reserve, and Black Label.
Safety and Technology
There are plenty of driver-assistance features that come standard in all trims of the Escalade. The standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, HD surround vision, front pedestrian braking, rear pedestrian alert, and a safety alert seat. All trims also come standard with a three-curved OLED displaying a 7.2-inch digital control panel, a 14.2-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 15.9-inch touch screen infotainment system - all laying on top of one another to create almost 38-inches of combined digital housing. Standard is wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability and a AKG Studio 19-speaker sound system.
The Lincoln is standard with the SYNC 3 infotainment system that features a large 10-inch touch screen with sharp graphics, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, navigation, six USB ports, satellite radio, a 14-speaker stereo, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and wireless device charging. Safety features include pre-collision warning and braking system, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, automatic high-beam headlights, front and rear parking sensors, a rear-view camera, pedestrian detection, and lane keep assist.
Power, Fuel, Pricing
All Escalades come standard with a powerful 6.2-liter V8 engine that produces 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. A newly available Duramax 3.0-liter turbo-diesel inline six-cylinder engine is an option and a 10-speed automatic transmission is standard with both engines. The turbo-diesel is estimated at 277 horsepower with the same torque output of 460 pound-feet. It now rides on an all-new platform with an independent rear suspension to help provide a smoother ride. Four-wheel drive is available on all models. A Performance Package is available on higher trims and includes Electronic Limited -Slip Differential, Magnetic Ride Control and Trailering Integration package. You will get an estimated 15/20 mpg city/highway with the rear-wheel drive and 14/19 mpg city/highway with all-wheel drive. Starting price for the Luxury trim is $76,195 and ranges to a starting price of $99,995 for the Sport Platinum. The Escalade can tow between 7,400 and 8,200 pounds
The starting price for this luxury entry level Navigator is $77,000 and ranges to a starting price of $98,000 for the high-end Black Label. The Lincoln Navigator comes with only one engine and transmission combination - a turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 that makes 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque and is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It is responsive with enough power for quick acceleration and driving performance. Rear-wheel drive is standard and four-wheel drive is available. The Navigator can tow up to 8,700 pounds when properly equipped. It estimates 16/23 mpg in the city and on the highway.
Conclusion
The newly redesigned 2021 Cadillac Escalade and the 2021 Lincoln Navigator impress on most everything, with attractive cabins, loads of passenger and cargo space, as well as sharp technology and similar pricing. The Navigator delivers more power and towing capabilities with its only engine option, but the Cadillac’s new independent rear suspension helps provide a smoother ride.