2025 Lincoln Navigator Vs. 2025 Cadillac Escalade Detailed Comparison
Luxury, style, and elegance are all in the eye of the beholder, but our Lincoln Navigator vs. Cadillac Escalade guide is here to put your gaze upon the advanced, superior three-row SUV. Where the Cadillac Escalade hopes to entrance drivers with a competent engine and a strong suite of standard features, the Lincoln Navigator takes the next step forward with a 440-horsepower engine, standard 4x4 functionality, and a breathtaking array of luxury hardware and software – including the in-cabin spa experience of Lincoln Rejuvenate – that doesn't just elevate your commute; it turns your garage into your local sanctuary.
We at Capital Lincoln of Wilmington are invested in providing our community with accurate specs and figures. Walk with us through a comparison between these models before you come in for a test drive.
2025 Lincoln Navigator vs. 2025 Cadillac Escalade Overview
We begin with an overview you may experience as you tour our inventory while shopping for a 2025 Lincoln Navigator for sale. From a distance, the Lincoln Navigator and Cadillac Escalade might seem in close, fierce competition. But, look under the surface, and you see the flaws of investing in the Cadillac SUV from the get-go.
Trim Levels & Configurations
The Cadillac Escalade prefers to hide its features behind a deluge of trims – like most luxury vehicles.
- Luxury
- Premium Luxury
- Premium Luxury Platinum
- Sport
- Sport Platinum
- V-Series
The Lincoln Navigator has two trim levels: the Reserve and the Lincoln Black Label. If you want all of the base features you'd expect in a high-quality SUV, like ventilated seats, you'll find it in the Reserve. Alternatively, the Lincoln Black Label adds themes to your drive, enhancing every mile with pristine lighting, scent, and accent options that turn your cabin into a home away from home.
Price
Because of the many trim levels, the Cadillac Escalade has an MSRP that ranges from slightly below the Navigator Reserve to much higher in the Escalade V or Luxury Platinum levels. Consistency is key with the Lincoln SUV – you won't have to flip through six levels and cost increases as you would with the Cadillac Escalade.
Packages
The Cadillac Escalade Luxury is a great example of the extra add-ons that await when you shop their SUV. The All-Weather Floor Liner, Performance Upgrade, Cargo Convenience, and Interior Protection packages are just the start of what you'll need to read through to find all the features and accents you're looking for. With the Lincoln Navigator, you won't have to dig through add-on packages and trims to find your optimal price point. The conveniences are almost all on the model outside of utility options like the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package.
Warranty
These two SUVs might have major differences in trim levels, but they do share a four-year/50,000-mile Limited Warranty.1 Your peace of mind will be preserved, no matter the level of luxury you select.
2025 Lincoln Navigator vs. 2025 Cadillac Escalade Specs
Lincoln Navigator
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Cadillac Escalade
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| Engine | 3.5L twin-turbo V-6 with Auto Start/Stop | 6.2L V-8 |
| Horsepower | 440 | 420 |
| Torque | 510 lb-ft | 460 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 10-speed auto | 10-speed auto |
| Drivetrain | 4x4 | RWD, available 4WD & AWD |
| 0-60 Time | 5.6 sec2 | 6.1 sec3 |
| Towing Capacity | 8,700 lbs4 | 8,100 lbs5 |
| Fuel Tank Size | 23 gal | 24 gal |
| Length | 210 - 221.9 in (Lincoln Navigator L) | 211.9 - 227 in (Cadillac Escalade ESV) |
| Width (w/ mirrors) | 80 in | 93.7 in |
| Height | 78 in | 76.4 - 76.7 in (Cadillac Escalade ESV) |
| Seats | Up to 8 | Up to 8 |
| Weight | 5,929 - 6,044 lbs (Lincoln Navigator L) | N / A |
| Max Cargo Space | 107 - 121.6 cu ft (Lincoln Navigator L) | 120.5 - 142.2 cu ft (Cadillac Escalade ESV) |
| Interior Features |
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| Exterior Features |
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| Factory Limited Warranty | 4 yr/50,000 mi1 | 4 yr/50,000 mi1 |
| 2025 Lincoln Navigator | Used Cadillac Escalade |
Engine
Pop open the hood and see the continued dedication to high-class quality that is standard with the Lincoln Navigator. A 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6 adapts to your acceleration thanks to 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. If you instead opt for any Cadillac Escalade except for the V-Series level, you'll instead get a 6.2-liter V-8 with 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. The Lincoln Navigator cleanly outpaces the competition.
Towing Capacity
The Lincoln SUV keeps up this advantage in towing capacity, scoring an 8,700-pound maximum4 to the Cadillac Escalade's 8,100 pounds.5 That extra 600 pounds of towing capacity, when properly equipped, gives you an edge while hauling fishing boats, travel trailers, and campers, reducing the chance you damage your luxury SUV while handling fairly large loads.
Fuel Economy
Unfortunately, the 2025 Lincoln Navigator has not been officially rated by the EPA as of writing. However, in 2024, the Lincoln SUV received an EPA-estimated 16/22/18 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).6 Since the 2025 model uses the same engine, it is likely that the 2025 Lincoln Navigator trounces the 15/19/17 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)7 rating the EPA gave to the Cadillac Escalade. That's right; even with standard 4WD, the Lincoln SUV is expected to be the more efficient option for your family.
2025 Lincoln Navigator vs. 2025 Cadillac Escalade Size
The Lincoln Navigator is designed with easy city driving in mind. As a result, it is smaller and more maneuverable than the Cadillac Escalade.
Dimensions
At up to 221.9 inches with the Lincoln Navigator L, the Lincoln SUV is perfect for exploring the city streets with comfortable width and height for the taller members of your family. The Cadillac Escalade is slightly larger, up to 227 inches, making it somewhat bulkier if you plan cruising through the city. The Lincoln Navigator can be more comfortable for second and third-row passengers, thanks to additional legroom.
Cargo Space
That extra size does give the Cadillac Escalade a slight advantage in maximum cargo space. However, with up to 121.6 cubic feet in your Lincoln Navigator L Reserve, you and a partner can easily carry everything you need for a weekend vacation – alongside the superior 8,700-pound towing capacity when properly equipped.
2025 Lincoln Navigator vs. 2025 Cadillac Escalade Interior
A firm dedication to quality is extended into the cabin of the Lincoln SUV. When you view the Lincoln Navigator interior in detail, you'll find dozens of unique, luxurious amenities that craft a castle-worthy experience – while the Cadillac Escalade offers convenience, the Lincoln Navigator offers the royal treatment.
Upholstery
Sit down in a Lincoln Navigator and look behind you. With standard leather seating for the first and second rows, as well as available leather seating for your third row, every inch of the standard Lincoln Navigator Reserve and Lincoln Black Label trim prides itself in enforcing a cozy, comfy cabin. The Cadillac Escalade begins with synthetic Inteluxe leather, meaning you'll have to read through upgrades to access anywhere near the same homey feel.
Technology
The Cadillac SUV is home to excellent amenities, like available ventilated seating, massage functionality, and second-row wireless phone charging. However, this is where the Lincoln Navigator vs. Cadillac Escalade comparison tips the most toward the Lincoln Navigator. With this SUV, you don't get massage functionality – you get Lincoln Rejuvenate, a standard spa on wheels with scents, sounds, and colors to meet your preferred ambiance. Ventilated seating is standard, letting you enjoy adjustable temperature control. When you lease a Lincoln Navigator, you'll see how the 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system revolutionizes what it means to drive in pristine condition.
2025 Lincoln Navigator vs. 2025 Cadillac Escalade Dependability
Safety
Whichever model you decide on, you'll be enveloped in a cabin highlighting exceptional safety. For example, the Cadillac Escalade comes with standard Super Cruise™ driver assistance technology, Enhanced Automatic Parking Assist, and the Safety Alert Seat, which uses vibrations to warn you about incoming obstacles. Climb trim levels for functionality like a Rear Camera Mirror with Washer, Night Vision, and a Head-Up Display.
The Lincoln SUV adds more base features to your driver assistance lineup, giving you immediate value. For example, Blind Spot Assist with Trailer Coverage comes standard on the Lincoln Navigator Reserve. You'll also find the necessities with your Lincoln model, such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Centering Assist, Predictive Speed Assist, Evasive Steering Assist, Lincoln BlueCruise, an advanced Lane Keeping System, and so much more. While the Cadillac Escalade does a fantastic job keeping you safe, the Lincoln Navigator again adds that extra layer of luxury right at the start.
Reliability
The 2025 Cadillac Escalade vs. 2025 Lincoln Navigator comparison ends at reliability, where both options come in to support your peace of mind at any stretch of the road. Alongside the driver assistance software that distances you from any obstacle, the Lincoln Navigator provides immediate connectivity to the Lincoln Way® App. This application gives you access to remote start/stop, remote unlock, recall notifications, service history reports, roadside assistance, scheduling service with your preferred Lincoln Retailer, and real-time assistance from a Lincoln Way® Client Experience Manager. You'll have the help you need with a tap of your phone, unlocking your vehicle, or getting accident recovery services with a tap. When you visit Capital Lincoln of Wilmington, we'll be happy to show you the benefits of these connected services, as well as walk you through all of the other advanced features the Lincoln Navigator uses to secure your investment on the go.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Lincoln Navigator vs. Cadillac Escalade Comparison
Which is better: the Lincoln Navigator or the Cadillac Escalade?
While both of these high-quality, luxury models offer incredible convenience and comfort features for any family, the Lincoln Navigator takes the extra steps needed to upgrade your drive. From Lincoln Rejuvenate cabin spa functionality to a smoother, more engaging driving experience, this three-row SUV raises the bar for premium vehicles. If you're unsure, take this SUV for a test drive at Capital Lincoln of Wilmington.
Which gets better fuel economy: the Lincoln Navigator or the Cadillac Escalade?
The EPA estimates that the 2025 Cadillac Escalade gets 15/19/17 MPG (City/Highway/Combined),7 a respectable number for a three-row SUV. In 2024, the Lincoln Navigator received an EPA-estimated 16/22/18 MPG (City/Highway/Combined),6 easily surpassing its rival with three additional MPG on the highway. While the 2025 MPG numbers have not yet been released, we expect them to be similar.
Which rides smoother: a Lincoln Navigator or a Cadillac Escalade?
The Lincoln Navigator offers a smoother experience than the Cadillac Escalade, thanks partly to the larger base model wheelbase. The 440 horsepower engine that produces 510 pound-feet of torque lets you accelerate more cleanly than the Cadillac Escalade base engine, which creates 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. Specialized suspension and chassis design soaks up road imperfections to keep your ride zen.
Which has more cargo and passenger space: a Lincoln Navigator or a Cadillac Escalade?
At 172.1 cubic feet of passenger capacity, the Lincoln Navigator offers a spacious and relaxing environment for people of all shapes and sizes. It has competitive legroom and headroom compared to the Escalade, and while the latter does offer some additional cargo space, the 107 cubic feet provided by the Lincoln Navigator – in concert with the exceptional standard features in the Reserve model – make any adventure memorable.
See Reviews On The Lincoln Navigator:
1Warranties listed on this web page shall not be solely relied upon. Warranties may be subject to specific terms, restrictions, exclusions, and fees. Additional warranty information may be obtained by visiting the official website of the warranty provider. Contact our dealership for complete details.
2Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For more details, please visit https://carbuzz.com/cars/lincoln/navigator/2025/
3Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For more details, please visit https://www.motortrend.com/cars/cadillac/escalade/
4When properly equipped. Max towing varies based on cargo, vehicle configuration, accessories, and number of passengers.
5Before 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.
6EPA-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.
7Based on EPA city estimate 15 for FWD and fuel tank capacity. Based on EPA highway estimate 19 for FWD and fuel tank capacity. Based on EPA combined estimate 17 for FWD and fuel tank capacity. Your range may be less.