When it comes to full-size luxury SUVs, two names stand out in the American automotive landscape: the Cadillac Escalade and the Lincoln Navigator. Today we’re going to compare the 2025 Cadillac Escalade vs 2025 Lincoln Navigator. These flagship models have dominated the segment for years, offering high-end luxury, cutting-edge technology, and powerful performance. With the 2025 model year rolling out, we’re comparing the base models of both SUVs to see which one stands tall. While both vehicles have their strengths, the Cadillac Escalade continues to set the benchmark in the luxury SUV market. Let’s dive into the details.
Power and Performance
The 2025 Cadillac Escalade is powered by a 6.2L V8 engine, producing 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It also features Magnetic Ride Control and Air Ride Adaptive Suspension, which adapt to road conditions for an enhanced ride quality.
Meanwhile, the 2025 Lincoln Navigator houses a twin-turbocharged 3.5L V6 engine, generating 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. It outperforms the Escalade in acceleration, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.3 seconds, compared to the Escalade’s 5.9 seconds.
Winner: Lincoln Navigator – Although the Escalade’s V8 is menacing and sounds factastic, the Navigator’s faster acceleration and higher torque wins this category.
Keep in mind, the playing field is not even when it comes to power between Cadillac Escalade vs Lincoln Navigator. Cadillac offers the Escalade-V for folks who demand extra power and speed.
MSRP and Value
The base 2025 Cadillac Escalade starts at around $87,595, whereas the 2025 Lincoln Navigator begins at $99,995. While the Navigator has a higher starting price, it does offer a range of luxury features, but the Escalade provides better resale value, superior technology, and an overall more premium experience, making it the better value option.
Winner: Cadillac Escalade – A lower starting price and strong resale value make it a better long-term investment.
Technology and Infotainment
Cadillac steps up its game with a 55-inch total diagonal LED display, delivering high-definition visuals for the digital gauge cluster and infotainment system. The Escalade also includes Super Cruise, the most advanced hands-free driving system available, allowing for semi-autonomous driving on compatible highways.
Lincoln’s 48-inch panoramic display stretches across the dashboard, providing a seamless digital experience. The Lincoln Digital Experience offers a reimagined infotainment interface, and the Navigator features BlueCruise, an advanced hands-free driving system with lane-change assist and in-lane repositioning.
Winner: Cadillac Escalade – The massive OLED screen and Super Cruise make it the clear leader in technology.
Interior and Comfort
Both SUVs offer a first-class interior, the Escalade edges out with more premium materials, better overall design, and a more refined feel. Cadillac offers semi-aniline leather, real wood trim, and a whisper-quiet cabin thanks to active noise cancellation.
The Navigator introduces Lincoln Rejuvenate, a multi-sensory in-cabin experience that adjusts seat positions, initiates massage functions, modulates climate settings, and emits subtle fragrances, creating a spa-like atmosphere for occupants.
Winner: Tie – Both SUVs offer high end luxury. While Lincoln’s Rejuvenate provides a unique comfort experience, Cadillac’s more premium interior feel and aesthetics evens the playing field, thus ending this one in a tie for us.
Style and Exterior Design
The 2025 Escalade keeps its bold, chiseled look, with a massive grille, striking vertical LED lighting, and an illuminated Cadillac crest logo. It also debuts 24-inch wheels, the largest ever on an Escalade, giving it an even stronger road presence.
The Lincoln Navigator opts for a sleeker, more elegant design with an illuminated grille light bar, new front and rear fascias, and full-width LED taillights. While stylish, it doesn’t have the same head-turning appeal as the Escalade.
Winner: Cadillac Escalade – The imposing design is iconic and unmatched.
Safety and Driver Assistance
Both SUVs come loaded with safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. However, Lincoln BlueCruise 1.2 offers advanced driver assistance with lane-change assist and repositioning capabilities, making it more refined than Cadillac’s Super Cruise.
Winner: Lincoln Navigator – The latest version of BlueCruise provides superior driver assistance.
Fuel Economy (MPG)
The Lincoln Navigator, with its turbocharged V6, achieves 16 MPG city / 22 MPG highway.
The Cadillac Escalade’s V8 gets 15 MPG city / 20 MPG highway, but the available Duramax diesel improves efficiency significantly, making it a great option for fuel-conscious buyers.
Winner: Lincoln Navigator – Slightly better fuel economy, but Cadillac offers an optional diesel engine for improved efficiency.
Cadillac Escalade vs Lincoln Navigator – Final Verdict: A Close Battle
Out of the seven categories, the Escalade and Navigator each win three categories, with Interior and Comfort being a tie. This proves that the competition is closer than expected.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Power and Performance | Lincoln Navigator |
| MSRP and Value | Cadillac Escalade |
| Technology and Infotainment | Cadillac Escalade |
| Interior and Comfort | Tie |
| Style and Exterior Design | Cadillac Escalade |
| Safety and Driver Assistance | Lincoln Navigator |
| Fuel Economy (MPG) | Lincoln Navigator |
Who Should Buy What?
- If you prioritize performance, safety features, and fuel efficiency, the Navigator is the better option.
- If you prefer value, cutting-edge technology, and bold styling, the Escalade remains the superior choice.
While the Navigator excels in power, safety, and efficiency, the Escalade remains the preferred option for buyers who value bold design, advanced tech, and resale value. Of course if you wants SERIOUS power, then you can step up to the Escalade-V with it’s Supercharged V8 sprintig to 60mph in a staggering 4.3 seconds and wraps up the 1/4 mile in the 12’s.
Cadillac Escalade vs Lincoln Navigator Upgraded Models and Trims: What Do They Offer?
For those seeking more luxury, performance, and technology, both brands offer high-end trims:
2025 Cadillac Escalade Trims
- Luxury – The base model with premium materials, advanced tech, and a powerful V8 engine.
- Premium Luxury – Adds more high-end finishes, enhanced driver-assistance features, and additional comfort options.
- Sport – Focuses on a more aggressive, performance-inspired design with unique exterior elements.
- Premium Luxury Platinum – Features top-tier materials, massaging seats, and an ultra-premium interior experience.
- Sport Platinum – Combines the sportier exterior design with platinum-level interior luxury.
- Cadillac Escalade-V – A supercharged 6.2L V8 with 682 horsepower, making it the most powerful Escalade ever.
- Cadillac Escalade ESV – Extended-wheelbase version, adding more cargo space and passenger room.
- Cadillac Escalade IQ – An all-electric Escalade with advanced technology, delivering a futuristic luxury experience with an estimated 450-mile range.
2025 Lincoln Navigator Trims
- Reserve – The base model, equipped with premium interior finishes and standard tech features.
- Reserve L – The extended-wheelbase version of the Reserve trim, offering additional cargo and passenger space.
- Jet Appearance Package – Adds a more aggressive, sportier look with unique styling elements.
- Jet Appearance Package L – A combination of the Jet Appearance Package with the extended-wheelbase configuration.
- Lincoln Navigator Black Label – The top-tier trim offering exclusive interior themes, concierge services, and premium materials.
- Black Label L – The extended version of the Black Label trim, providing additional luxury and cargo capacity.
Each of these trims offers unique features, allowing buyers to select a model that best suits their luxury, performance, and technology needs.
If you’re debating between the Cadillac Escalade vs Lincoln Navigator, keep in mind, although the Navigator offers higher trims, like the Black Label, none make more power. Unlike the Cadillac Escalade, which it’s V-Series has an increase in power for those looking for a sportier SUV while still in the luxury market. Also, some categories like MPG was extremely close, as was the interior. Despite the fact that it ended in a tie, we prefer the Escalade. Call us bias; but the looks, value, and the fact that you can option it with a Supercharged V8 takes the crown for us.
Wrapping Up The Escalade vs Navigator Battle
The 2025 Cadillac Escalade remains an iconic luxury SUV, excelling in value, technology, and styling. However, the 2025 Lincoln Navigator proves to be a formidable competitor, winning in performance (in base trim), safety, and fuel economy.
The ultimate decision comes down to individual priorities:
- Choose the Escalade if you want bold design, cutting-edge tech, and strong resale value.
- Choose the Navigator if you prefer stronger performance, advanced safety features, and slightly better efficiency.
Both SUVs represent the pinnacle of American luxury, making either a strong contender for buyers in this segment. So which are you choosing?
Build your Lincoln Navigator HERE on Lincoln’s official site.
Build your Cadillac Escalade HERE on Cadillac’s official site.
PERFORMANCE SPECS & Data
2025 Cadillac
Escalade
Starting Price
$87,595
MPG
15 MPG city / 20 MPG highway
Horsepower
420
LB.-FT. Torque
460
Drivetrain
AWD
0-60 mph
5.9 sec.
1/4 Mile
14.5 @ 97mph
Top Speed
120mph
Curb Weight
5,800-6,000 lb
Dimensions
212″ L x 81″ W x 76.5″ H
2025 Lincoln
Navigator
Starting Price
$99,995
MPG
16 MPG city / 22 MPG highway
Horsepower
440
LB.-FT. Torque
510
Drivetrain
AWD
0-60 mph
5.5 sec.
1/4 Mile
13.9 @ 100mph
Top Speed
124mph
Curb Weight
5,900-6,050 lbs
Dimensions
210″ L x 95″ W x 78″ H
