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Two of the biggest names in the large luxury SUV vehicle segment for the American market are the 2022 Lincoln Navigator and the 2022 Cadillac Escalade. MSRPs for both vehicles range between $76,000 and $111,000, with some features costing extra. With the pricing being so similar, it’s down to the features to differentiate the SUVs. Of course, there are several reasons to pick one or the other.

Nevertheless, if you’re looking for reasons to pick the Lincoln Navigator over the Escalade, we’ve listed three in the write-up below.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator and 2022 Cadillac Escalade’s basic features and specs

A 2022 Lincoln Navigator in balck parked indoors on wooden ceramic looking floors.
Lincoln Navigator | Getty Images

Starting with the Lincoln Navigator, it has a 3.5L V6 engine as the standard option outputting 440 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque, according to U.S. News. This engine is coupled with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Also, whether you get the rear-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive variant depends on your needs and budget.

Comparatively, the Cadillac Escalade features a 6.2L V8 across all trims, with the horsepower and torque performance peaking at 420 hp and 460 lb-ft. Like the Navigator, you get a 10-speed automatic with a choice between four-wheel-drive and rear-wheel-drive variants. Also, as large luxury SUVs, both vehicles have three rows of seats.

So why pick the Navigator?

The Navigator’s infotainment system is well thought through

Design-wise, the Cadillac Escalade‘s infotainment system looks slightly more impressive than the Navigator’s. After all, it comes with a 16.9-inch screen that’s part of a much larger 38-inch display incorporating additional elements like the control panel and cluster display. On the other hand, Lincoln’s infotainment system consists of a 13.2-inch screen in the middle of the dashboard.

While mobile app connectivity for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay is standard, Consumer Reports notes that they’re not adapted to the Escalade’s screen. This makes them look visually inconsistent. Furthermore, lists tend to appear at an odd angle thanks to the curved display. Finally, considering that all three displays on the 38-inch screen work together, it can be complicated to use.

You get better predicted reliability with the Navigator

Consumer reports also provide a predicted reliability rating on vehicles based on their history and the manufacturer’s track record. In the case of the Navigator, the reviewer ranked the Lincoln SUV’s reliability at the top of the large luxury SUV segment next to the BMW X7.

In comparison, the Cadillac Escalade was closer to the bottom of the pack. That said, it did post a better predicted reliability rating than the Mercedes Benz GLS, Land Rover Range Rover, and the Buick Enclave. One of the reasons for the Escalade’s dismal rating was that the 2021 model year version of the SUV was subject to seven recalls. The problem areas listed by Consumer Reports include the fuel system, steering, and driveshaft failure.

The Lincoln Navigator posted a better predicted user satisfaction rating

User satisfaction is also likely higher with the Navigator SUV than its counterpart. In fact, according to Consumer Reports, most users should be satisfied with the driving experience, which consists of acceleration and handling. Additionally, the vehicle is comfortable, with styling being something that most buyers like.

The primary reason for dissatisfaction among previous buyers is the value for money. Nevertheless, most owners surveyed by the independent reviewer admitted they wouldn’t have any qualms about buying the vehicle a second time.

With the Cadillac Escalade, no data shows whether the driving experience, styling, comfort, and value for money were up to previous buyers’ standards. However, over half of the owners seem to have an overall positive view of the vehicle. The Escalade may not have the worst predicted satisfaction rating, but it still plays second fiddle to the Navigator.

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