Lincoln Navigator vs. Cadillac Escalade: The Similarities, Differences, & Which One I Would Buy
Trying to decide between two of the ultimate luxury mom cars the market has to offer?
When it comes to luxury full-size SUVs, few names carry the reputation of the Lincoln Navigator and Cadillac Escalade. These two are icons in the SUV world, representing a blend of luxury, space, and family-friendly features that have earned them a spot on many families' "dream car" lists. However, while they might seem similar at first glance, the Navigator and Escalade cater to different needs when it comes to child safety features, seating options, and cargo space.
If you’re new here - welcome! I’m Kelly, the Car Mom and as a Child Passenger Safety Tech (CPST), mom of four, and overall car lover, it’s my goal to help you find the best car for your family. For anyone considering these high-end SUVs, here’s a comprehensive breakdown of how they stack up in every major category—from exterior design to trunk space—to help you decide which one is the better choice for your family.
These SUVs are absolutely stunning and to be honest – you can’t really go wrong. But there are a few minor differences!
Why Do Families Choose Luxury Full-Size SUVs?
Luxury full-size SUVs like the Lincoln Navigator and Cadillac Escalade have become popular choices for families who want more than just a car—they want an experience. While these SUVs come with a higher price tag, many people find them appealing.
While there are more affordable full-size SUVs (like the Ford Expedition I have and drive) that offer similar space, they often lack the high-end finishes and some of the advanced tech features found in luxury models.
The choice often comes down to personal preference and priorities. If you value top-tier comfort, cutting-edge technology, and a bit of prestige, then a luxury SUV might be worth considering.
However, if you're primarily focused on practicality and budget, there are a ton of other full-size SUV options available. To see a complete breakdown of all the top models, check out my post: Full-Size SUV Showdown: The List of Best SUVs for Families.
Lincoln Navigator vs. Cadillac Escalade: What I’m Comparing
Size
Price
Second row
Third row
Car seat hardware
Trunk space
Must-have family features
Standard or Extended Wheelbase?
While traditional full-size SUVs offer a TON of space on their own, both Cadillac and Lincoln offer extended wheelbase options.. That being said, the way the additional space is divided between each row is slightly different:
Navigator L: The extra space is primarily added into the trunk, so it’s ideal for families who need to haul a lot of gear.
Escalade ESV: Extends the length of the Escalade for more room in the third row and trunk, even if it’s just by a few inches.
If size is truly your biggest concern when choosing a full-size SUV, I HIGHLY recommend doing a thorough test drive of the traditional and extended wheelbase options of both models. I’m talking about bringing the sports gear, car seats, luggage – whatever you need to see if this extra space will work for your family.
Extended wheelbases (like my Ford Expedition Max) are great for large families like mine, but I’ll be honest, it feels significantly different than driving a smaller 3 row SUV.
Price
Both the Lincoln Navigator and Cadillac Escalade come with premium prices, as expected for luxury SUVs of this size, but sometimes these numbers even shock me.
Navigator: Prices range from $83,000 to $114,000.
Escalade: Prices range from $90,000 to $160,000.
For families balancing luxury with affordability, the Navigator might offer better value at entry-level trims. However, both models provide various trims that allow buyers to scale up luxury features based on personal preference and budget.
Second Row Seating
The second row is often a crucial factor for families when choosing a vehicle, and the Lincoln Navigator and Cadillac Escalade offer different setups that can impact your decision.
Lincoln Navigator:
Three individual seats in the second row. This design gives each passenger their own space, which is great for families who need to install multiple car seats.
Each seat has its own LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system, making it easy to secure car seats safely without compromising seating options.
Includes car seat-friendly tilt! This means you can tilt the second-row seats forward to access the third row without having to remove any installed car seats.
Cadillac Escalade:
The second row features a 60/40 split bench seat. While this setup can still accommodate two car seats using LATCH anchors in the outer positions, it doesn't offer the same flexibility as the Navigator's individual seats.
No car seat-friendly tilt. This means accessing the third row is difficult if car seats are installed. You might need to remove a seat or maneuver around it to reach the back.
In terms of LATCH anchors, there are two on the outboard seats of the second row, which is one less than offered in the Navigator.
Why These Features Matter
These differences in second-row seating are important because they affect how easily you can manage multiple car seats and access all seating areas. The Navigator's individual seats and tilt feature provide greater flexibility and convenience, making it an excellent choice for families who prioritize ease of use and safety when installing car seats.
On the other hand, while the Escalade offers a solid setup, it might not be as user-friendly for those needing to frequently adjust or access all rows with car seats installed.
Third Row Seating
When it comes to the third row, the Lincoln Navigator and Cadillac Escalade offer different features that can make a big difference for families, especially those needing to install car seats.
Lincoln Navigator:
The Navigator's third row includes two seats (with an option for a third in newer models), and both seats have lower anchors for car seats. Having these lower anchors makes car seat installation more flexible when you have multiple children in car seats.
The third-row seats come with non-removable headrests. While these headrests are important for passenger safety, they can make it tricky to fit some forward-facing car seats properly.
Cadillac Escalade:
The Escalade does not have lower anchors in any of its third-row seats. This is a downside if you plan to use all three rows for young children in car seats and need that additional LATCH flexibility.
The middle seat in the Escalade's third row lacks a headrest. This means it’s unusable for older children or adults who need head support for safety and comfort.
Why These Features Matter
These differences in third-row seating are crucial for families who need flexibility and safety when transporting children. The Navigator’s lower anchors make it a more versatile option if you need to install multiple car seats throughout the car, specifically when it comes to families like mine who have several young children. This feature ensures that even the back row can be used effectively and safely for young passengers.
In contrast, the lack of lower anchors and headrests in the Escalade’s third row can limit its practicality for families who frequently use all seating rows and really depend on LATCH over a seatbelt installation. For those who prioritize ease of use and comprehensive child safety features, these distinctions can be a deciding factor when choosing between these luxury SUVs.
Trunk Space
Both SUVs excel in providing ample trunk space:
Escalade ESV: Offers one of the largest cargo areas in its class. The extended version is ideal for families who frequently transport large items or need extra room for road trips.
Navigator L: Also provides significant trunk space but falls slightly short compared to the Escalade ESV’s extended capacity.
Honorable Mentions: Family-Friendly Features
Both the Lincoln Navigator and Cadillac Escalade come loaded with features that enhance comfort for families, though there are some differences worth noting.
One of the great features both SUVs offer is ceiling vents in the second and third rows. These vents are perfect for keeping everyone comfortable, ensuring that air circulates evenly throughout the cabin. This is especially important on long drives or hot days when you want to make sure everyone stays cool and happy.
However, neither SUV includes built-in sunshades for rear passengers, which is a bit surprising given their luxury status. Sunshades can be a big help in keeping the sun out of kids' eyes and reducing glare, so it's a notable omission considering the high price tags of these vehicles. Many families find this feature essential for comfort and convenience, especially when traveling with young children who might need to nap during a drive.
When it comes to ride quality, both the Navigator and Escalade are designed to deliver a quiet and smooth driving experience. This focus on comfort helps make long trips more enjoyable for everyone in the vehicle. However, the Escalade is often noted for being exceptionally quiet on highways, which can make it feel even more luxurious during those longer journeys. This might be an important consideration if you frequently drive on highways and value a serene cabin environment.
Lincoln Navigator vs. Cadillac Escalade: Which SUV is Right for Your Family?
If your family has older kids or you need less flexibility for your car seat setup (think 1-2 children in car seats), the Cadillac Escalade can be a solid choice. It offers a spacious interior with a comfortable ride, and its 60/40 split bench in the second row can accommodate two car seats using LATCH anchors in the outer positions. Additionally, the Escalade ESV provides one of the largest cargo areas in its class, making it perfect for those who prioritize maximum storage space and enjoy a quieter drive on highways.
However, if you have three or more young kids and really require that car seat setup flexibility, the Lincoln Navigator is the better option. Its second row features three individual seats with full LATCH support across all seats which is really helpful when creating a car seat setup that will grow with your family. The Navigator's car seat-friendly tilt feature is particularly useful for accessing the third row without having to remove car seats—a major convenience! In the third row, the Navigator provides lower anchors in both seats, making it easier to install car seats back here without using a seatbelt.
Ultimately, both SUVs offer luxurious experiences but cater to different family needs. If your main concern is accommodating multiple car seats and ensuring easy access to all rows, the Navigator is likely your best bet. But if you value extra cargo space and a quieter ride and don't need as much flexibility with car seat installations, the Escalade ESV could be just as great of a fit.
Which luxury full-size SUV would you choose? Let me know in the comments! And to keep up with all the latest information when it comes to cars for families, check out my recent posts:
