2018 Lincoln Navigator vs. 2018 Cadillac Escalade: Faceoff Comparison

In this in-depth comparison, we're putting the ALL-NEW 2018 Lincoln Navigator Reserve vs. the 2018 Cadillac Escalade Platinum, its biggest rival. These two nearly-$100,000 luxury tanks are shown in their fully loaded trims (Reserve and Platinum), but most of the information will also apply to the lower trim levels. We will look at many categories like interior comfort and features, exterior features and design, interior ergonomics, technology (infotainment), third rows, rear seat comfort, tow ratings, safety ratings, powertrain info and much more.
So come join us as we sample these two automotive delicacies and see which one is the best "value" for $100,000!
If you'd like to watch one of our very detailed Full Review videos on either the 2018 Navigator or Escalade, follow the links provided below:
2018 Lincoln Navigator Full Review:
• 2018 Lincoln Navigator...
2018 Cadillac Escalade Full Review:
• 2018 Cadillac Escalade...
*Please subscribe to Car Confections for more Faceoff Comparisons our our signature Full Reviews!
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© Car Confections 2018. All rights reserved.
"Sampling the Latest Automotive Delicacies!"

[@CarConfections]

Many of you have asked and now it's finally here: a Faceoff comparison between the all-new Navigator and best-selling Escalade!! Let us know what you think of these two uber-luxury SUV's and which one is your favorite! If you haven't already, be sure to like and subscribe for more video content!

[@apr859]

escelade needs a new update for 2019 or 2020 with some features of the navigator

[@teeduke2918]

yeah like with the infotainment system. in the navigator you could actually watch live TV. damn that's awesome. i wonder how though? if you are on the road how could you watch live TV? other than that i am taking the Escalade all day.

[@bobreighnheart5071]

Tee duke, you watch live tv through a love streaming o the wifi hot spot, you can due the same thing in the escalade, as well as take your, fire stick with you if you have one and watch your favorite shows on that as well. Thing they don't mention is the fact that the newer versions of the Cue system, that sync doesn't do, if you have the car on the data plan, the navigation will keep updating you road maps when new versions are published, instead of buying a disk on line and having to go to a dealer to get a code, for $350.

[@teeduke2918]

oh ok. in this video he says the Escalade (18:44) can't do it.

[@bobreighnheart5071]

It can if you have it on a 4g LGT data plan.

[@Mrrlamb1]

Great unbiased comparison... Cadillac is WAY overdue for a full refresh.

[@CarConfections]

Thanks!

[@robertyeah7280]

I have owned both a Lincoln Cont. and a Cadillac CTS so I'm a fan of both brands. When the FIRST Lincoln Nav. came out it was nasty(very good). Cadillac had NOTHING to compete. However, I knew Cadillac would come out with a version that would smoke the Nav., and they did. In my opinion, the Cad. Esc. have ruled every since. But I'm always a fan of the under dog so I was hoping Lincoln Nav. would make a come back at some point. The 2018 Lincoln Nav. did just that. An extremely nasty ride. The Cadillac Esc. is NOTHING to play with, and in traditional Cadillac style, I know they won't take this lying down. But for 2018, the award goes to Lincoln Nav. hands down.

[@justinbrown2570]

robert yeah Well said. Agreed!

[@UProductions457]

Yes but GM will most likely update some cars next year cuz of the 7th gen Camaro

[@cooperlawrence4885]

Yeah the next gen esc comes out in 2020

[@smarticus6384]

Let’s not forget that the Navigator should receive another 50 points for an all aluminum body. Free of body rust for the life of the vehicle could be a factor depending where you live. This may not mean much in California but corrosion is a huge factor for the northeast and Midwest.

[@uponthischain]

Smarticus Living in Minnesota, I can confirm the importance of this feature.

[@hellkitty1014]

Aluminum will not rust, but it will corrode. Also the Navigator remains very heavy(L models are still over 6000 pounds loaded) despite switch to aluminum.

[@smarticus6384]

Very true. Much of the weight was reinvested into what appears to be an over designed frame. Aluminum does corrode but it should never be compared to how steel rusts. When Aluminum is exposed over time to atmospheric O2 the resulting aluminum oxide actually provides a thin hard layer that actually protects the metal from further corrosion. Again it should never be compared to how steel rusts away. When paying this much money for a vehicle I think its important that it lasts over time. Junk yards across America is filled with examples of what rust does.

[@yessevenedge6850]

This a very smart and useful point that u highlighted

[@undergod1987]

now first off i will say i am a ford guy so keep that in mind.. BUT dent removal and body repairs for the aluminum is VERY pricey compared to steel. and really when you compare weight your not really getting much except for towing. But keep in mind i am not hating on the Lincoln i just want to point that out.

[@swalling22]

I've always been in love with the Escalade, but damn that Navigator interior is beautiful 😍😍 I like the exterior of the Caddy a little more, but the interior of the navi a lot more

[@esther2010]

Lincoln interior was much better, just Cadillac Escalade number one selling SUV, this is answer.

[@guacgirl]

Navigator!!!! No contest, Cadillac needs to go home! Cadillac looks like #teambasic

[@loverboy]

Great video I think I'm going to buy the navigator I have a family of 7 it would fit us exactly right

[@CarConfections]

Thanks!

[@issac9930]

The front looks better on the navigator, the back looks better on the escalade

[@kryogenicmx591]

nope, the lincoln destroys the cadillac in looks in every way

[@wade3312]

Damn right! I test drove the new Nav a few weeks ago and it is glorious! I just can't drop that amount of money on one but I loved it! The winner here was clear. Lincoln really did it right.

[@teeduke2918]

can you really watch live TV while on the road like you are in ur living room?

[@RAY-THE-WAY]

Wade Dowden exactly

[@Orginal_Sinner]

I can get you a discount

[@teeduke2918]

on what?

[@gregparker237]

Deez nuts

[@derrickjohnson3094]

Give me the Cadillac Escalade any day, it's just something about the front and back bumper makes you look like a boss.

[@christopheradams5607]

Now.... I was not a truck guy until 4 years ago: I fell I love with the Toyota Highlander and infinity so with the Mercedes G550 AMG (I spent 15mins in that truck) But wow, I saw a long wheelbase 2018 Navigator in black and it was epic.!!!

[@3rdkoast4life]

Ive owned every single navi except this 2018. I must have it 😍

[@cadillacdevile]

I am happy for the navigator fans, it took Lincoln since 2008 to get this right. Although they are similar in size and being domestic, they both talk to two totally different audiences. They both are pretty awesome.

[@twinkieerella]

Navigator 🔥 *_Simple, but complex_*

[@MDinhh]

I love Escalades but the interior is definitely subpar. Even before the navigator was released, I knew the Escalade’s interior wasn’t up to expectations. If I had to choose between the 2, I’d wait for the next gen Escalade.

[@bigmack8307]

Yeah, it’s a shame because the Escalade is probably the coolest looking suv of this era, but Cadillac has really been slacking in every other department in recent years

[@Golden2001Universe]

Black label with the destination theme👌👌👌

[@DJvincedavinci]

Love the side by side comparisons, keep it up

[@CarConfections]

Thanks!

[@kobayashiharuno]

I'm an Asian and i always love this 2 SUVs, but if my family decided to move in USA i want to recommend them the Navigator.

[@timberlinecline3667]

The escalade is the most unreliable full size SUV in its class

[@Dfgzx12xyw]

I stop watching as soon as I see the price of 81k 😂😂😂

[@BabyFaceDon]

tvhavan guess I’ll go watch a Tahoe video 😂

[@AzenBerries]

I'm sure they'll depreciate

[@ItsJustWavy]

That's it I'm getting the Nav, now where did I put those 90k?

[@stevenjohnson4207]

Lincoln has displayed just how evolutionary American luxury has become. Cadillac has that retro design that will continue to turn heads.

[@TRobertsIII]

All hail the new king of luxury SUVs!

[@tremec6]

When this Navigator out of warranty, the consumer really gets screwed. It's Just like the rest of the Fords. Body off or cab off for simple repairs.

[@shrikramalei9091]

I had never been satisfied with only one kind of vehicle, I used to own up to 18 vehicles, sport cars, SUV, limos, even an RV, so, I would buy both the Escalade, and the Navigator, I like both !

[@ChizAfterHours]

Great video. I love Lincoln's current interiors. After detailing a few new caddys the materials and build don't hold up over time which is a shame because they start off amazing.

[@zachthornton2806]

I wish i could upload pics of my cadalic 2 warn others because unfortunately this is true & with payments every month just to actually wanna get out of it asap before price falls any more lol or something breaks cuz we all get fucked real long & hard at the dealership especially when its free thats how they get fingers n first

[@ChizAfterHours]

Zach Thornton one of my clients has a 2016 CT6, the arm rest is already worn and several buttons have wear. The touch controls on the center stack wear really fast. I started working at a Cadillac dealer recently and even the new cars, mainly demos, but 2018 Escalades and such have worn screens and touch sensors and all. I have a client with a older mkz and that has held up better.

[@Zachman676]

I'm glad to see Lincoln is once again building desirable cars. The Navigator is lightyears ahead of the Escalade not to mention the interior of the Navigator is beautiful.

[@marcial7044]

Some people would always stick to the Escalade just bc of the name

[@ninersforlife7682]

Navigator all day. Why would anyone pay almost $100,000 for basically a five year old SUV with 5 year old technology? 😄😄

[@uponthischain]

Fordsuperduty76 Considering your username, I’m pretty sure there’s a slight bias here. (I do think that the Nav is the better vehicle though)

[@ninersforlife7682]

- AvgGuy - lol yes I like Ford but does not mean I like every Ford and every Lincoln. I would not pay $70,000 for 2017 Lincoln Navigator with 5 year old Tech. 😀

[@ericmartin894]

I'm checking out your name And can't help but already assume that you are a Ford Fan from the get go.

[@ninersforlife7682]

Eric Martin lol yes iam. But I also own a Cadillac so go figure that out 😀😀

[@camaro_kyle6851]

Fordsuperduty76 but it depends on the model and year though

[@jessefehr6286]

The Escalade doesn’t require premium fuel

[@SlimDON1182]

Overall nice review, accept you fail mention that you was using the standard wheelbase 2018 Escalade cargo dimensions instead of the Escalade ESV. The ESV cargo sizes are, 39 cu.ft behind 3rd row, 77ft behind 2nd row and 121 with all rows down. So you do get a increase in cargo capacity when you get the longer wheelbase Escalade ESV. Also the all new 2021 Cadillac Escalade is coming very soon, it interior design look likes it will give the Navigator interior a run for its money. I am guessing you will do a review on that when that new model Cadillac when it come out next year.

[@rhydynamic8306]

People Buy The Lincoln Because.... They want a luxurious roomy SUV, for a bit less money than an Escalade. So that’s a wise choice. Also because of the awesome 30 WAY Seats. People Buy The Escalade, because that what drug dealers drive in the 90’s with 30”s on it. And celebrity people use it too. Because it’s Cadillac. But the Escalade is luxurious too.

[@insanity4146]

Escalade looks so much nicer

[@isthisausername4020]

Insanity ikr I love the taillights

[@TJC450]

If anything the new Navigator has caddy on their toes. Hopefully a refreshed escalade will come soon or a new model. GM doesn’t historically change their full size suvs in between life cycles.

[@MetalMan73100]

I have a feeling that the real comparison will happen when Cadillac will update the Escalade. The Lincoln has an obvious advantage in being a much more recent design, inevitably forcing Cadillac to react sooner rather than later. Personally, I prefer the Lincoln, both in terms of interior and exterior. The front grill looks big but classy, while the Escalade grill is undeniably ugly in my opinion.

[@eliXerxes]

Simply put, Escalade in my opinion is the best looking big awesome SUV any day and as soon as i have the cash i'm getting a Navigator.

[@xReLentLess213]

That rear of the escalade is atrocious, those 10 foot vertical lights are not pleasing to look at. The clear winner is the NAV

[@melvinpillay577]

Test drove both, really amazing vehicles but after much consideration, I'm going with the Escalade.

[@powerofpinesol8002]

Melvin Pillay i wouldn’t expect less

[@lorareid3041]

Eat more chicken nuggets man.

[@coureurdebois]

they seem about equal in terms of materials and build quality, but the Escalade is getting dated and its already based off of a lightly edited chassis from before 2008

[@user-gq2yv2bs8g]

Justin Bouche I agree, they have pumped so much in it in the beginning that it has no rooms for improvements

[@camaro_kyle6851]

Justin Bouche i think the next gen escalade will get the ct6 interior

[@Shelby-Ecoboost-Raptor-550hp]

Good Old Justin is back from the dead

[@coureurdebois]

Escape for Mankind is Keith Johnson no inglish no understand

[@amtrakatl]

Yeah but, the Lincoln has a completely rust free body. That means a lot for the people up north. It will most likely last longer.

[@No_timezone77]

NAVIGATOR ANY DAY!

[@skpenergy]

Aaron Glisson hahahahahahahahahaha

[@cperlera]

Says the guy who can’t effort it.

[@cperlera]

Tiger Man ooh give me a break you “L” Here “S” And I bet you can’t afford either trigger! lol

[@Blckreaperx]

Ewww how can y'all like the navigator ?? Just look at the aesthetics compared to the sexy Cadillac

[@dionnmatthews2954]

naaa escalade

[@Forge17]

The Escalade is sexier but it’s seats aren’t comfortable at all, which is totally unacceptable for a 90k SUV. Typical GM Truck headrests too, literally almost hard as a rock. The Navigator definitely takes the cake for being the most luxurious in the literal sense.

[@David-n5q2v]

Undoubtably, the Navigator is a way better choice.

[@Mokarney]

I've owned by Escalade for almost 2 years now (2016 Platinum ESV). While the Navigator has more flash and wow factor, the Caddy wins over time. I had the Navigator for a week and I simply couldn't see myself going from Caddy to the Navigator.

[@KhrissyDaDon]

One of the Sun/Moon roof was squealing, not in a 90k+ SUV! And I’m pretty sure it was the Escalade that did it.

[@CarConfections]

Yes, it was the Escalade's. Not sure what was wrong with it, but it sure didn't sound luxurious!

[@giofromtexas2679]

That Lincoln keyfob is nice and I love how vigorous the twin-turbo Lincoln motor sounds at startup! ... I'm sold I'll take the Lincoln 🤩🤩

[@BinSulaiti03]

Lance Rogers you like how a v6 sounds ? But don’t like how a v8 sounds like

[@giofromtexas2679]

THE UNKNOWN02 I love how the V8 sounds but I prefer the Navigator 😎

[@BinSulaiti03]

Lance Rogers I like the power but definitely not the sound 🤮

[@giofromtexas2679]

THE UNKNOWN02 🤣🤣🤣

[@RammSnipe]

I agree with you. At startup you hear the turbos spool which is sexy. While driving you hear the turbos sucking in lots of air which again sounds amazing. With the V8 they sound great at startup also but then you have the drone to deal with.

[@francescosilvioweber2064]

I still like the escalade more, probably because of the 6.2 v8, and its better looking.

[@andreo.e5806]

Thank U so much for posting this! i I love you! ❤️

[@CarConfections]

You're welcome! Glad you liked it!

[@andrewl3847]

I prefer the Lincoln

[@tgenesis8784]

I wouldn't buy the Navigator because every time I see the rear end I gag a little.

[@534N69]

Thilges1990 at least chevy guys have dicks 😂

[@jacobhurtado1046]

I was thinking the same thing. The Escalades rear is so much nicer to look at lol

[@hondafb6]

Just subscribed! Very professional and informative comparison.

[@CarConfections]

Thanks! Glad to hear that!

[@johnyi1994]

Great comparison! Will you expect to do a 2019 RDX review this summer? Can’t wait! Keep up the excellent work guys!

[@CarConfections]

Thanks! And we will definitely be reviewing the new RDX as soon as one arrives (hopefully in the next couple months)!

[@yatubekid]

Great review. Thank you.

[@st8of1der]

Car Confections is a totally sweet channel😋

[@justSTUMBLEDupon]

Good comparison!

[@MT-zy7oe]

I used to be an Escalade Fan, still am...but if I were to lease one, I'd definitly go with the Navigator because Lincoln really did a number on this one.

[@MRES3]

Awesome comparison

[@CarConfections]

Thanks!

[@prodcrashinrentals]

the detroit type beat at 15:11 got me rollin😂😂😂😂😂

[@popwarhomie]

I’m a Ford guy but this is tough. I HATE the “tablet” touch screens though. Why make them look out of place and sticking up like that??? I think I would take the Escalade honestly.

[@grandizer4531]

If you factor in dependability and resale value, Escalade all day long.

[@redd7188]

www.consumerreports.org/car-reliability/10-least-reliable-cars/

[@lorareid3041]

Where did you get that at?

[@AFCompany]

I’d would definitely get the Navigator over the Escalade. The Navigator is much more luxurious. But if I’m spending $90k I would be buying a Range Rover not a Cadillac or Lincoln.

[@jrcook333]

I’m an Escalade person, but i’m going to have to go with the Navigator on this one because the interior is 100/100, but the exterior of the escalade is SOOOO american❤️❤️

[@hkm_865]

I’ll have the Escalade with the navigator interior please

[@charliemontero5217]

I saw the comparison reviews of the 4 SUV`s very good

[@jeff3220]

Today is the saddest day of my entire life. I have to admit that Caddy is less usable than the Lincoln.

[@richardbetz5531]

I’ve always been more of an Escalade person and that continues here. Not as keen on the new Navigator body. The second generation Navigators looked the best in my opinion.

[@isthisausername4020]

Richie Betz I agree this Navigator looks pretty Ugly I preferred the older versions

[@Legendkiller-vk7ji]

I like the escalade better and it also has sentimental value because it was my first car i bought without the help of my parents

[@alexarnold6773]

The Escalade is a low compression low revving pushrod v8. Why on earth would you need premium fuel for that?

[@redd7188]

The ugly truth is the Expedition Platinum and Escalade would have been a better comparison because the new Navigator is in a league of it's own.

[@user-gq2yv2bs8g]

Great review, the Lincoln has finally came back and won over the escalade

[@skillz1855]

How are those top of the line models on each with those base wheels... Try again on a ( used ) car lot

[@Lololol24LA]

Wow, even without the Black Label it still won by a huge margin

[@Jlukie42]

Hands down the navigator is better and way more spacious than the Cadillac

[@junaki3430]

I can't wait for the redesigned Escalade...then we can do a comparison. LOL

[@phillipnave2166]

Notice how the middle of the line Navigator still beats the TOP line escalade...

[@mybro727]

Phillip Nave Lol. Not at all. This mid trim Navigator _is_ basically the best the Navigator has to offer. It’s fully loaded and optioned out as a comparably equipped TOP of the line Black Label except it’s missing a theme and concierge BL package. It pretty much has all the features the top trim Black Label has with upgrades that increased the price of this Reserve to exceed $90,000 and it still struggled to beat out a 6-year old Escalade.

[@NA-ck6cz]

Navigator is the better vehicle. Still take the Escalade though.

[@mybro727]

Nick Angelos correction: Navigator is the *newer* vehicle. You can’t truly compare a 6 year old vehicle to a brand new vehicle.

[@x-wingerchannels]

I agree

[@x-wingerchannels]

I take the escalade to

[@ericmartin894]

Unfair comparison. The next Gen Escalade will be just around the corner. You are comparing the current Escalade with the all new Navigator.

[@usbisf5l771]

Eric Martin exactly.. most people don't get that tho

[@redd7188]

usbisf 5L we get it but let's just be honest and admitt that the Nav won this round. If the new Caddy is better then I will give the crown to Caddy.

[@ericmartin894]

Krimel Chandler maybe so,but the slade is right around the corner. Since the new GM trucks were introduced, the Cadillac will be back packing the new Dual Overhead Cam 32V-V8 with twin turbos.

[@redd7188]

Eric Martin you do realize that the new Sierra and Silverado have the same interior as the previous generation right? Also why are you bringing up a twin turbo v8? If it was being placed in a Camaro then fine but we are talking luxury here. Who buys a huge luxury suv to go fast?

[@kkatlvolvo]

Eric Martin come on Eric. This is a current review of products being sold today. You won’t see the GM products Until end is next year. What’s he supposed to do, not earn a living. People are buying these vehicles today. You can wait and then wait another 12 months for a Lincoln refresh and then wait another.....

[@dylanw890]

Lincoln absolutely nailed it with this new Navigator. I honestly think they dethroned the Cadillac in my opinion.

[@reginaldbrewster405]

Naturally Aspirated wins

[@redd7188]

why?

[@piyush6089]

redd7188 last longer than Turbo charged engines

[@mikemartinez1885]

There's no substitute for cubic inches. The mammoth V-8 powered Cadillac ANY DAY!! ....its the gold standard..!!

[@alanlopez1495]

Personally the biggest point should be the room you get for your legs in the 3rd row seat. We traveled in a 2015 expedition and I was "lucky" to sit in the 3rd row and man, it makes a world of difference to have that room. I wouldn't even consider a GM SUV until I know they have improved in that. Now beyond the point, who would consider a Lincoln Continental if the 5.0 Coyote was an option on it, RWD of course.

[@sylviofleurant2053]

Navigator all day please.

[@D3thM3tal]

Too many inconsistencies across your reviews. Some of the time you only judge by wheel size options and leave out the looks at it is subjective, others you judge by looks. You did the same on the back end as well. I've seen you award points for more tq and more hp, but then later only give one point for both. Still, one of the best reviewers out there :)

[@CarConfections]

Thanks! We've been working to have a more consistent and specific grading system in recent comparisons

[@commandx2730]

Why didn’t you award points for the larger screen

[@t-roy2418]

I like them both to say the truth. Lincoln finally gave Cadillac a run for the money. They both do comfort very well. It depends on what you are looking for. To me I'd take the Caddy... Great video...

[@sxmi1259]

For me Navigator better

[@Biggiiful]

#Gamer Nation agreed. Not that I could afford either....but if I ciuld take 1 itd be the Navigator. Just based on outward looks alone. Its less trashy imo. Or...more classy I guess.

[@traderexcellence5811]

when the new escalade will come out?

[@CarConfections]

Most likely 2020 model year

[@traderexcellence5811]

Thanks. Than the Lincoln has 2 years to make some money.

[@guyfmcarolina968]

No one ever talks about longevity in vehicles. What's the point of having any vehicle if they don't last????

[@mitchellsanchez7377]

The escalades audio system controls in the center is a replica of all the other cadillacs. Ive seen it almost exactly the same in a 2012 cadillac cts-v

[@robertposton5188]

I like the Lincoln and awe the power of that V6 twin turbo it moves..

[@konepine2377]

whats song called your playing on bose

[@genosreviews252]

I like the lincoln.

[@johnettapowell3548]

Ceasat dog whisper

[@ronque23]

Don’t really have a dog in the fight as it’s not likely I’d buy one even if I could afford, but glad Lincoln is making a comeback and leveling the field.

[@2tooful]

The navigator has led front blinkers while the escalade has regular cheap blinkers lol 😂

[@Louthemailman]

I like the body style of the caddy better but the interior of the navi is nicer

[@konglee7284]

$100,000 BASICALLY... I'll just get a 4 door truck top model. It will help me out more in life. I hate pulling trailer with suv.

[@airborne_12v]

Navigator is just gorgeous we love our 2009

[@migd2122]

I rather take the Yukon Denali Ultimate any day over these two. A luxury vehicle without all the crazy tech that will give you problems in the long run. 👍🏼

[@stevenjohnson4207]

Why didn't you mention that the Cadillac has a plastic center cover on the rims?

[@CarConfections]

We actually didn't notice that until someone else pointed that out!

[@stevenjohnson4207]

@@CarConfections I made a mistake. I meant to say plastic cap.

[@nicocabrera7675]

That Navigator looks awesome