Cadillac and Lincoln are brands that are synonymous with American luxury vehicles—both pull out all the stops year after year to live up to their storied reputation in the luxury car market. But how will their Escalade and Navigator fare for you? Let's compare the 2025 features so you know which SUV is better for your lifestyle.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- The 2025 Cadillac Escalade and 2025 Lincoln Navigator can set up to eight.
- The Escalade has six trims to the Navigator’s four.
- Both the Escalade and Navigator have seen changes and upgrades for the new year.
- Pricing starts at $101,990 and goes up to $121,485 for the Navigator; the Escalade’s trims range in price from $89,590 to $161,990.
Changes for the 2025 Cadillac Escalade and 2025 Lincoln Navigator from the Previous Year
Changes for the Escalade are minor but many, according to Motor Trend.
- The Escalade’s updated front-end received three available grille designs, with standard front crest illumination and illuminated grille surround
- Available 24-inch wheels
- A dash-length 55.0-inch digital display
- A gear shifter for the steering column
- Available Executive Second Row package
- New and available packages—a Renaissance Red interior theme with quilted leather seats, and open pore wood veneer; a Carbon-fiber theme (Escalade-V only); and a Jet Black and Sheer Gray interior theme with leather and gray-quilted seats,
- Colors Aegean Stone, Deep Sea Metallic, and Latte Metallic have been added
And for the 2025 Navigator the following changes have taken place:
- The Premiere trim level has been dropped—the Reserve trim is now the entry point to the lineup
- A dash-spanning panoramic screen
- Second-row seats now feature massage tools, while third row seats have seated cushions
- The Nav’s Black Label packages feature leather upholstery with laser-etched birch wood accents, and Espresso flooring,
- The Atmospheric package features leather-wrapped seats, a suede headliner, copper accents, ash wood appliques, and black flooring
- The addition of a split gate
What Are the Powertrain Options in the 2025 Escalade vs. 2025 Navigator?
The Escalade's former diesel powertrain was discontinued in ‘25. The SUV now features:
- A 6.2-liter V-8 generating 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque in nearly all trims;
- A supercharged V-8 that cranks out 682 ponies and 653 lb-ft of torque in the V-Series Escalade only.
Both engines are mated with a 10-speed automatic transmission, with the option of rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive (on the V6, all-wheel drive is standard). The Escalade's maximum towing capacity is 8,100 pounds. It gets 14/19 mpg city/highway across all trims except the V-Series—it gets 11/16 mpg.
The 2025 Navigator has only one engine option— a 440 horsepower twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 mated with an 10-speed automatic transmission. It gets 16 mpg/city and 22/mpg highway.
What Are the Technology Upgrades in the 2025 Cadillac Escalade vs. 2025 Lincoln Navigator?
The ‘24 Escalade already had large screens, but 2025 models beat it by a country mile, thanks to a 55.0-inch digital panel that spans the majority of the dash. A full-color head-up display is standard in most trims, as are wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Additional available tech includes a 5G Wi-Fi hotspot, LED ambient lighting with 126 colors, and HD streaming. Cadillac has also added a 19-speaker AKG Studio system or an available 36-speaker system, which can be upgraded to 40 speakers with the Executive Second Row package.
The Navigator offers a 48-inch dash-spanning screen with “Pano” mode for video and gaming apps (used only when it is in park.) Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard here as well, with available over-the-air software updates courtesy of 5G Wi-Fi.
Choosing Between the 2025 and 2024 Cadillac Escalade
So, which luxury SUV should you consider? That will largely depend on your preferences and their specific features. However, we’re leaning toward the 2025 Cadillac Escalade, as its changes make it more elegant than ever before. Its bold, assertive personality provides unmatched luxury, comfort, and performance for any driver. Contact Alan Jay today to experience the Escalade for yourself!
