2021 Cadillac Escalade vs. Lincoln Navigator: Dimensional Comparison
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With the arrival of the next-generation 2021 Cadillac Escalade, the premium full-size SUV now boasts all-new dimensions, with fresh measurements for the exterior, interior, and cargo space. We’ve already looked at how the new Escalade stacks up against the previous generation, including both the standard-length model and the extended-length ESV. But how does it look when placed against one of its chief rivals, namely the Lincoln Navigator?
To find out, we’re digging into the spec sheets and putting the numbers side by side, once again comparing the exterior dimensions, interior dimensions, and cargo dimensions. To note, the models covered here include the standard-length body styles for both nameplates, rather than the Cadillac Escalade ESV and Lincoln Navigator L.
Read on to see how these two luxury SUVs measure up.
Exterior Dimensions
Outside, the new 2021 Cadillac Escalade grew significantly compared to the previous generation, gaining nearly five inches with regard to the wheelbase, and more than seven inches with regard to the overall length.
That said, the new Escalade isn’t a whole lot bigger than the Lincoln Navigator. The Caddy’s overall length is just under two inches longer, its overall width is 1.1 inches larger, and its overall height is 0.2 inches taller. The Escalade’s front and rear track are also 0.9 inches and 1.1 inches wider, respectively.
However, at the same time, the Lincoln Navigator’s wheelbase is 1.6 inches longer than that of the new Escalade.
| Dimension | Cadillac Escalade | Lincoln Navigator | +/- Cadillac Escalade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase (in.) | 120.9 | 122.5 | -1.6 |
| Overall Length (in.) | 211.9 | 210 | +1.9 |
| Overall Width (in.) | 81 | 79.9 | +1.1 |
| Overall Height (in.) | 76.6 | 76.4 | +0.2 |
| Front Track (in.) | 68.5 | 67.6 | +0.9 |
| Rear Track (in.) | 68.3 | 67.2 | +1.1 |
| Dimension | Cadillac Escalade | Lincoln Navigator | +/- Cadillac Escalade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase (mm) | 3071 | 3112 | -41 |
| Overall Length (mm) | 5382 | 5334 | +48 |
| Overall Width (mm) | 2057 | 2029 | +28 |
| Overall Height (mm) | 1946 | 1941 | +5 |
| Front Track (mm) | 1740 | 1717 | +23 |
| Rear Track (mm) | 1735 | 1707 | +28 |
Interior Dimensions
The interior dimensions are also relatively close between the 2021 Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator, with most measurements within a few tenths of an inch of one another.
However, the Navigator stands out for offering significantly more third-row legroom, with an extra 7.4 inches when compared to the new Escalade. This is particularly noteworthy given the 2021 Escalade offers more than 10 inches of extra third-row legroom when compared to the outgoing Escalade.
A few other important comparison points to look at are second-row headroom, third-row shoulder room, and third-row hip room, with the new Escalade posting specs under those of Navigator to the tune of 1.1 inches, 1.5 inches, and two inches, respectively.
| Dimension | Cadillac Escalade | Lincoln Navigator | +/- Cadillac Escalade |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Row Headroom (in.) | 42.3 | 41.8 | +0.5 |
| First Row Legroom (in.) | 44.5 | 43.9 | +0.6 |
| First Row Shoulder Room (in.) | 65.5 | 65.2 | +0.3 |
| First Row Hip Room (in.) | 61.7 | 61.9 | -0.2 |
| Second Row Headroom (in.) | 38.9 | 40 | -1.1 |
| Second Row Legroom (in.) | 41.7 | 41.1 | +0.6 |
| Second Row Shoulder Room (in.) | 64.6 | 65.1 | -0.5 |
| Second Row Hip Room (in.) | 61.2 | 61.6 | -0.4 |
| Third Row Headroom (in.) | 38.2 | 37.3 | +0.9 |
| Third Row Legroom (in.) | 34.9 | 42.3 | -7.4 |
| Third Row Shoulder Room (in.) | 62.7 | 64.2 | -1.5 |
| Third Row Hip Room (in.) | 49.4 | 51.4 | -2 |
| Dimension | Cadillac Escalade | Lincoln Navigator | +/- Cadillac Escalade |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Row Headroom (mm) | 1074 | 1062 | +12 |
| First Row Legroom (mm) | 1130 | 1115 | +15 |
| First Row Shoulder Room (mm) | 1664 | 1656 | +8 |
| First Row Hip Room (mm) | 1567 | 1572 | -5 |
| Second Row Headroom (mm) | 988 | 1016 | -28 |
| Second Row Legroom (mm) | 1059 | 1044 | +15 |
| Second Row Shoulder Room (mm) | 1641 | 1654 | -13 |
| Second Row Hip Room (mm) | 1554 | 1565 | -11 |
| Third Row Headroom (mm) | 970 | 947 | +23 |
| Third Row Legroom (mm) | 886 | 1074 | -188 |
| Third Row Shoulder Room (mm) | 1593 | 1631 | -38 |
| Third Row Hip Room (mm) | 1255 | 1306 | -51 |
Cargo Dimensions
Here we see the 2021 Cadillac Escalade make a much stronger case for itself against the Lincoln Navigator, offering up significantly more cargo room than its rival. The spec sheet reveals the new Escalade packs away the goodies with an extra 17.7 cubic feet behind the first row, an extra 15.4 cubic feet behind the second row, and an extra eight cubic feet behind the third row.
| Dimension | Cadillac Escalade | Lincoln Navigator | +/- Cadillac Escalade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cargo Volume Behind First Row (cu. ft.) | 121 | 103.3 | +18 |
| Cargo Volume Behind Second Row (cu. ft.) | 72.9 | 57.5 | +15 |
| Cargo Volume Behind Third Row (cu. ft.) | 27.3 | 19.3 | +8 |
| Dimension | Cadillac Escalade | Lincoln Navigator | +/- Cadillac Escalade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cargo Volume Behind First Row (L) | 3426 | 2925 | +501 |
| Cargo Volume Behind Second Row (L) | 2064 | 1628 | +436 |
| Cargo Colume Behind Third Row (L) | 773 | 547 | +227 |
What do you think about the 2021 Cadillac Escalade, dear reader? How does it compare to the Lincoln Navigator? Let us know in the comments, and make sure to subscribe to GM Authority for more Cadillac Escalade news, Cadillac news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
This post was created in collaboration with our sister publication, Cadillac Society.
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How is third row leg room in the Escalade 7″ shorter? I thought that was one of it’s crown achievements, same with in the Tahoe/Yukon
Exterior design I kind of like the Navi better, but interior is a clear win for Cadillac… At least from photos.
well when you also consider the amount of cargo room behind the third row instead of just having a marginal increase over previous gen Escalade (15.2) vs the next gen Escalade (27.3) the Escalade will have near equal increased third row legroom and cargo capacity. while then navigator has negligible increase to either third row leg room or cargo capacity
2017 navigator third row leg room 37.7 and cargo room 18.1
2020 navigator third row leg room 42.3 and cargo room 20.9
It won’t fit in my garage.
That beautiful mahogany red and Rhapsody blue that Lincoln offers is something you won’t see in any Escalade no matter how much you spend and it’s disappointing about the third row legroom. I do like the Cadillac’s dash style better than the terrible tacked on iPad look on the Lincoln.
I completely agree but from what I saw in pics, the E might have that gorgeous off white interior… if so I’m encouraged GM is listening to the criticism of styling, colors, interior quality… among other big issues…
The 2021 Cadillac Escalade just out class the 2020 Lincoln Navigator’s interior and exterior. The Cadillac Escalade is just a better looking SUV. Cadillac hit a home run with the new 2021 Cadillac Escalade interior and exterior.
The 2021 Cadillac Escalade has styling that reminds me of econo-box cars like the VW Rabbit, one almost expects to see a Golf GTI or Scirocco on steroids being a sporty variant of one of these large SUVs.
Perhaps an Escalade with that lovely plaid GTI interior…. ?
I own a black car service. We switch to Navigator. Glad we did. Service quality is night and day difference. Each vehicle has benefits and drawbacks … but, at least for us, service is extremely important. Plus Ford Livery program is easier to deal with than GM. GM doesn’t seem to want our business.
We use Chevy Suburbans, Yukon XL and Escalade ESV in our limo service. All had to have transmission replaced between 34K and 120K miles. One also had to have CAM and lifters replaced at 35k shortly after transmission was replaced. Most were covered under warranty, some were not. $4800 a pop for tranny.