The refreshed 2025 Cadillac Escalade has claimed victory in a recent three-way luxury SUV comparison, outperforming the Lincoln Navigator and Jeep Grand Wagoneer in a comprehensive real-world analysis.
MotorTrend recently went on a road trip through Michigan’s lake region, bringing the Escalade, Navigator, and Grand Wagoneer along for the ride in order to test out the SUVs’ driving dynamics, comfort, design, and technology. At the end of it all, the Caddy stood above the rest.
Lincoln Navigator
Jeep Grand Wagoneer
The testers were immediately drawn to the Cadillac’s updated interior, which features materials like open-pore wood, polished metal accents, and finely stitched leather, lending it a more premium experience compared to its two rivals. The tech is on point as well, with Caddy’s 55-inch curved OLED display providing a striking centerpiece and the GM Super Cruise hands-free driving system delivering superior semi-autonomous performance.
In terms of styling, the Escalade carried the most commanding presence, with angular lines and bold proportions communicated a sense of prestige that neither the Grand Wagoneer nor the Navigator could match.
While the Escalade’s naturally aspirated 6.2L V8 L87 engine wasn’t the quickest or most fuel-efficient among the trio (particularly up against the Grand Wagoneer’s turbocharged inline-six), the Escalade’s exhaust still delivered a deep, satisfying sound that aligned well with its powerful luxury identity. The optional 24-inch wheels compromised ride quality slightly, but overall the vehicle remained composed and well-balanced in everyday driving.
The Jeep Grand Wagoneer performed well, offering the smoothest ride and strong engine output. However, its conservative design and dated infotainment layout detracted from its premium appeal. Meanwhile, the Lincoln Navigator, despite notable features like a cabin scent diffuser and second-row comfort, landed in third place due to noticeable cabin noise, awkward design elements, and a mix of both premium and less impressive materials.
In the end, the 2025 Cadillac Escalade emerged as the most well-rounded contender, delivering a consistently luxurious and distinctive experience.
As a reminder, the Cadillac Escalade rides on the GM T1 platform and is assembled at the GM Arlington plant in Texas.
Comments
Recall on blowing up 6.2L engines! Over 700,000. Engines either have to be replaced of thicker oil w./extended warranty and fingers crossed..
thanks for the breaking news
The failure rate is barely 3%
It’s the undisputed benchmark of the segment. And this is before gen6 engines bring more power!
Lincoln is doomed while being owned by Ford. Time to sell the brand to some company who will put Lincoln back on the map again. The current navigator is nothing more than a trim package of the Ford. Very sad.
Ford can do better with Lincoln but they are lazy with the brand at the moment. Split tailgate and scented perfumes not going to matter much to anyone shopping in this segment.
Ford would rather give more attention to Mustang instead of Lincoln. We don’t need a 4-door Mustang V-8. That’s best reserved for the Lincoln LS and Continental using S650 platform.
Go Caddy, go Caddy!!!…
Mentioning a Jeep with a Caddy and a Lincoln just feels disrespectful.
It’s only a comparison of running vehicles, should you actually want to buy one, the Cadillac is the worst choice. The engine will fail under 100k the body will rust out in 6 years and GM will look the other way unless it’s still in warranty when it craps out.. then it will be pushed off for months before the grossly underpaid mechanic slams it back together half heartedly
I can still remember when the Lincoln name plate meant something.
Watched an episode of Knots Landing. Saw Karen Fairgate MacKenzie driving a 1984 Lincoln Continental Mark VII. Wow! What a car. And of course, Karen driving it. Can’t get excited over Lincoln these days. Lincoln needs to get away from Ford.
Lincoln like Buick is just so sad these days. The name really doesn’t mean anything these days
I’d rather have a Pontiac than Found On Road Dead!