28Oct
The 2024 Lincoln Navigator, priced at over $100,000, reigns supreme in Lincoln's lineup. Comparatively, the BMW X7 starts at around $82,000, the Cadillac Escalade at the low 80s, and the Range Rover at $107,400. Since the 4th-gen’s 2018 debut, the Navigator has continually wowed fans with its opulent interior and robust powertrain. Notably, the Lincoln Navigator was a finalist for Motor Trend's SUV of the Year award for that model year.
The SUV is even better in 2024, offering standard 4-wheel drive, a new entry-level variant called the Premiere, and the BlueCruise self-driving system. This generation first arrived in 2019 and may see a revamp as a 2025 model. The Navigator sits at the table of truly large, ultra-luxurious SUVs, where the Cadillac Escalade leads rivals like the Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Lexus LX, Mercedes-Benz GLS, and Range Rover.
Despite the "SUV" (sport utility vehicle) moniker, the Navigator's humongous nature all but makes the "sport" in the term redundant. Even the base model boasts plush seats and a top-notch audio system. According to the Kelley Blue Book (KBB), the 2024 Lincoln Navigator is the top luxury full-size luxury SUV of 2023/24. Let's see how the Navigator compares to its top rivals.
Related Reading: The Top 5 Cheapest Full-Size SUVs New On The Market
2024 Lincoln Navigator vs. Cadillac Escalade vs. Lexus LX600: Engine And Performance Comparison
The 2024 Lincoln Navigator boasts a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine with 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. Power is seamlessly transmitted to all four wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission. Towing capacity ranges from 8,100 to 8,300 pounds. However, the Navigator’s numb steering and soft suspension remind you it never claimed to be a sporty SUV. Despite the oomph to reach 60 mph in just 5.3 seconds, the road manners aren't as refined. Rivals like the BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS offer a more refined and sporty on-road experience.
The Cadillac Escalade is returning for the 2024 MY mostly unchanged. It offers a choice of 6- and 8-cylinder engines: a 6.2-liter V8 or a 3.0-liter diesel inline-six. These engines shake hands with a 10-speed automatic transmission. According to Car and Driver, the V8-powered long-wheelbase Escalade ESV reaches 60 mph in 5.9 seconds, while the diesel prioritizes fuel economy and torque. The V model boasts a supercharged V8, accelerating to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds.
As for the 2024 Lexus LX600, its propulsion power comes from a 3.4-liter V6 producing 409 horsepower. This powertrain is shared with the Toyota Land Cruiser, providing more than adequate acceleration with a 0-60 mph time of 6.1 seconds. The 10-speed automatic and four-wheel drive come standard. While it provides a comfortable ride, the F Sport variant trades some ride comfort for sportier handling.
2024 Lincoln Navigator's Road Manners
As Kelley Blue Book’s expert test drivers claimed, driving the Navigator feels like asserting authority on the road thanks to the elevated seating and secure cabin creating a commanding road presence. The responsive and energetic engine adds to the experience.
This large Lincoln SUV delivers a smooth and composed ride thanks to its road-sensing adaptive suspension that strikes a balance between comfort and control. Notably, it offers semi-autonomous driving capabilities with the BlueCruise system for hands-free driving on specific roads, akin to Cadillac's Super Cruise.
Despite its luxurious interior, the Navigator maintains user-friendly controls for essential functions like climate and audio. It avoids complex touchscreen interactions for basic tasks, but the buttons for gear selection might take some time to get used to.
2024 Lincoln Navigator vs. Cadillac Escalade vs. Lexus LX600: Interior And Comfort Comparison
The 2024 Lincoln Navigator is a haven of luxury with room for up to eight passengers. It doesn't skimp on opulence, even in its base configuration. They've described the cabin as a "sanctuary," and rightfully so, given the exceptional sound insulation.
Lincoln's top-tier interior design shines here, especially in the Black Label edition, offering various themes like Central Park, Invitation, Yacht, and Chalet. You'll find heated and ventilated seats in the first two rows, phone-as-a-key capability, and even a concierge service.
The Navigator's optional 30-way power-adjustable seats ensure an ideal driving position. The spaciousness extends to the third row with 40.9 inches of legroom. Luggage space ranges from 20.9 cubic feet to 36 (Navigator L), and its maximum cargo room goes from 103.3 cubic feet to 120.2 in the extended version.
Cadillac's flagship, the Escalade, takes in-cabin luxury to another level. The base Luxury trim uses faux leather, but higher trims feature genuine leather, with Platinum models sporting extra-soft semi-aniline hides. Leather-covered dash and door panels, aluminum speaker grilles, and adjustable ambient lighting contribute to its upscale atmosphere, although some switchgear is shared with other GM models. The Escalade comes in standard and long-wheelbase ESV models, providing extra legroom for third-row passengers and added cargo capacity.
Introduced in 2022, the 2023 Lexus LX 600 sees minimal changes. This two-row SUV offers a spacious interior, but opting out of the third-row sacrifices versatility in a big vehicle. The upright driving position is commanding, but shorter drivers might find it challenging to get comfortable. The extensive center console may leave some drivers feeling slightly pushed toward the door. Visibility is excellent for a large SUV, with generous screen real estate and expansive mirrors. The cabin boasts numerous controls, both physical and touchscreen, with a focus on off-road features, which can be initially overwhelming. Getting in and out might be a bit of a struggle due to high seats and step rails.
2024 Lincoln Navigator vs. Cadillac Escalade vs. Lexus LX600: Technology Comparison
The 2024 Lincoln Navigator features a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, complemented by a 12.0-inch digital instrument cluster.
For rear passengers, there are optional 10.1-inch rear entertainment displays and a 5.8-inch touchscreen to control climate settings.
The base model comes with a 14-speaker Revel audio system, but you can upgrade to 20- or 28-speaker setups. Additionally, power-retractable running boards are available to aid entry and exit.
The 2024 Cadillac Escalade stands out in the tech arena with its captivating digital dashboard. It consists of three curved OLED displays, offering 38 inches of combined digital real estate. This setup combines the driver's gauge cluster and the CUE infotainment system. Notable tech features include an augmented-reality navigation system, a rear-seat entertainment package with two 12.6-inch displays, and standard Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration. Audiophiles will appreciate Cadillac's partnership with AKG to create impressive sound systems. The Luxury, Sport, and Premium Luxury models come with a 19-speaker Studio Sound system, while Platinum trims boast the AKG Studio Reference system with a remarkable 36 speakers.
In the 2023 MY, the Lexus LX’s technology updates include dual touchscreens, replacing the previous joystick controller interface. USB charge ports are now available for second-row passengers. However, some top-tier features like wireless charging and massaging seats are limited to the second row in the base trim, with potential for expansion to the front row in the future. The LX offers wireless smartphone integration for the driver. Notably, the LX's advanced driving aids have room for improvement, as adaptive cruise control and auto backup braking tend to be overly cautious and lack unique features for the class.
Related Reading: Best Features Of The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class - #1 Luxury Midsize SUV For 2023/2024
2024 Lincoln Navigator vs. Cadillac Escalade vs. Lexus LX600: Safety Ratings Comparisons
The 2024 Lincoln Navigator stands out with its maximum 5-star overall safety score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Standard safety features are extensive and include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, intersection assistance, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and trailer coverage, along with a comprehensive 360-degree camera system.
In the 2024 Cadillac Escalade, Cadillac is committed to making its flagship SUV a tech-driven safety showcase. Many popular active-safety features come standard, but the highlight is the Super Cruise adaptive-cruise system, offering hands-free driving for an enhanced driving experience. While the 2023 model received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, its safety features make it a compelling choice.
The 2024 Lexus LX 600 places a strong emphasis on safety with ten airbags for collision protection, alongside features like Vehicle Stability Control and a four-wheel anti-lock braking system to enhance driver confidence. It has earned a high quality and reliability score of 83 out of 100 from J.D. Power. Lexus equips the LX with an advanced suite of safety technologies, including the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, encompassing pre-collision mitigation with pedestrian detection, lane tracing assist, lane departure assist, road sign assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beam assist. Standard features further include blind spot monitoring, parking assist with a rear cross-traffic assist, and a low-speed 360-degree camera view for all-around security.
2024 Lincoln Navigator vs. Cadillac Escalade vs. Lexus LX600: Fuel Economy Comparison
The 2024 Lincoln Navigator aims for a better economy with its downsized twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 and 10-speed automatic transmission, but, sadly, still falls short of being fuel-efficient, achieving an EPA-rated 17 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway in its rear-wheel drive configuration.
For the 2024 Cadillac Escalade, the story varies depending on the engine choice. Gas V8 models with rear-wheel drive offer 14 mpg in the city, 19 mpg on the highway, and 16 mpg combined. Opting for all-wheel drive slightly reduces the highway figure. The high-performance V model is notably less efficient, with EPA ratings of 11 mpg in the city and 16 mpg on the highway. A significant shift in efficiency happens when selecting the turbo-diesel engine, where you can expect estimates as high as 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. In a real-world highway test, an all-wheel-drive Escalade with the optional diesel engine achieved an impressive 26 mpg.
The 2024 Lexus LX 600 receives an EPA estimate of 19 mpg combined (17 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway). However, in a mixed-driving evaluation, which includes substantial highway mileage, it averaged 18.2 mpg. While the LX's fuel economy is commendable, it doesn't quite reach its combined rating, and the differences in fuel efficiency are notable when compared to its competitors.
2024 Lincoln Navigator vs. Cadillac Escalade vs. Lexus LX600: Warranty Packages
The 2024 Lincoln Navigator’s warranty coverage is on par with its competitors, but it stands out with some customer service perks. Notably, owners who opt for the Black Label trim enjoy four years of complimentary scheduled maintenance, a substantial increase over the standard one-year offering.
In the case of the 2024 Cadillac Escalade, it comes with a standard warranty package consistent with the rest of the Cadillac lineup. Its powertrain warranty duration surpasses rivals like the GLS-class and BMW X7. However, it's worth noting that the BMW X7's complimentary scheduled maintenance plan outshines the Cadillac's offering.
Lexus equips the 2024 LX 600 with typical warranty coverage for its class. Basic coverage extends for four years or 50,000 miles, while the powertrain is covered for six years or 70,000 miles. Roadside assistance towing to a Lexus dealer is available for four years, and you also receive one year or 10,000 miles of complimentary maintenance.
2024 Lincoln Navigator vs. Cadillac Escalade vs. Lexus LX600: Pricing Comparison
| 2024 Lincoln Navigator | 2024 Cadillac Escalade | 2023 Lexus LX600 |
| Premiere 4WD – $82,765 | Luxury – $81,895 | 600 – $90,815 |
| L Premiere 4WD – $85,760 | Premium Luxury – $93,195 | 600 Premium – $98,765 |
| Reserve 4WD – $95,325 | Sport – $96,195 | 600 F-Sport – $105,025 |
| L Reserve 4WD – $98,350 | Premium Luxury Platinum – $110,695 | 600 Luxury – $106,675 |
| Black Label 4WD – $110,750 | Sport Platinum – $110,695 | 600 Ultra Luxury – $130,905 |
| L Black Label 4WD – $113,795 | V-Series – $152,295 | 2024 MY est. price range: $91,565 - $132,140 |
Final Word On The 2024 Lincoln Navigator
The 2024 Lincoln Navigator shares many enticing features and a high level of sophistication with the Cadillac Escalade, making either a compelling choice. However, if you seek impressive power and towing capacity, the Jeep Grand Wagoneer is calling out to you, albeit with a slight trade-off in luxury.
On the other hand, the Infiniti QX80 comes at a more budget-friendly price, but its outdated platform and poor fuel economy might deter buyers. The Mercedes-Benz GLS and BMW X7, while offering similar features, are smaller and more fuel-efficient alternatives.
For those with a taste for luxury off-roading, the Land Rover Defender is a strong contender. The 2024 Lincoln Navigator offers a range of options, including the Premiere, Reserve, and Black Label trim levels. All come equipped with a turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque, mated to a smooth 10-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. It can seat up to eight passengers with ample space for everyone to stretch comfortably.
For those in need of extra cargo room, the Navigator L version extends the vehicle by nearly a foot. The Reserve trim enhances the experience with features like leather upholstery, upgraded front seats, and the BlueCruise hands-free driving system. Consider the optional Luxury package for an upgraded audio system and more comfortable seats.
While the Black Label trim is plush, the added cost may not justify the additional features it offers. With a robust towing capacity of up to 8,700 pounds, the Jeep Grand Wagoneer is the 2024 Lincoln Navigator’s only competitor in this aspect.
Comments