The 2015 Lincoln Navigator is being pimped as "best-in-class fuel economy." Meh, its 3.5 V6 gets 1 MPG better than the 6.2 V8 Escalade. Far more impressive: Nav's EcoBoost engine blows its 460 lb-ft load of torque at 2,750 RPM, while the GM hits the same peak at 4,100. That's something you'll feel at the wheel.
I still think the new Navigator looks like one of the shitty robots Luke Skywalker's uncle passed on at the flea market. But after loving this 3.5 EcoBoost engine in the 2015 Ford Expedition and getting more comfortable than Fat Joe in a strip club couch in the new Nav at the Chicago Auto Show, I think Ford might be on to something.
The EcoBoost Expedition really surged off the line, and unlike some swift 4x4s I've driven (looking at you, G-Wagen) it actually felt stable doing so. The "Continuously Controlled Damping" suspension kept the ride soft over speedbumps and flat(ish) in the corners, though you're not going to forget you're driving a truck just because there's a "Sport Mode."
I've driven GM's 6.2 V8 as well; and while it isn't short on power, the EcoBoost is a little more invigorating when you start steeping into the pedal. If consumers test-drive both American luxury SUVs, I bet they'll have at least little more fun in the Navigator. Maybe even enough to be seen in one.
The Escalade and Navigator are each available with one engine (Ford's 3.5 twin-turbo in the Navigator, GM's 6.2 in the Escalade). The Nav makes 380 horsepower at 5,250 rpm, 460 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,750 RPM. Escalade churns up 420 HP at 5600 RPM and 460 lb-ft of torque at 4100.
The Navigator is a lot cheaper, but it's worth mentioning Cadillac is toying with the idea of dropping a diesel in this Escalade or doing some kind of V-Sport tune... so keep your eyes open for that on.
Navigator has a 9,000 pound towing capacity and can lug 1,570 pounds inside it (payload). Escalade can tow up to 8,205 pounds with a max payload of 1505 in 2WD form. Either one will handle your pair of horses just fine.
2015 Lincoln Navigator vs. 2015 Cadillac Escalade:
EPA-Estimated Fuel Economy
Standard-wheelbase (119.0 inches) 4x2: 16 City, 22 Highway, 18 Combined.
Escalade equivalent: 15/21/17
Standard-wheelbase 4x4: 15 City, 20 Highway, 17 Combined.
Escalade equivalent: 14/21/16
Extended-wheelbase (131.0 inches) 4x2: 15 City, 20 Highway, 17 Combined.
Escalade equivalent: 15/21/17
Extended-wheelbase 4x4: 15 City, 19 Highway, 16 Combined.
Escalade equivalent: 14/20/16
The 2015 Lincoln Navigator will start at $62,475 when it goes on sale within the next few months.
Image: Lincoln