Content of the material
MotorTrend Score
Based on performance, value, MPG, interior space, and more, this score reflects MotorTrend’s exhaustive evaluation process. Scores can only be compared to other cars in the same class. A 7.0 rating represents average performance.
8.4/10#3 in Luxury Full-Size 3-Row SUVs | RankingsVideo
The Lincoln Navigator’s NHTSA crash test ratings are better
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Both the 2021 Lincoln Navigator and the 2021 Cadillac Escalade were tested by the NHTSA. Crash test ratings are slightly better for the Lincoln Navigator.
Overall frontal-crash testing measures how well a vehicle does in a head-on collision with another, similar vehicle at 35 MPH. The overall crash and overall frontal-crash, and overall frontal-crash passenger test ratings for the Cadillac Escalade are four stars, while the Lincoln Navigator has five stars. Both the Escalade and the Navigator have five stars for the overall frontal-crash, driver.
Side-crash test ratings for both the Lincoln Navigator and the Cadillac Escalade are equal, at five stars for overall side-crash, side-crash driver, and side-crash rear passenger. The overall side-crash test rating combines results from the driver, left rear-seat passenger, and pole test.
Recommended Safety Technologies
These features have been either verified by NHTSA or reported by the vehicle manufacturers as meeting NHTSA’s performance criteria.
Winner: 2021 Lincoln Navigator
The Lincoln Navigator has excellent safety ratings across the board. It’s those four star overall frontal-crash test ratings that hurt the 2021 Cadillac Escalade when compared to the Navigator. The Lincoln Navigator also comes with more standard safety equipment than the Cadillac Escalade, meaning accident avoidance is more likely. When safety is your number one priority, the 2021 Lincoln Navigator is the way to go.