2021 Cadillac XT5 vs 2021 Lincoln Navigator

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 showcased Cadillac's efforts to reclaim its status as a refined luxury brand. Updated in 2020 with 40 enhancements, the XT5 carried these improvements into 2021, including a new engine option, revised styling, and advanced technology. The exterior featured standard LED lights and 20-inch wheels, giving it a sophisticated look. Inside, the Premium Luxury trim exuded elegance with cut-and-sewn leather, natural wood, and carbon fiber accents, offering a more upscale experience than its GM sibling, the Chevrolet Blazer.

In contrast, the 2021 Lincoln Navigator distinguished itself from its Ford Expedition roots with a unique design and luxurious features. The Navigator's exterior boasted simple rectilinear shapes, a body-color grille, and 22-inch wheels. The interior impressed with seven color palettes, high-quality materials, and tight panel gaps. The Slate Gray interior of the test model featured a 10-inch touchscreen, a floating center console, and a minimalist digital instrument panel. The Navigator's Perfect Position seats offered 30-way adjustability, providing exceptional comfort and customization.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 offered three trim levels: Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Sport. The Luxury and Premium Luxury trims came standard with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The Premium Luxury trim could be upgraded to a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 310 horsepower and 237 pound-feet of torque, which was standard on the Sport trim. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The V6 provided immediate throttle response but could benefit from more low-end torque. The XT5 achieved about 25 mpg in AWD during a 2,000-mile test, surpassing the EPA-estimated 21 mpg combined for the V6.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator featured a single, powerful engine: a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 from the Ford Raptor, delivering 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the Navigator offered either rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). The Navigator's 4WD system was smooth and responsive, with a towing capacity of 8,300 pounds for 4WD models and 8,700 pounds for RWD models. Fuel economy was less impressive, averaging in the teens, aligning with the EPA-estimated 17 mpg combined. The Navigator's adaptive dampers provided a less refined ride compared to the Cadillac Escalade's magnetic shocks and air springs.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 accommodated four adults comfortably in two rows, though it technically seated five. The back seat offered limited headroom for tall occupants, but legroom was adequate. The front seats, while visually appealing, were less comfortable on long trips. The XT5 provided 30 cubic feet of cargo space, though wheel bump-outs reduced the width. The cargo-management system allowed for secure storage, and a hands-free programmable height liftgate was available. Small-item storage was limited, with no good place for a smartphone within eyesight.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator offered ample space for six adults, with a possible total of eight passengers when equipped with a second-row bench. The boxy design provided generous cargo space: 19 cubic feet behind the third row, 57 behind the second, and 103 in total. The long-wheelbase Navigator L offered even more storage. The rear glass opened separately from the tailgate, a convenient feature for packed cargo areas. The Navigator's front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, with large windows and a high driving position enhancing visibility. However, parking was challenging due to the vehicle's size.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 featured a streamlined infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen housed in Piano Black plastic. The tri-zone automatic climate control system included a chrome toggle switch for temperature adjustments. The XT5 offered a heated steering wheel, heated outboard rear seats, and 60/40 split-folding rear seats. The infotainment system included a rotary controller, one-touch phone pairing, an eight-speaker Bose sound system, and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A rear camera mirror and head-up display were available, enhancing nighttime driving and providing essential information.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator's 10-inch touchscreen felt small compared to newer models, but the software was intuitive and easy to use. The Navigator included onboard 4G WiFi, wireless device charging, a smartwatch app, and the ability to use a smartphone as the vehicle's ignition key. The rear entertainment system featured Roku media streaming and various connectivity options. The Navigator's technology, while not as advanced as some competitors, offered a user-friendly experience with clear and accessible features.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 included front automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-change alert with side blind-zone alert. The Night Vision technology enhanced nighttime drivability, and General Motors' Teen Driver software allowed parents to monitor and limit vehicle features for young drivers. A rearview camera and rear-seat reminder were standard.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received five stars overall from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with four stars for 4WD models and three stars for RWD models in rollover resistance. The Navigator included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and auto high beams as standard features. Adaptive cruise control was optional, though the Navigator's self-steering capabilities were less advanced than some competitors.