2021 Cadillac XT5 vs 2021 Lincoln Navigator
Overview | |
MSRP$43,995 | MSRP$76,705 |
Average price$30,436 | Average price$51,288 |
Listings1089 | Listings451 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews8.0 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.7 out of 10 |
Pros
| Pros
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2021 Cadillac XT5 Reviews SummaryCadillac’s compact SUV checks many boxes for premium vehicle buyers but can get pricey, firmly topping out in luxury territory without offering the performance competitors’ products do. The well-mannered SUV continues to show why it’s Cadillac’s perennial best-seller as it sits in the middle of the lineup between the smaller subcompact XT4 and larger midsize Cadillac XT6. | |
2021 Lincoln Navigator Reviews SummaryFull-size SUVs like the Lincoln Navigator represent the smallest slice of the luxury SUV market. They're the heaviest, hugest, and fanciest people movers sold by mainstream automakers—and you can count them all on two hands. The Navigator, a popular nameplate since 1998, was redesigned in dramatic fashion for 2018. In its fourth model year, this Navigator still delights us as we test newer competitors costing at or above its $77,000 starting price. Foreign nameplates offer no equal to the Navigator, and it's not for sheer size or a desire to lift up Lincoln that we say this is one of the best American vehicles, among both trucks and cars, ever made. | |
No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.0L 235 hp I4 | Engine3.5L 450 hp V6 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive Train4X2 |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity8 |
Horsepower235 hp @ 5000 rpm | Horsepower450 hp @ 5500 rpm |
MPG City22 | MPG City16 |
MPG Highway29 | MPG Highway22 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.0L 235 hp I4 | Engine Name3.5L 450 hp V6 |
Torque258 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm | Torque510 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm |
Horsepower235 hp @ 5000 rpm | Horsepower450 hp @ 5500 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | Drivetrain4X2 |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City22 | MPG City16 |
MPG Highway29 | MPG Highway22 |
Interior | |
Leather Seats | Leather SeatsStandard |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity8 |
Key Features | |
Navigation System | Navigation SystemStandard |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall5 | Front Crash Overall5 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space30.0 cu ft | Cargo Space20.9 cu ft |
Curb Weight3915 lbs | Curb Weight5673 lbs |
Height66.1 in | Height76.4 in |
Length189.6 in | Length210.0 in |
Width74.9 in | Width93.8 in |
Wheelbase112.5 in | Wheelbase122.5 in |
Maximum Payload2086 lbs | Maximum Payload1620 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity1000 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity8600 lbs |
Standard Towing Capacity | Standard Towing Capacity6200 lbs |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $43,995 | $76,705 |
Average price | $30,436 | $51,288 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 8.0 out of 10Read full review | 7.7 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
| Pros
|
Summary | Cadillac’s compact SUV checks many boxes for premium vehicle buyers but can get pricey, firmly topping out in luxury territory without offering the performance competitors’ products do. The well-mannered SUV continues to show why it’s Cadillac’s perennial best-seller as it sits in the middle of the lineup between the smaller subcompact XT4 and larger midsize Cadillac XT6. | Full-size SUVs like the Lincoln Navigator represent the smallest slice of the luxury SUV market. They're the heaviest, hugest, and fanciest people movers sold by mainstream automakers—and you can count them all on two hands. The Navigator, a popular nameplate since 1998, was redesigned in dramatic fashion for 2018. In its fourth model year, this Navigator still delights us as we test newer competitors costing at or above its $77,000 starting price. Foreign nameplates offer no equal to the Navigator, and it's not for sheer size or a desire to lift up Lincoln that we say this is one of the best American vehicles, among both trucks and cars, ever made. |
Video | No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.0L 235 hp I4 | 3.5L 450 hp V6 |
Drive Train | FWD | 4X2 |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 8 |
Horsepower | 235 hp @ 5000 rpm | 450 hp @ 5500 rpm |
MPG City | 22 | 16 |
MPG Highway | 29 | 22 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.0L 235 hp I4 | 3.5L 450 hp V6 |
Torque | 258 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm | 510 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm |
Horsepower | 235 hp @ 5000 rpm | 450 hp @ 5500 rpm |
Drivetrain | FWD | 4X2 |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 22 | 16 |
MPG Highway | 29 | 22 |
Interior | ||
Leather Seats | Standard | |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 8 |
Key Features | ||
Navigation System | Standard | |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 30.0 cu ft | 20.9 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3915 lbs | 5673 lbs |
Height | 66.1 in | 76.4 in |
Length | 189.6 in | 210.0 in |
Width | 74.9 in | 93.8 in |
Wheelbase | 112.5 in | 122.5 in |
Maximum Payload | 2086 lbs | 1620 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 1000 lbs | 8600 lbs |
Standard Towing Capacity | 6200 lbs | |
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.
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Cadillac XT5 is 8.0 out of 10, while the 2021 Lincoln Navigator scores 7.7 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 Cadillac XT5 is the recommended choice for its superior overall performance, fuel efficiency, and advanced safety features.
Choose the 2021 Cadillac XT5 if:
- You prefer a more fuel-efficient luxury SUV.
- You value a sophisticated interior with high-quality materials.
- You need a vehicle with advanced safety features like Night Vision technology.
Choose the 2021 Lincoln Navigator if:
- You require a spacious SUV with ample cargo capacity.
- You prioritize powerful performance and towing capabilities.
- You appreciate a user-friendly infotainment system with modern connectivity options.
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Cadillac XT5 is 8.0 out of 10, while the 2021 Lincoln Navigator scores 7.7 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 Cadillac XT5 is the recommended choice for its superior overall performance, fuel efficiency, and advanced safety features.
Choose the 2021 Cadillac XT5 if:
Shop Now- You prefer a more fuel-efficient luxury SUV.
- You value a sophisticated interior with high-quality materials.
- You need a vehicle with advanced safety features like Night Vision technology.
Choose the 2021 Lincoln Navigator if:
Shop Now- You require a spacious SUV with ample cargo capacity.
- You prioritize powerful performance and towing capabilities.
- You appreciate a user-friendly infotainment system with modern connectivity options.
By: CarGurus + AI
At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.