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LA BUENA VIDA

driver’s seat

Mighty Americans

Both domestic examples of full-size luxury SUVs are redesigned for 2007. Although the Cadillac Escalade’s makeover is more extensive than the Lincoln Navigator’s, both are changed inside and out. A segment where the domestics clearly outshine the imports, Escalade has reached icon status as the popular choice among celebs and professional athletes, while the Navigator holds bragging rights to pioneering full-size SUVs. They are big, opulently outfitted and about as subtle as a wet T-shirt contest. However, they are also outrageously comfortable, capable and unapologetically American. With exteriors and interiors separated by mere inches, they are true head-to-head competitors.

Cadillac Escalade

A revamping of the entire General Motors large truck lineup included the Escalade and longer ESV. A new boxed frame and reengineered suspension architecture have greatly improved ride quality and handling dynamics. Tossing out the old recirculating ball steering for a rack-and-pinion system has significantly enhanced control and response.
Escalade wins the horsepower battle against the Navigator. Its new powerplant is a 403-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 that also delivers 417 pound-feet of peak torque. The Escalade tips the scales at about 300 pounds less than the Navigator as well. A new six-speed automatic transmission ushers engine production to either the rear or all the wheels. At 7,700 pounds, the Escalade has less towing capacity than the Lincoln.
Escalade’s two-tone interior is all-new and more lavish. Better constructed with more expensive materials than the previous model, the new cabin feels much less like a truck than its predecessor. A new power folding second-row seat adds to the convenience; however the Navigator is much more user friendly in converting its third-row seat into cargo area. Because of the Escalade’s solid rear axle, the third-row seat must be manually removed rather than folded into the floor.
Base pricing for the Escalade begins at $57,955 and the ESV at $60,370.

Lincoln Navigator

The new Navigator sports a style overhaul throughout. Most striking in the cabin is the use of better materials in the new, tidier design. There is now a choice of dark or light wood accents. The seats have been reengineered for better support, increased comfort and less vibration. The power fold-flat third-row seat is still available. The audio upgrade is an awe-inspiring 14-speaker 600-watt THX II-Certified surround-sound system.
The most dramatic changes outside are the larger grille dominated by the huge Lincoln logo and new tail lamps, but nearly every inch of the exterior is changed. Chrome is still king with bright-work accents liberally applied. The power running boards now fold out of sight under the frame.
Improvements to the chassis and suspension deliver a smoother, quieter ride. The engine is the same 300-horsepower 5.4-liter V8 as last year, as is the six-speed automatic transmission. It can tow up to 9,000 pounds.
For the first time, Navigator will offer a long-wheelbase version to compete with the Escalade ESV, which it almost mirrors in length. Arriving in showrooms later in the model year, it is 14.7 inches longer than the regular Navigator and offers an additional 25 cubic feet of cargo room behind the third-row seat. A base price for the Navigator L wasn’t available at this writing, but will probably add $3,000 or so to the $51,475 base price of the regular Navigator.