luggage space behind the third row than
the Mercedes has behind its second row.
(A standard-length Escalade would still
lead in front- and middle-row legroom,
front-row head- and shoulder room, and
cargo volume.)
Although it’s apparent GM invested a lot
in its new tech toys, Cadillac bought beer
when it should’ve been buying bread. For
example, there’s a notable drop in mate-
rials quality unseen in the other compet-
itors when you look below your beltline
and start making your way to the third row.
“The luxury tends to extend to the front of
the cabin, not the rear,” Morrison said. “In
back it feels a little more industrial and like
a work truck.”
There are some questionable design
decisions for those sitting up front to
ponder, as well. The seven identical-feeling
buttons for drive mode, drivetrain, and air
suspension settings located by the driver’s
left knee seem like an afterthought,
requiring the driver to look away from the
road to confirm they are changing fromTour to Sport instead of engaging Tow/
Haul mode. And try as it might to differ-
entiate its luxury lineage, the Escalade
shares far too many pieces of switchgear
and trim with its lesser stablemates.
It’s fair to ask how many Escalade
buyers will notice (or even care) their
$104,810 (as-tested) Cadillac shares so
many interior parts with a $55,000 Tahoe,
but luxury is about details both big and
small. Cadillac hit many big ones but
missed a few small ones, bringing it oh so
close to first place.1ST PLACE: 2020 Lincoln Navigator
4x4 Black Label
When you look back at our last luxury
three-row SUV comparo, it’s pretty
remarkable to see how far the Lincoln
Navigator has come. We dinged the previous
model for its agricultural performance, a
poorly built and designed interior, and an
overreliance on Ford Expedition parts.
Now, though? “It makes me so happy to
see Ford loosen the reins and give Lincoln
the money it needs to excel,” Evans said.
“The Navigator is such an important stepLincoln spent wisely on the Navigator’s
cabin. Not only are all three rows
incredibly roomy, but the design
themes and interior quality also stay
consistent throughout the interior.3-ROW LUXURY SUV COMPARISON
50 MOTORTREND.COM APRIL 2021Lincoln Navigator