The Lincoln Navigator and the Cadillac Escalade are the two best-known luxury SUVs from the USA. Both are huge, have three rows of seats and equipment worthy of a limousine, but each understands luxury a little differently. We compare the two models, suggest which generations are worth importing and describe how such a car copes in Poland.
How an American SUV differs from a European one
European premium SUVs such as the BMW X5 or Mercedes GLE have a monocoque body and drive much like a passenger car. The Navigator and Escalade are built differently:
- A frame - the body sits on a steel frame, like a pickup. The Navigator is based on the Ford Expedition, and the Escalade on the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon.
- Size - standard versions are about 5.2-5.4 m long, and the long versions (Navigator L, Escalade ESV) about 5.6-5.8 m. Every version has room for seven or eight people and their luggage.
- Comfort over handling - soft suspension, a quiet cabin and powerful petrol engines that work at low revs.
- Equipment - seats with ventilation and massage, elaborate audio systems and huge screens are the norm in these cars, not extras.
Lincoln Navigator
The Navigator debuted in 1997 as a 1998 model. Lincoln goes for calm elegance: understated looks, high-quality materials and a quiet cabin.
- Fourth generation (2018-2024) - the one you'll see most often at auctions. It has an aluminium body on a steel frame, a 3.5 V6 EcoBoost twin-turbo engine with 450 hp and a 10-speed automatic gearbox.
- Fifth generation (from 2025) - the same engine, four-wheel drive as standard and a 48-inch screen across the full width of the dashboard.
Both generations also come as the L version, with a longer wheelbase and a bigger boot.
Cadillac Escalade
The Escalade debuted in 1998 as a 1999 model, as Cadillac's answer to the Navigator. Cadillac goes for impact: bold looks, lots of chrome and a V8. For years the Escalade has been one of the symbols of American pop culture.
- Fourth generation (2015-2020) - a naturally aspirated 6.2 V8 with 420 hp and Magnetic Ride Control suspension with dampers that adapt to the road. It's the most affordable way to get an Escalade.
- Fifth generation (from model year 2021) - independent rear suspension, which clearly improved comfort and space in the third row, optional air suspension and a curved OLED panel with a combined diagonal of 38 inches. The 6.2 V8 has 420 hp. Up to model year 2024, a three-litre Duramax diesel with 277 hp was also offered. The most powerful Escalade-V has a supercharged 6.2 V8 with 682 hp.
- The facelift for 2025 - a new front end, a 55-inch curved screen and the electric Escalade IQ as a separate model.
The ESV is a long Escalade with a much bigger boot behind the third row.
Navigator or Escalade - which to choose
In terms of space and equipment, the two cars are very close. The choice is mainly a matter of character:
- Navigator - if you value quiet, understated looks and a more economical V6.
- Escalade - if you want the car to make an impression and can't imagine a big SUV without a V8.
It's also worth comparing the prices of specific cars at auctions. With a similar year and mileage the difference can be clear, and the car's condition may settle the choice.
Excise duty and costs
The Navigator 3.5, the Escalade 6.2 and the diesel Escalade all have engines over 2000 cm³, so the excise duty is 18.6%. The electric Escalade IQ has no excise duty. Duty and VAT are calculated on the car's value including transport, so with an expensive SUV these are big amounts - we list all the items on the USA car import costs page.
Before you buy, measure your garage and check your parking space. The Navigator L and Escalade ESV are about 5.6-5.8 m long and about 2 m wide without mirrors, so many underground car parks and car washes will be a tight fit.
How such an SUV copes in Poland
On long trips and motorways, the Navigator and Escalade are exceptionally comfortable. In town you have to get used to the size, and at the pump to the fuel consumption typical of a big petrol engine.
The car has to be adapted to European rules, mainly the lights. The scope of changes depends on the year, so before the auction we'll tell you what a particular car needs.
What to watch out for when buying at auction
- Suspension - adaptive dampers and air suspension are expensive to repair. We check whether the car has suspension faults and whether it sits level.
- Electronics - with so much equipment, it's worth checking that the screens, cameras and driver assistance systems work.
- Flood-damaged cars - big SUVs often live in Texas and Florida, where floods happen. By default, we don't import flood-damaged cars.
We check every car's history in a Carfax or AutoCheck report, and we explain how to read it in How to read a Carfax and AutoCheck report. If the car isn't worth buying, we tell you straight.
Find your SUV
See current auctions for Lincoln and Cadillac in our catalogue. Choose a car and send us the LOT number or VIN through the Contact page - before the auction, we'll work out the full delivered cost for free.
