2019 Lincoln Navigator vs 2019 Cadillac Escalade vs 2019 Ford Expedition
Reliability Side-by-Side
2019
Lincoln Navigator
Grade B-
A comfortable luxury cruiser with a robust powertrain, but be prepared for potential high costs associated with its complex comfort and convenience features.
2019
Cadillac Escalade
Grade C+
A commanding luxury SUV with excellent utility, but prepare for the financial commitment of maintaining its advanced and often finicky systems.
2019
Ford Expedition
Grade B
A powerful and spacious family hauler with known, albeit manageable, powertrain vulnerabilities.
Best For
Best for Reliability
2019 Ford Expedition
Score 83/100 vs 82/100
Best for Lowest Risk
2019 Lincoln Navigator
low risk
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Cost of Ownership
| Line Item | 2019 Lincoln Navigator★ | 2019 Cadillac Escalade | 2019 Ford Expedition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Maintenance | $600-900 | $600-900 | $600-800 |
| Moderate Repairs | $800-2,000 occasionally (e.g., air spring or running board repair) | $800-2,500 occasionally | $500-2,000 occasionally |
| MPG (City/Hwy) | 17 / 23 | 14 / 23 | 17 / 24 |
| MSRP (New) | $73,200 | $76,490 | $52,130 |
Major-failure risk and insurance outlook for each vehicle are in their full reliability reports.
Biggest Risks on Each
2019 Lincoln Navigator
Air Suspension System
50,000-90,000 mi
Power Running Boards
40,000-80,000 mi
Infotainment/Electrical System
20,000-60,000 mi
2019 Cadillac Escalade
Air Ride Suspension
60,000-100,000 mi
Electrical/Infotainment (CUE)
30,000-70,000 mi
Engine (AFM/DFM Lifters)
80,000-120,000 mi
2019 Ford Expedition
Engine (3.5L EcoBoost)
60,000-120,000 mi
Transmission (10R80)
40,000-100,000 mi
Electrical Systems
30,000-80,000 mi
Get the Full Report on Each
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Editorial Take
The 2019 Lincoln Navigator, 2019 Cadillac Escalade, and 2019 Ford Expedition represent the pinnacle of large American full-size SUVs, appealing to buyers who prioritize vast passenger and cargo space, strong towing capability, and a commanding road presence. While the Expedition serves as the mainstream option, the Navigator and Escalade elevate the experience with luxury appointments and advanced features, often sharing underlying platforms with their more common counterparts. Decision factors often hinge on the buyer's budget, desired level of luxury, interior space utilization (especially the third row), powertrain preference, and long-term cost of ownership. These vehicles are primarily considered by large families, those who regularly tow boats or trailers, or individuals seeking maximum comfort and utility. HEAD-TO-
Reliability & Common Issues
2019 Lincoln Navigator: 1. 10-Speed Automatic Transmission Software: Some owners reported occasional hesitation or clunky shifts at lower speeds early in the vehicle's life cycle. This was often addressed with software updates from the dealership. 2. Infotainment System Glitches: Isolated reports of the SYNC 3 system freezing or experiencing minor glitches, typically resolved with system restarts or software patches. 3. Power Running Boards: While convenient, the retractable power running boards can sometimes experience motor failures or binding issues, particularly in colder climates or after prolonged exposure to dirt and debris. 2019 Cadillac Escalade: 1. Active Fuel Management (AFM) / Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM) Lifter Issues: The 6.2-liter V8 engine is susceptible to lifter failure, which can manifest as a persistent ticking noise, engine misfires, or even catastrophic engine damage. This is a known issue across GM's V8 engines from this era and can be an expensive repair, often occurring around 60,000-100,000 miles. 2. CUE Infotainment System: Cadillac's CUE system, with its capacitive touch controls and glossy screen, can be prone to unresponsiveness, lag, or screen delamination over time, making it frustrating to use. 3. Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) Shocks: The sophisticated MRC shocks, designed for a smooth ride, can fail and leak over time, leading to a degraded ride quality and requiring costly replacement, sometimes around the 50,000-80,000-mile mark. 2019 Ford Expedition: 1. 10-Speed Automatic Transmission Performance: Similar to the Navigator, some Expedition owners reported occasional rough or delayed shifts, particularly when new or under specific driving conditions. Software updates were frequently released to improve shift logic. 2. Warped Brake Rotors: For vehicles that frequently tow or are subjected to hard braking, premature warping of front or rear brake rotors is a common complaint, sometimes requiring replacement around 20,000-40,000 miles. 3. Power Running Board Malfunctions: Identical to the Navigator, the optional power running boards can encounter issues with motors or pivots failing, leading to them getting stuck or not deploying correctly.
Value & Cost of Ownership
When new, the 2019 Ford Expedition was the most affordable option, with a starting MSRP around 52,130 USD. The 2019 Lincoln Navigator started at approximately 73,200 USD, while the 2019 Cadillac Escalade began around 76,490 USD. For used models (as of 2024 for a 2019 vehicle), the Expedition typically ranges from 30,000-45,000 USD depending on trim and mileage, offering substantial savings over its luxury counterparts. The Navigator usually fetches between 45,000-60,000 USD, reflecting its strong demand and luxury status. The Escalade often commands a similar range, from 45,000-60,000 USD, benefiting from its iconic image and strong resale history. Insurance costs will generally be highest for the luxury models, with the Escalade and Navigator incurring higher premiums due to their higher purchase price, repair costs, and target demographic. The Expedition will typically have lower insurance rates. Maintenance costs will be highest for the Cadillac Escalade, particularly if the aforementioned AFM/DFM lifter issues arise. The Lincoln Navigator, with its twin-turbo V6 and luxury-specific components, will also have higher maintenance costs than the Expedition, which benefits from shared parts with other Ford trucks and SUVs, often leading to more affordable parts and labor. Resale value for the Escalade has historically been very strong. The Navigator's resale value significantly improved with this generation, making it competitive. The Expedition holds its value well within the mainstream SUV segment, offering good retention for its original price point.
Editorial Verdict
BEST FOR FAMILIES: The 2019 Ford Expedition is the best overall choice for families due to its exceptional interior space, particularly the adult-friendly third row, immense cargo capacity (especially the Max version), strong capability, and significantly lower purchase price and running costs. For families desiring luxury, the 2019 Lincoln Navigator is unparalleled, offering a truly premium experience with identical space advantages. BEST FOR COMMUTERS: The 2019 Lincoln Navigator stands out here. Its quiet, refined cabin, comfortable adaptive suspension, and powerful yet smooth powertrain make long commutes enjoyable and less fatiguing. The 2019 Ford Expedition is also a strong contender for its comfortable ride and competitive fuel economy for its size. The Cadillac Escalade, with its more truck-like feel, is less ideal for daily commuting comfort. BEST FOR ENTHUSIASTS: None of these are true "enthusiast" vehicles in the traditional sense, but if forced to choose, the 2019 Lincoln Navigator provides a surprising level of acceleration and composure for its size, making it the most "engaging" of the three. The Cadillac Escalade's V8 offers a traditional powerful rumble, which some enthusiasts might appreciate. BEST VALUE OVERALL: The 2019 Ford Expedition clearly takes this category. It delivers nearly all the core capabilities and interior space of its luxury siblings at a considerably lower purchase price, with more affordable insurance and maintenance costs. For buyers prioritizing luxury and performance, the 2019 Lincoln Navigator offers a compelling blend that justifies its higher price point.
Parts & Accessories for These Vehicles
Products for 2019 Lincoln Navigator
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