Fifth Place, 96 points: Lincoln Navigator $77,999 -
Likes: The audacious
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cheese grater front end styling lets people know you've arrived. A nice compromise between a comfy ride and (relatively) good handling with real, honest-to-gawd steering feel.
Dislikes: Only 67 kg. lighter than the big Ford, the 300 h.p., 365 lb.-ft. of torque 5.4-litre V8 and six-speed auto drivetrain still has its work cut out for it. Interior styling favours form over function with the centre stack controls out of reach for most drivers.
Verdict: Steers and handles better than the Cadillac, but me thinks the 'Gator's styling will be the key decider for most buyers.
Six Place, 95 points: Cadillac Escalade $88,695 -
Likes: To the similar GMC, the Escalade adds the 403 h.p., 417 lb.-ft. of torque 6.2-litre V8
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engine (the biggest mill here), two more gears to the automatic transmission, a quieter cabin, better ride comfort, and the obvious blingmeister styling.
Dislikes: Despite the upgraded drivetrain, towing capacity is less than the cheaper Yukon. Optional 22-inch dubs deliver a jiggly ride, the six-speed tranny has violent gear drops when you mat the throttle, and the Cadillac is missing luxury car details like one-touch power windows, telescopic steering wheel, or an adjustable air suspension. And don't expect Audi- or 'Benz-like build quality or materials with your $90,000 Caddy.
Verdict: When a loaded, classier looking Chevy Tahoe can be had for $20,000 less, is the Escalade the Silliest Car of the Year?
Seventh Place, 89 points - Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer MAX $64,519 -
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Likes: There sure is plenty of passenger and cargo room. The styling says "I'm a truck!", and the Expedition's 2,792 kg. curb weight (the porkiest here) proves it.
Dislikes: Inside the Ford, the steering wheel lacks a telescoping feature, glitzy driver instrumentation is hard to read, and the styling theme looks like something from a '70s rec room. The same drivetrain pulling the Lincoln isn't enough engine here, as the MAX cries out for one of the new diesels from Ford's Super Duty pickups.
Verdict: The Excursion is dead. Long live the Expedition MAX!
* All prices as tested.
