Cadillac Escalade ESV vs Chevrolet Suburban

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was an extended version of the standard Escalade, featuring a complete redesign for that model year. It was notably longer than the regular Escalade, measuring 226.9 inches compared to 211.9 inches, and slightly lower in height. This additional length was primarily at the rear, enhancing cargo space and providing a more stable ride due to its extended wheelbase of 134.1 inches. The Escalade ESV was designed to maintain a sleek and luxurious appearance, with chrome styling on certain trims and blacked-out accents on others. All versions rode on 22-inch wheels, with variations in finishes and spoke designs depending on the trim level. The vehicle came equipped with standard luxury features such as LED headlights, power-extending assist steps, and a deep-tinted, solar-absorbing glass, while offering optional upgrades like a panoramic moonroof and heated mirrors.

Inside, the Escalade ESV aimed to deliver a luxurious experience, though it fell short in some areas. The interior featured a dual-cockpit setup with hard plastics that lacked the refinement expected in a vehicle of its price range. While the dashboard trimmings were not particularly special, the Escalade ESV did offer a range of packages to enhance both exterior and interior features. Despite its shortcomings, the Escalade ESV provided a comfortable ride with ample legroom in the first two rows and a decent third row, although adults might not prefer long journeys in the back. The vehicle's cargo space was impressive, with 126.6 cubic feet available behind the first row, making it a practical choice for those needing extra room.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban, redesigned in 2021, shared its exterior styling with the Tahoe SUV and Silverado 1500 pickup, giving it a supersized appearance with a tall hood and large wheels. Available in six trims, the Suburban offered a variety of customization options, with our RST test vehicle featuring a striking Cherry Red Tintcoat exterior and 22-inch bright-machined black-painted wheels. The monochromatic black grille and RST-specific badging contributed to its sporty look. Inside, the Suburban provided a spacious cabin with seating options ranging from economically comfortable to plush, depending on the trim level. Our RST tester boasted Jet Black perforated leather seats with Victory Red stitching and a Luxury package that included heated second-row seats. However, the predominantly black interior made the cabin feel somewhat dark, despite the chrome sill plates and red stitching.

The Suburban excelled in interior space, accommodating up to nine occupants with the optional front-row bench seat. The third row was notably livable, with ample headroom and legroom, and access was excellent. Cargo space was a standout feature, with 41.5 cubic feet behind the third row and a maximum of 144.7 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded flat. The Suburban's size, while practical, posed challenges in maneuvering and parking in tight spaces, particularly in urban areas. The switch to electronic push-button transmission controls was a notable change, requiring some adjustment for those accustomed to a column-mounted shifter.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV offered two engine options: a 6.2-liter V8 and a 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel inline-six. The V8, standard across all trims, delivered 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, while the diesel engine provided 277 hp and the same torque. Both engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, and buyers could choose between rear-wheel drive (RWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD). The Escalade ESV's V8 engine provided sufficient power, though it could have benefited from more low-end torque for passing at higher speeds. The vehicle's weight, ranging from 5,785 to 6,182 pounds, posed a challenge for the engine when towing. Fuel economy was not officially rated by the EPA, but the RWD Escalade ESV averaged around 18 mpg during testing.

For the 2022 Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet expanded its engine offerings to include a 5.3-liter V8, a 6.2-liter V8, and a new 3.0-liter turbodiesel inline-six. The base 5.3-liter V8 produced 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, while the 6.2-liter V8, standard on the High Country and available on other trims, delivered 420 hp and 460 lb-ft. The new diesel engine offered 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, providing excellent hauling and trailering capability. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Suburban's independent rear suspension improved ride and handling, and the 6.2-liter V8 in our RST test vehicle provided effortless power and acceleration. During an 80-mile tow test, the Suburban performed admirably, with a maximum towing capacity of 8,300 pounds.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was designed as a comfortable people and cargo hauler, offering leatherette seating surfaces as standard and leather upholstery as an option. Standard features included 12-way power-adjustable front seats, heated first- and second-row seats, a heated steering wheel, and tri-zone climate control. Buyers could upgrade to 16-way power-adjustable front seats with massage functionality and a panoramic sunroof. The Escalade ESV provided ample legroom in the first two rows, while the third row was suitable for shorter trips. Cargo space was a highlight, with 126.6 cubic feet behind the first row, 81.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and 42.9 cubic feet behind the third row. The hands-free power liftgate, while innovative, was not always reliable, and the adaptive air suspension made entry and exit easier.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in interior space, accommodating up to nine occupants with the optional front-row bench seat. The third row was notably livable, with ample headroom and legroom, and access was excellent. Cargo space was a standout feature, with 41.5 cubic feet behind the third row and a maximum of 144.7 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded flat. The Suburban's size, while practical, posed challenges in maneuvering and parking in tight spaces, particularly in urban areas. The switch to electronic push-button transmission controls was a notable change, requiring some adjustment for those accustomed to a column-mounted shifter.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was a technological marvel, featuring a standard 19-speaker AKG sound system with an optional upgrade to a 36-speaker AKG Studio Reference audio system. The vehicle came equipped with wireless charging, NFC phone pairing, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and seven USB ports. The Escalade ESV's standout feature was its curved 38-inch OLED screen, providing crisp graphics and intuitive menu layers. Cadillac's Super Cruise, an advanced driving assist system, was available, allowing for hands-free driving on certain highways. While Super Cruise worked well in most conditions, it struggled in areas with recent construction and occasionally required driver intervention.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban offered a surprising level of technology, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster standard on LT trims and above. Google built-in, including Google Maps and Google Assistant, was also standard on these trims. The Chevrolet Infotainment 3 System with an 8-inch touchscreen was standard on the LS, while a 10.2-inch system with Google built-in was standard on LT and above. Wireless device charging and a WiFi hotspot were standard across the board. The Suburban's audio system varied by trim, with a six-speaker system on the LS and a nine-speaker Bose system on the LT. The Premier and High Country trims featured a premium Bose 10-speaker Surround with CenterPoint audio system.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV came standard with a suite of safety features, including front automatic braking, front and rear park assist, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. Buyers could opt for additional technologies such as adaptive park assist, a head-up display, and night vision. The Escalade ESV received a four-star rating from the NHTSA, with a three-star rating for rollover resistance.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban was equipped with the Chevy Safety Assist suite, featuring automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, HD surround vision, and blind-spot monitoring. The Suburban received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four stars for front crash protection and five stars for side crash protection.