Cadillac Escalade vs Cadillac XT4

The 2020 Cadillac XT4, with its Premium Luxury trim, presented a more refined and less sporty appearance. It featured front-wheel drive, Silver Radiant metallic paint, and 20-inch aluminum wheels, along with a navigation system and a Bose premium audio system. The XT4's design was crisp and tailored, with a notable front overhang due to its front-drive platform. Inside, the cabin was pleasant, using competitive quality materials, though some areas, like the black trim around the power window controls, felt less luxurious. Despite these minor setbacks, the XT4 maintained a visually appealing presence, especially with its larger wheels.

In contrast, the 2021 Cadillac Escalade showcased a design influenced by the Escala concept, particularly in its front fascia. It featured standard 22-inch wheels, crisp side creases, and familiar rear styling with OLED taillights. The Escalade's interior was a significant upgrade, offering a spacious cabin due to its independent rear suspension and longer wheelbase. The Premium Luxury trim included Shadow Metallic paint, a 36-speaker AKG sound system, and advanced tech packages, culminating in a $102,310 price tag. The Escalade's cabin was luxurious, with Parchment leather and Tamo Ash wood, though some plastic elements were less forgivable at this price point.

The 2020 Cadillac XT4 was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 237 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided a lively driving experience, with torque available from 1,500 to 4,000 rpm. A nine-speed automatic transmission was standard, offering smooth shifts, though it hesitated to downshift in Tour mode. The XT4's ride was a mixed bag, with good steering effort in Tour mode but an artificially heavy feel in Sport mode. The oversized wheels provided impressive grip, but the suspension struggled with speed humps and smaller bumps, affecting ride comfort.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade offered a choice between a 6.2-liter V8 engine and a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel inline six-cylinder engine. The V8, with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, delivered strong acceleration through a 10-speed automatic transmission. It featured Dynamic Fuel Management and an automatic stop/start system for improved fuel economy, averaging 15.9 mpg in testing. The Escalade's ride and handling were significantly improved, thanks to its independent rear suspension and Magnetic Ride Control 4.0. The SUV handled well on winding roads and was remarkably maneuverable in the city, though the brake pedal could have offered better modulation.

The 2020 Cadillac XT4 provided a comfortable experience for front-seat occupants, with soft leather, padded armrests, and heated, ventilated, and massaging seats. The rear passenger compartment was spacious, though the seat cushion lacked support. The XT4's air conditioning system was highly effective, and the interior offered ample storage space. However, cargo capacity was limited, with 22.5 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 48.9 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade boasted a larger and more functional cabin, thanks to its independent rear suspension and extended wheelbase. Front-seat comfort was enhanced with power-adjustable seats, while the second-row captain's chairs offered improved leg support. The third-row seat was now suitable for adults, with increased legroom and support. Cargo capacity was impressive, with 25.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 63 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 109.1 cubic feet with the second row down. The extended-length Escalade ESV offered even more space, with up to 126.6 cubic feet of cargo volume.

The 2020 Cadillac XT4 featured an improved Cadillac User Experience (CUE) system, with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. The 8-inch touchscreen was easy to use, though a larger screen would have been preferable. The voice-recognition system worked well, but integrating climate controls would have been beneficial. The optional 13-speaker Bose audio system provided a satisfying listening experience, though some advanced features like a head-up display were absent.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade was equipped with a 38-inch curved OLED display, offering high pixel density and vibrant colors. The system was user-friendly, though switching between display modes required navigating multiple menus. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though some connectivity issues were noted. The Escalade's voice recognition system had room for improvement, particularly in interpreting navigation requests. The AR navigation system was impressive, with directional arrows and Google Street View images. The optional 36-speaker AKG Reference sound system delivered exceptional audio quality, with separate volume controls for front and rear passengers.

The 2020 Cadillac XT4 came with forward-collision warning, front pedestrian braking, and low-speed automatic emergency braking as standard. Premium Luxury trim added blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and lane-change warning systems. The Driver Awareness Package included additional features like automatic high-beam headlights and lane-keeping assistance. The XT4 received a 5-star safety rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not completed all testing.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade featured forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. Premium Luxury and Sport trims added blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The Driver Assist Tech Package offered adaptive cruise control and rear emergency braking. The Escalade's safety systems generally worked well, though there were a few false alarms during testing. The upcoming Super Cruise technology promised hands-free driving on select highways, enhancing the Escalade's safety and convenience.