2021 Cadillac Escalade vs 2020 Land Rover Defender

The 2020 Land Rover Defender brought back a design that many had longed for since the 2016 LR4. It embraced the classic Land Rover aesthetic with squared-off edges, a higher-rising roof at the rear, and a plethora of glass that allowed for commanding views. Characterized by roundish headlights, short overhangs, and skid plates, it was more than just nostalgia; it felt like a tangible return to the roots of the rugged, go-anywhere SUV. Despite the fact that the smooth contours and Ford Explorer-like profile of the new Discovery did not resonate with customers as expected, the Defender managed to reclaim the classic essence with modern twists.

The Defender retained some quirky design elements that once served practical purposes, such as the step plates on the front fenders and a ladder on the back hatch. These step plates, now made of plastic, were more decorative than functional, unlike their sturdy predecessors. However, the three-piece ladder still had utility, allowing owners to access an impressive roof carrier. The taillights were modern takes on the old design, framed in an S-curve below the centerline, and featured an external spare tire that gave it a rugged look.

Inside, the Defender kept its interior basic but highly functional. The cabin, described by Land Rover as industrial, was unadorned with exposed screws and utilitarian features. It wasn't plush, even in higher trims. The base model came with cloth seats, which could be upgraded to a water-resistant synthetic leather. The design focused on durability and practicality, rather than luxury, making it suitable for those who valued ruggedness over opulence.

In sharp contrast, the 2021 Cadillac Escalade emerged with design cues borrowed from the Escala concept vehicle, especially noticeable in its refined front end. Sitting on standard 22-inch wheels, the Escalade showcased a familiar rear design featuring tall, vertical OLED taillights. It was more about evolution than revolution in its overall shape but certainly made strides in luxury and elegance.

Customers could choose from a myriad of trims that spanned different levels of opulence. The base model, starting at $76,195, included leatherette upholstery and RWD, but it greatly paled in comparison to the Premium Luxury and Sport trims, which were more in line with what people expected of a high-end Cadillac. The interior trim levels varied from plain black leatherette to luxurious semi-aniline premium leather with various quilting patterns and seven different wood trims. The Escalade's cabin reflected Cadillac's dedication to luxury, with soft-touch materials and a design that exuded sophistication.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender justified its price with excellent on-road and off-road prowess. A 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine powering the Defender produced 395 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. This mild-hybrid powertrain removed turbo lag thanks to an electric motor-powered turbocharger, providing a seamless driving experience. Fed through an eight-speed automatic transmission, the vehicle managed all surfaces with ease, aided by standard air springs that ensured a cushioned ride over treacherous terrain. Despite its impressive capabilities, the Defender handled much like SUVs of the past, with slow steering requiring frequent corrections on the highway and a relatively deep braking system.

Alternatively, the 2021 Cadillac Escalade came armed with a 6.2-liter V8 engine that delivered 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. This engine was potent and paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, ensuring brisk acceleration for such a large vehicle. The V8 employed direct fuel injection and Dynamic Fuel Management technology to improve efficiency by operating on as few as two cylinders when conditions allowed. Fuel economy for the V8 was decent for its class, returning 15.9 mpg in mixed driving.

Consumers who wanted an alternative could opt for the turbo-diesel 3.0-liter inline-six engine, which produced 277 horsepower but the same 460 lb-ft of torque available earlier in the rev range. This diesel engine promised better fuel economy and was a game-changing option for an SUV this size, offering up to 27 mpg in some driving conditions. The Escalade also stood out with its next-generation Magnetic Ride Control and new 4-Corner Air Ride suspension, which smoothened the ride and improved handling significantly.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender was engineered primarily as a rugged off-roader. Its interior was designed with durability in mind, employing hard-wearing materials and simple, easy-to-clean surfaces. The vehicle accommodated up to six people in the two-door 90 model and up to seven in the four-door 110 model, with flexible configurations to maximize either passenger or cargo space. Cargo capacity for the 90 stood at 16 cubic feet with seats up and 58 cubic feet with seats folded. The larger 110 offered 34 cubic feet behind the second row and 79 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. In models with a third row, these figures were slightly reduced, providing 35 cubic feet behind the second row and 11 behind the third.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade showcased a larger, more practical interior by lowering the vehicle's floor and extending its wheelbase. The result was a significant improvement in passenger and cargo space. Front occupants enjoyed standard heated seats and optional ventilated and massaging seats in higher trims. The second-row captain’s chairs or bench seat offered ample comfort, with sliding adjustments to optimize legroom. The biggest improvement was in the third-row seating, where adults could now sit comfortably, thanks to increased legroom and support.

Cargo space in the standard Escalade was impressive: 25.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 63 cubic feet behind the second row, and 109.1 cubic feet with both rows folded. The extended-length Escalade ESV took this further, providing 42.9 cubic feet behind the third row, 81.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and an enormous 126.6 cubic feet when all seats were folded flat. In comparison, the Defender’s cargo capacities paled, making the Escalade the better choice for those needing significant hauling ability.

Land Rover equipped the 2020 Defender with its new Pivi Pro infotainment system, an upgrade from the previously unreliable InControl Touch Pro. This system featured a 10-inch touchscreen capable of handling navigation, weather updates, and over-the-air software updates. The new layout was more user-friendly, although some issues with icon sizes existed. The system's off-road capabilities shined, with front cameras that showed the ground underneath the Defender, helpful in navigating rugged terrain.

Other tech features included analog gauges with a seven-inch display and an optional 12-inch digital instrument panel. A head-up display was also available, and 4G WiFi came standard. Rear-seat entertainment was provided through tablets that could be clicked into rear seats. Safety tech included lane keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic sign recognition.

In the 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Cadillac took technology to the next level with a 38-inch curved OLED display incorporating instrumentation and infotainment screens. These offered unparalleled clarity and color range, with pixel density exceeding that of a 4K television. The system provided multiple display options, including Gauge, AR Camera, and Map displays. However, switching between these views required diving deep into the menus, which was not ideal while driving.

Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 19-speaker AKG premium sound system, and an AR navigation system superimposing directional arrows on live camera feeds. A full-color head-up display provided essential driving information, and the optional 36-speaker AKG Reference sound system delivered an immersive audio experience. Voice recognition technology had some limitations, but physical controls offered a functional alternative.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender came equipped with essential safety features like forward emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera. However, advanced features like alerts for passing cars or cyclists required optional addons. It's notable that the Defender hadn't been rated by any U.S. crash testing agencies, possibly due to its price and limited volume.

Cadillac's approach to the 2021 Escalade's safety was comprehensive. The sheer size of the vehicle alone provided a level of inherent protection. All models included forward collision warning, automatic forward emergency braking at speeds below 50 mph, and front and rear pedestrian detection. The Safety Alert Seat buzzed to notify the driver of potential hazards, and Teen Driver technology provided a report card on young drivers' behavior.

Higher trims added advanced safety features like blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. An optional Driver Assist Tech Package brought adaptive cruise control and automatic seatbelt tightening into the mix. The Escalade also prepared to introduce Cadillac's next-generation Super Cruise technology, enhancing the SUV's long-distance driving comfort.