2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs 2021 Cadillac Escalade

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV maintained a seamless design, indistinguishable from its non-hybrid counterparts except for a subtle “P400e” badge. The charging port was cleverly integrated into the grille, preserving the SUV's sleek aesthetic without unnecessary styling changes. This approach underscored Land Rover's understanding of design as a crucial factor in vehicle selection, ensuring the PHEV remained appealing despite its higher price point. The test vehicle, priced at $93,200 with options, boasted a striking Firenze Red paint, black roof, and 21-inch aluminum wheels, enhancing its inherent good looks. Inside, the cabin was adorned with quality materials, reflecting the vehicle's premium price.

In contrast, the 2021 Cadillac Escalade drew inspiration from the Escala concept, evident in its redesigned front end. While the rest of the vehicle retained familiar styling, it introduced standard 22-inch wheels and OLED taillights. The Escalade's pricing started at $76,195, with various trims offering increasing luxury and features. The test vehicle, a Premium Luxury trim with four-wheel drive, was equipped with numerous high-end features, culminating in a $102,310 price tag. The Escalade distinguished itself from its platform-sharing siblings, the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon, by justifying its premium price with superior interior quality and design. The cabin offered a range of leather and wood trim options, with the test vehicle featuring Parchment leather and Tamo Ash wood, though some plastic elements detracted from the overall luxury feel.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV combined a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with a 141-hp electric motor and a 13-kWh battery, producing a total of 398 horsepower and 472 lb-ft of torque. Despite Land Rover's claim of a 31-mile all-electric range, the test vehicle struggled to maintain EV mode, possibly due to factors like climate control usage or terrain. The SUV averaged 41.9 mpg over a 28.4-mile EV range and 25.5 mpg over a 60-mile loop, outperforming previous models but potentially rivaled by the new mild-hybrid inline 6-cylinder engine. The Range Rover Sport PHEV offered quick acceleration, adaptive air suspension, and various driving modes, providing a balance of athleticism and comfort. However, the regenerative brakes were grabby, and the EV mode's complexity proved frustrating.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade offered a choice between a standard 6.2-liter V8 engine and a no-cost 3.0-liter turbo-diesel inline six-cylinder engine. The V8 delivered 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, ensuring robust acceleration. The V8 featured fuel-saving technologies like Dynamic Fuel Management, achieving an average of 15.9 mpg on a 140-mile test loop. The turbo-diesel, producing 277 horsepower and the same torque as the V8, promised improved fuel economy, though official estimates were pending. The Escalade's ride and handling benefited from a new independent rear suspension, Magnetic Ride Control 4.0, and 4-Corner Air Ride, providing a smooth and controlled experience. The SUV excelled on highways, with the V8 offering quiet and efficient cruising, and the upcoming Super Cruise technology promised enhanced long-distance driving capabilities.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV's cargo space was compromised by the battery placement, reducing the already limited 27.5-cubic-foot area behind the rear seats. Despite this, the SUV comfortably accommodated five passengers, with excellent front-seat comfort and a panoramic glass roof enhancing the interior ambiance. However, practical storage was limited, and the optional refrigerated center console bin further reduced space. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed a high seating position and good thigh support, with features like 4-zone automatic climate control adding to the comfort.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade's redesigned interior offered significant improvements in passenger space and cargo capacity, thanks to a new independent rear suspension and longer wheelbase. Front-seat occupants enjoyed standard heated seats, with ventilated and massaging options available. The second-row captain's chairs provided enhanced leg support, and the third-row seat now accommodated adults comfortably. Cargo capacity was impressive, with 25.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 109.1 cubic feet with all seats folded. The extended-length Escalade ESV offered even more space, making the Escalade a versatile choice for carrying passengers and cargo.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport's InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system proved challenging, even for tech-savvy users. Despite spending time setting up the system, it occasionally behaved unpredictably, lacking haptic feedback and causing frustration. While the technology managed the vehicle's complexity, it required patience and adaptability from the driver.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade featured cutting-edge technology, including a 38-inch curved OLED display with superior pixel density. While the system was user-friendly for those familiar with smartphones, some improvements were needed, such as easier access to different display modes. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though connectivity issues arose during testing. The Escalade's voice recognition technology had limitations, and physical controls were often preferable. Despite these challenges, the Escalade's technology impressed, with features like AR navigation and a premium AKG sound system enhancing the driving experience.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport included numerous advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), though the technology could distract drivers. The optional Driver Assist Package's steering-assist system was aggressive, and the lane-keeping assist system was abrupt, leading to their deactivation during testing. Crash-test ratings were unavailable, but the SUV's substantial weight provided a degree of safety in collisions.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade's safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. The Safety Alert Seat and Teen Driver technology added to the safety suite, while Premium Luxury and Sport trims offered additional ADAS features. The test vehicle's Driver Assist Tech Package worked smoothly, though false alarms occurred during testing. The upcoming Super Cruise technology promised further advancements in safety and convenience.