2021 Cadillac Escalade vs 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar was a stylish addition to the Range Rover lineup, positioned between the compact Evoque and the larger Range Rover. Its design was neither too sleek nor too boxy, featuring a low roof and steeply-raked windshield that gave it a unique profile. The Velar maintained its SUV identity with a broad front end and short overhangs, which contributed to its off-road capabilities. The SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition added sportier elements, such as larger air intakes and quad exhaust tips, enhancing its aggressive look. Inside, the Velar offered a luxurious cabin with high-quality leather and metal trim, creating a cockpit-like feel that was both modern and sophisticated.

In contrast, the 2021 Cadillac Escalade showcased a bold redesign influenced by the Escala concept, particularly evident in its front fascia. While the rear design remained familiar, the Escalade introduced standard 22-inch wheels and vertical OLED taillights. The interior was significantly improved, offering more space and comfort due to a new independent rear suspension and extended wheelbase. The Escalade's cabin was luxurious, with options for leather upholstery, wood trims, and advanced seating features. The Premium Luxury trim provided a high-end experience with features like a 36-speaker AKG sound system and advanced driver assistance technologies, making it a standout in its class.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar, particularly in its SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition, marked a shift towards performance with the introduction of a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine. This engine delivered 550 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. The Velar could accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, reaching a top speed of 177 mph. Despite these impressive figures, it wasn't the fastest in its class, with competitors like the BMW X3 M Competition and Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S offering quicker acceleration. The Velar's aluminum platform provided a solid and refined driving experience, though it felt large on tight roads. The base engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 247 hp, while a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 was also available.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade offered a choice between a standard 6.2-liter V8 engine and an optional 3.0-liter turbo-diesel inline-six. The V8 produced 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, providing strong acceleration through a 10-speed automatic transmission. The V8 featured technologies like Dynamic Fuel Management and an automatic stop/start system to enhance fuel efficiency, achieving an average of 15.9 mpg in testing. The turbo-diesel, while less powerful at 277 hp, offered the same torque and better fuel economy. The Escalade's ride and handling were significantly improved with a new independent rear suspension and Magnetic Ride Control 4.0, providing a smooth and controlled driving experience. The Escalade excelled on highways, offering a quiet and comfortable ride, with the upcoming Super Cruise technology promising enhanced long-distance driving capabilities.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar occupied a unique position in terms of size, being larger than compact luxury SUVs but smaller than midsize ones. Despite its size, the Velar's interior space was not as generous as some competitors, with limited headroom and a somewhat cramped cockpit-like front seating area. Cargo space was competitive, offering 15.7 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 48.9 cubic feet with them folded. The Velar's towing capacity was respectable, with the SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition and V6 models capable of towing up to 5,511 pounds.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade, on the other hand, boasted a significantly larger and more functional cabin. The new independent rear suspension allowed for a lower floor, increasing passenger comfort and cargo capacity. The Escalade offered 25.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 109.1 cubic feet with all seats folded. The extended-length Escalade ESV provided even more room, with up to 126.6 cubic feet of cargo volume. The interior featured advanced seating options, including heated and ventilated seats, with massaging functions available in the Platinum trim. The third-row seat was notably more spacious, accommodating adults comfortably.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, with dual 10.0-inch touchscreens handling various functions. The system included a WiFi hotspot, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. While the graphics and menu layout were praised, the system's slow response times were a drawback. Additional tech features included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a head-up display, and capacitive steering-wheel controls.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade was equipped with cutting-edge technology, highlighted by a 38-inch curved OLED display offering high pixel density and vibrant colors. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though some users experienced connectivity issues. The Escalade's voice recognition technology had room for improvement, with some inaccuracies in interpreting commands. The AR navigation system was a standout feature, providing real-time directional guidance. The Escalade also offered a 19-speaker AKG sound system, with an optional 36-speaker AKG Reference system delivering exceptional audio quality. A full-color head-up display was standard on most trims, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar lacked safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, as low-volume luxury vehicles were not prioritized for crash testing. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and parking aids. Adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring were available as options, though Land Rover's driver-assist offerings were less sophisticated compared to competitors.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade prioritized safety with a comprehensive suite of features. Standard equipment included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. The Safety Alert Seat provided tactile feedback to the driver, while Teen Driver technology and a rear-seat reminder added extra layers of safety. Premium trims offered additional features like blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assistance, and a rear camera mirror. The optional Driver Assist Tech Package enhanced safety with higher-speed emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. Despite a few false alarms during testing, the Escalade's safety systems generally performed well.