2020 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2021 Cadillac Escalade

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover was a testament to the brand's legacy of combining luxury with rugged capability. Originating from the Series I off-roader, the Range Rover evolved into a luxury SUV with robust 4x4 underpinnings, a hallmark that defined Land Rover. By 2012, the current-generation Range Rover was introduced, offering a variety of trims like HSE, Autobiography, and SVAutobiography Dynamic, available in both Standard Wheelbase (SWB) and Long Wheelbase (LWB) configurations. Standard features included leather seating, a panoramic sunroof, and the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, while higher trims added more luxurious touches like massaging seats and upgraded leather upholstery.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade, influenced by the Escala concept, presented a bold new design with standard 22-inch wheels and OLED taillights. Priced from $76,195, it offered trims like Premium Luxury and Sport, with a Platinum upgrade for maximum luxury. Our test vehicle, a Premium Luxury trim with four-wheel drive, featured a 36-speaker AKG sound system and a Performance Package, totaling $102,310. The Escalade stood out with its improved ride quality, thanks to a new independent rear suspension and Magnetic Ride Control, making it a more refined and maneuverable SUV compared to its predecessors.

The 2020 Range Rover offered a diverse range of powertrains, starting with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 355 horsepower and 365 lb-ft of torque. The HSE trim featured a non-hybrid version of the same engine, delivering 395 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque. A turbodiesel V6 was also available, rated at 254 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque. The P525 and Autobiography trims came with a supercharged 5.0-liter V8, generating 518 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque. The SV Autobiography Dynamic, the performance variant, boasted a 5.0-liter V8 tuned to 557 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive, offering a blend of power and efficiency. The Range Rover's Terrain Response System provided various drive modes for different conditions, enhancing its off-road capabilities.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade offered a standard 6.2-liter V8 engine with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. A 3.0-liter turbo-diesel inline-six was available as a no-cost option, producing 277 hp and the same torque as the V8. The V8 featured Dynamic Fuel Management and an automatic stop/start system for improved fuel economy, averaging 15.9 mpg in testing. The Escalade's ride quality was enhanced by a new independent rear suspension and Magnetic Ride Control, providing a smoother and more controlled experience. The SUV excelled on freeways, offering a quiet and comfortable ride, with the upcoming Super Cruise technology promising hands-free driving on select highways.

The 2020 Range Rover offered two wheelbase options, with standard seating for five or optional second-row captain’s chairs reducing capacity to four. The SWB version provided 70.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, while the LWB model offered 77.5 cubic feet. The Range Rover featured a hands-free power liftgate with a unique two-piece configuration, enhancing cargo loading. Interior storage included a center-console compartment and decently sized door compartments and cupholders.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade boasted a larger and more useful cabin, thanks to a new independent rear suspension and longer wheelbase. Front seats offered 12-way and available 16-way power adjustments, with heated and ventilated options. The second-row captain’s chairs were heated and slid for better leg support, while the third-row seat provided ample space for adults. 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, with up to 126.6 cubic feet of cargo volume.

The 2020 Range Rover featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo system with two touchscreens, controlling navigation, phone, stereo, and climate settings. The system had a learning curve and occasional lag issues, but a volume knob provided tactile control. A fully digital instrument panel and optional head-up display were also available.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade impressed with its 38-inch curved OLED display, offering high pixel density and vibrant colors. The system included a 14.2-inch instrumentation screen with Gauge, AR Camera, and Map displays, though switching between them required navigating menus. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, but voice recognition had limitations. The Escalade featured AR navigation, a 19-speaker AKG sound system, and an optional 36-speaker AKG Reference system. A head-up display was standard on most trims, providing essential driving information.

The 2020 Range Rover came with standard safety features like low-speed automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and lane-departure warning. Optional features included a 360-degree parking camera, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Range Rover's safety features were comprehensive, though some competitors offered more standard equipment.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade prioritized safety with 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. An optional Driver Assist Tech Package included advanced features like adaptive cruise control and rear emergency braking. The Escalade's safety systems generally performed well, though there were occasional false alarms during testing. The upcoming Super Cruise technology promised enhanced autonomous driving capabilities.