2020 Lexus GX vs 2021 Cadillac Escalade

When comparing the visual and tactile experiences of these two vehicles, the 2020 Lexus GX had established itself as a durable, off-road-ready face in the luxury SUV market. Introduced in 2002 and redesigned for the 2010 model year, the GX persisted into 2020 with some design refreshes that included Lexus' signature hourglass grille. While this grille design was gaudy on some Lexus models, it didn’t look overly ostentatious on the GX. Despite the updated front end and headlights, the GX still revealed its decade-old heritage, especially within its cabin. The interior was transportive, ushering passengers into an era marked by hefty center consoles bedecked with large buttons and a recessed infotainment screen—characteristics emblematic of early 2010s Lexus styling.

The GX's cabin demonstrated practical and rugged comfort. Lexus offered this SUV in three trims: 460, 460 Premium, and 460 Luxury. The base 460 trim was nothing short of impressive, with 10-way power front seats, leather upholstery, and a power sunroof among its standard features. The Premium and Luxury trims added even more opulence, with features such as automatic navigation, premium leather upholstery, self-leveling air suspension, and a sophisticated rear-seat entertainment system.

In contrast, the 2021 Cadillac Escalade exuded modern luxury with numerous design cues derived from Cadillac's recent concept vehicles. The sleeker 2021 update featured standard 22-inch wheels, crisp lines, and tall OLED taillights. It offered various trim levels, with the base model available for about $76,195, while the high-end trims like the Premium Luxury and Sport climbed into the range of nearly $100,000, especially when fully loaded.

Inside, the Escalade’s cabin was notably more high-tech and transitional compared to the GX. Standard on most trims were luxurious touches like heated and ventilated seats, with the Premium Luxury offering semi-aniline leather and several wood trims that elevated its grandeur. Although the Parchment leather and Tamo Ash wood in the test model looked lavish, certain areas like the use of plastic on the lower dashboard were less forgiving given the vehicle’s luxurious positioning.

The 2020 Lexus GX was powered by a robust 4.6-liter V8 engine offering 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque. It was paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and a standard 4-wheel drive system. While its V8 engine numbers might seem unimpressive by today’s V6 or turbocharged engines, the GX’s V8 provided a remarkable real-world driving experience. The steering was characteristically light but direct and responsive, a trait common across many Lexus vehicles.

Equipped with self-leveling air suspension, the GX delivered a smooth and controlled ride. It excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to its extensive 4WD options and adjustable suspension settings. However, it lagged in fuel efficiency, recording just 15 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway.

In comparison, the 2021 Escalade boasted a 6.2-liter V8 engine with an impressive 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. The engine featured modern enhancements like Dynamic Fuel Management and an automatic engine stop/start system to improve fuel economy, with an average of 15.9 mpg over a 140-mile test loop in the 4WD variant. Additionally, a small-displacement, 3.0-liter turbo-diesel engine was available as an option, offering respectable torque and potentially better fuel economy.

The Escalade’s ride quality was significantly improved over previous models, primarily due to the independent rear suspension and the advanced Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 adaptive dampers paired with a 4-Corner Air Ride suspension. These advancements ensured a well-controlled ride with minimal body motion, irrespective of the driving mode. The primary critique centered on the brake pedal modulation, which could have been smoother.

Both vehicles could tackle rugged terrains and provide an impressive driving experience. However, the Escalade’s modern advancements in engine technology and ride comfort provided a slight edge.

Space and utility are paramount in luxury SUVs, and here, the 2021 Escalade pulled out ahead. The redesigned independent rear suspension allowed Cadillac to lower the rear floor, significantly improving passenger accessibility and cargo volume. Front occupants relished adjustable seats with varied power and climate control options, and the second-row seats offered sliding functionality to enhance leg support.

In the new Escalade, the third-row seating capacity saw monumental improvements. Adults could comfortably fit, owing to the lower floor and extended wheelbase. The standard cargo space behind the third row was an appreciable 25.5 cubic feet, expanding to 63 cubic feet with the third-row seats folded, and a cavernous 109.1 cubic feet with both rows down. The extended-length Escalade ESV further expanded these figures to 42.9 cubic feet, 81.5 cubic feet, and 126.6 cubic feet, respectively.

The 2020 Lexus GX offered less cargo space at 64.7 cubic feet with all rear seats folded, falling short compared to the Escalade’s capacity. Access to the GX's cargo area through the side-opening rear hatch was unconventional and less practical. However, the separately opening rear window/hatch provided convenience for quickly stashing items in the cargo area.

Technology was a mixed bag for the 2020 Lexus GX. Its infotainment system was visibly dated, missing critical features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The setup was simple, with large, easy-to-use buttons, which some drivers might prefer over complex modern interfaces. This older system, while easier to operate, didn’t keep up with the tech advancements found in newer vehicles.

In stark contrast, the 2021 Escalade set benchmarks with its 38-inch curved OLED display spanning the instrument and infotainment panel. The screen offered stunning clarity, and its resistive film mitigated glare effectively. The OLED display included a 14.2-inch instrumentation screen and a 16.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, housing features like Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Despite its futuristic appeal, the Escalade’s tech setup did have usability quirks. Switching between instrumentation screen views required multiple menu navigations, which was less than ideal during driving. Voice recognition technology also left room for improvement, failing some standard tests for navigation and climate control commands.

Still, the Escalade compensated with features like the AR navigation system, a 19-speaker AKG premium sound system, and an even more luxurious 36-speaker AKG Reference sound system. Distinctive features like amplified in-car conversations and a remarkable head-up display contributed to an advanced and immersive driving tech experience.

Safety features were robust in both vehicles. The 2020 Lexus GX came with Lexus Safety System+, providing forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring and a surround-view camera were also available. The GX boasted excellent visibility, contributing to an inherently safer driving experience.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade upped the ante with automatic forward emergency braking, front and rear pedestrian detection, and a Safety Alert Seat. It included essential aids like the Teen Driver parental report card and a rear-seat reminder. The test model also featured the Driver Assist Tech Package, which added higher-speed forward emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. A concerning false brake activation during testing highlighted potential areas for improvement.

Later in the model year, Cadillac intended to introduce its next-generation Super Cruise technology to the Escalade, promising hands-free driving on select highways. This system, while not flawless, offered a glimpse into the future of autonomous vehicle safety systems.