2021 Cadillac Escalade vs 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan, redesigned in 2018, presented a stylish yet conservative German aesthetic. Its exterior featured clean lines and a horizontal grille adorned with Volkswagen's new flat logo, connecting the headlights. While the exterior maintained a contemporary appeal, the interior was less impressive, with plain design elements and hard black plastic surfaces. The cockpit, though simple, was overshadowed by the focus on electronics, such as the optional digital dashboard and glass-covered touchscreen infotainment system, which stood out as highlights in an otherwise unremarkable interior.

In contrast, the 2021 Cadillac Escalade drew inspiration from the Escala concept, particularly in its front design. While the rest of the vehicle maintained a familiar look, it introduced standard 22-inch wheels and vertical OLED taillights. The Escalade offered various trims, from the base model at $76,195 to the luxurious Platinum trim at $99,995. Our test vehicle, a Premium Luxury trim with four-wheel drive, boasted features like a 36-speaker AKG sound system and a Performance Package, culminating in a $102,310 price tag. The Escalade's interior, with its leather and wood trim options, exuded luxury, though some plastic elements were less forgivable at this price point.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, offered either front-wheel drive or an optional all-wheel drive. Despite its size and weight, the Tiguan delivered a snappy throttle response with minimal turbo lag, though highway passing required patience. The Tiguan's handling was impacted by its larger size, with a longer wheelbase affecting nimbleness. However, its soft suspension ensured a comfortable ride, even on rough terrain.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade offered a choice between a standard 6.2-liter V8 engine and a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel inline six-cylinder engine. The V8, with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, provided impressive acceleration, while the diesel option delivered 277 horsepower and the same torque. The Escalade's ride and handling were significantly improved, thanks to a new independent rear suspension and Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 adaptive dampers. The SUV excelled on highways, offering a smooth and quiet ride, though the brake pedal could have offered better modulation.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan excelled in practicality, with a second row of seats that could slide up to seven inches, making the third row more usable. While the third row was not spacious, it offered enough legroom for shorter adults and children. The Tiguan's cargo capacity was impressive, with up to 73.5 cubic feet available in two-row models. The driver's seat provided ample room, and the vehicle's design made it feel larger than it was, appealing to those downsizing from larger SUVs.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade's cabin was significantly larger and more comfortable, thanks to a new independent rear suspension and longer wheelbase. Front-seat occupants enjoyed high-tech controls and comfortable seating, while the second-row captain's chairs offered improved leg support. The third-row seat was now spacious enough for adults, and cargo capacity was generous, with up to 109.1 cubic feet available in the standard-length model. The extended-length Escalade ESV offered even more room, making it a versatile choice for those needing extra space.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan featured the MIB II infotainment system, which, despite being due for an upgrade, was one of the best on the market. The system included a 6.5-inch touchscreen in the base trim, with an 8-inch upgrade available in higher trims. The Tiguan offered USB ports, a wireless charging pad, and VW's Digital Cockpit, which provided a customizable digital instrument panel. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a WiFi hotspot.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade boasted a 38-inch curved-glass display with OLED instrumentation and infotainment screens, offering greater pixel density than a 4K television. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though some user experience improvements were needed. The Escalade's technology was impressive, with features like AR navigation, a 19-speaker AKG sound system, and a 36-speaker AKG Reference sound system. A full-color head-up display was standard on all but the base trim, providing a wealth of information to the driver.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan's safety package included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. However, features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance were reserved for the top SEL trim. The Tiguan was equipped with Car-Net, a telematics package offering remote locking, status checks, and vehicle location. The IIHS rated the Tiguan a Top Safety Pick for SEL Premium models with LED headlights.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade came with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. It also featured Teen Driver technology, parking assist sensors, and a surround-view camera system. Premium Luxury and Sport trims added blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and lane-keeping assistance. An optional Driver Assist Tech Package included adaptive cruise control and other advanced features. The Escalade's safety systems generally worked well, though there were a couple of false alarms during testing.