2021 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2021 Cadillac Escalade

2021 Cadillac Escalade
2021 Cadillac Escalade
$76,195MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2021 Chrysler Pacifica
2021 Chrysler Pacifica
$36,245MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Cadillac Escalade
$76,195MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Chrysler Pacifica
$36,245MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP

$76,195

MSRP

$36,245

Listings

623

Listings

489

Ratings & Reviews

User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

8.2 out of 10

Expert reviews

8.7 out of 10

Pros

  • Great ride quality

  • Powerful engine

  • Impressive technology

Cons

  • Advanced safety features are not standard

  • Poor fuel economy

Pros

  • Stylish design

  • Spacious third row

  • Impressive technology

Cons

  • Plug-in hybrid can't be ordered with all-wheel drive

2021 Cadillac Escalade Reviews Summary

Youthful aspiration often translates into adult acquisition. When the first Cadillac Escalade went on sale and quickly became an American popular culture icon, the oldest Millennials were just getting their driver’s licenses, and the youngest weren’t born yet. Today, this “digital native” generation raised on rap music is turning 40, moving to the suburbs, and raising families. Plus, it is poised to inherit a reported $68 trillion from Baby Boomers by 2030, the largest wealth transfer in modern history. Despite suffering through the Great Recession and now a global pandemic, will Millennials spend their passed-down windfalls on a six-figure full-size SUV that gets 16 mpg? Some will, and in so doing, they’ll get a mighty impressive and technologically sophisticated, fifth-generation Cadillac on 22s.

2021 Chrysler Pacifica Reviews Summary

The Chrysler Pacifica minivan has undergone a styling and tech refresh for the 2021 model year. It continues to deliver what families want and need from a daily driver. Chrysler continues to offer the model with either a traditional V6 engine or hybrid powertrain and has upped the ante with a new premium Pinnacle trim level. With 97 standard safety features and gobs of well-designed storage space, it’s easy to see why the Pacifica is the perfect choice for many families.
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Popular Features & Specs

Engine

6.2L 420 hp V8

Engine

3.6L 287 hp V6

Drive Train

RWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

8

Seating Capacity

8

Horsepower

420 hp @ 5600 rpm

Horsepower

287 hp @ 6400 rpm

MPG City

14

MPG City

19

MPG Highway

20

MPG Highway

28
2021 Cadillac Escalade
2021 Cadillac Escalade
$76,195MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Chrysler Pacifica
2021 Chrysler Pacifica
$36,245MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Cadillac Escalade
$76,195MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Chrysler Pacifica
$36,245MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP
$76,195
$36,245
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews

4.7

4.8

Expert reviews

8.2 out of 10

Read full review

8.7 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons

Pros

  • Great ride quality

  • Powerful engine

  • Impressive technology

Cons

  • Advanced safety features are not standard

  • Poor fuel economy

Pros

  • Stylish design

  • Spacious third row

  • Impressive technology

Cons

  • Plug-in hybrid can't be ordered with all-wheel drive

Summary
Youthful aspiration often translates into adult acquisition. When the first Cadillac Escalade went on sale and quickly became an American popular culture icon, the oldest Millennials were just getting their driver’s licenses, and the youngest weren’t born yet. Today, this “digital native” generation raised on rap music is turning 40, moving to the suburbs, and raising families. Plus, it is poised to inherit a reported $68 trillion from Baby Boomers by 2030, the largest wealth transfer in modern history. Despite suffering through the Great Recession and now a global pandemic, will Millennials spend their passed-down windfalls on a six-figure full-size SUV that gets 16 mpg? Some will, and in so doing, they’ll get a mighty impressive and technologically sophisticated, fifth-generation Cadillac on 22s.
The Chrysler Pacifica minivan has undergone a styling and tech refresh for the 2021 model year. It continues to deliver what families want and need from a daily driver. Chrysler continues to offer the model with either a traditional V6 engine or hybrid powertrain and has upped the ante with a new premium Pinnacle trim level. With 97 standard safety features and gobs of well-designed storage space, it’s easy to see why the Pacifica is the perfect choice for many families.
Video
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine
6.2L 420 hp V8
3.6L 287 hp V6
Drive Train
RWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
8
8
Horsepower
420 hp @ 5600 rpm
287 hp @ 6400 rpm
MPG City
14
19
MPG Highway
20
28
Look and feel

2021 Cadillac Escalade

9/10

2021 Chrysler Pacifica

9/10
CarGurus experts rate both the 2021 Cadillac Escalade and the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica a solid 9 out of 10 for look and feel, highlighting the premium aesthetics and tactile experience of both vehicles. The 2021 Cadillac Escalade draws heavily from Cadillac's futuristic concept vehicles, notably the Escala. This influence is most apparent in the vehicle's redesigned front end, though the remainder of the Escalade sticks to a more traditional luxury SUV blueprint. It features standard 22-inch wheels, crisp body creases, and signature vertical OLED taillights. The interior offers a range of luxury materials and trims, with price points starting at $76,195 and climbing to over $100,000 for top-tier configurations. Critics agree that the Escalade justifies its price with superior luxury and performance compared to its corporate siblings and past iterations. Conversely, the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a mid-generation refresh, adopting a more muscular look while maintaining its sophisticated silhouette. LED lighting and a new grille design modernize its appearance, while the interior balances premium amenities with practicality. The Pacifica shines in its upper trims, especially the Pinnacle, which boasts luxury finishes and the largest touchscreen in its class. With prices starting significantly lower than the Escalade, the Pacifica offers a solidly premium experience at a more accessible price point.
Picture of 2021 Cadillac Escalade
Picture of 2021 Cadillac Escalade
Picture of 2021 Cadillac Escalade
Picture of 2021 Cadillac Escalade
Picture of 2021 Cadillac Escalade
Picture of 2021 Cadillac Escalade
Picture of 2021 Cadillac Escalade
Picture of 2021 Cadillac Escalade
Picture of 2021 Cadillac Escalade
Performance

2021 Cadillac Escalade

9/10

2021 Chrysler Pacifica

8/10
In performance, CarGurus experts give the 2021 Cadillac Escalade a 9 out of 10, while the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica earns an 8 out of 10. The Escalade's performance is anchored by a choice between a 6.2-liter V8 or a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel engine, with the latter offering impressive fuel efficiency for its class. The SUV's improved handling and ride quality are attributed to its new suspension design and adaptive dampers, making it remarkably agile for its size. These mechanical advancements, combined with a robust suite of powertrains, provide a driving experience that balances power with poise. The Pacifica, powered by a 3.6-liter V6 or a hybrid powertrain, excels in versatility and efficiency. The addition of AWD enhances its all-weather capabilities without significantly impacting fuel economy. The hybrid variant, in particular, stands out for its blend of performance and efficiency, offering over 30 miles of all-electric range and superior MPGe figures.
Form and function

2021 Cadillac Escalade

10/10

2021 Chrysler Pacifica

9/10
When it comes to form and function, both the 2021 Cadillac Escalade and the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica cater to their respective audiences with thoughtful design and practical features, particularly in terms of passenger comfort and cargo space. The redesigned Escalade significantly enhances passenger space and comfort, thanks to a new suspension system that lowers the floor and extends the wheelbase, providing ample legroom across all rows. Notably, the Escalade's cargo capacity is generous, offering 25.5 cubic feet behind the third row. When the third-row seats are folded down, this expands to 63 cubic feet, and with both the second and third rows down, it reaches a voluminous 109.1 cubic feet. Opting for the extended-length Escalade ESV increases these numbers to 42.9 cubic feet behind the third row, 81.5 cubic feet with the third row down, and an expansive 126.6 cubic feet with both rows flattened, making it an excellent choice for those needing maximum cargo space. The Chrysler Pacifica minivan is designed with family functionality at its core. The minivan's interior offers a blend of spaciousness and practicality, with innovative features like Stow 'n Go seating enhancing its versatility. Upfront, the absence of a traditional center console creates a more open, accessible space. The Pacifica's thoughtful design continues with standard equipment aimed at convenience and comfort, including power-sliding doors and adaptable seating configurations. In terms of cargo capacity, the Pacifica shines with a best-in-class total storage volume, offering ample room for luggage and gear. Specifically, the Pacifica Pinnacle provides an impressive 227.6 liters (approximately 8 cubic feet) of total storage, not directly comparable in cubic feet to the Escalade due to different measurement criteria, but indicative of its efficient use of space for family needs.
Technology

2021 Cadillac Escalade

8/10

2021 Chrysler Pacifica

8/10
Technology ratings from CarGurus are 8 out of 10 for both vehicles, reflecting their advanced infotainment and connectivity features. The Escalade boasts a cutting-edge OLED display system, offering unmatched clarity and customization. While its high-tech interface demands a learning curve, the sheer quality and innovation of its systems, including augmented reality navigation and a 36-speaker AKG sound system, set new standards for luxury SUVs. The Pacifica's Uconnect 5 system is highly praised for its user-friendliness and responsiveness. Standard features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an available 20-speaker Harman Kardon sound system provide a connected and enjoyable driving experience.
Safety

2021 Cadillac Escalade

8/10

2021 Chrysler Pacifica

9/10
Safety scores are 8 out of 10 for the Escalade and 9 out of 10 for the Pacifica, highlighting the commitment of both vehicles to passenger protection. The Cadillac Escalade includes a comprehensive suite of safety features, from advanced driving aids to innovative technologies like the Safety Alert Seat. Despite some false alarms in testing, the Escalade's safety credentials are solid, especially with the addition of Super Cruise later in the model year. The Chrysler Pacifica offers an impressive array of safety features, with a notable expansion in the Pinnacle trim. Its high rating from NHTSA and the inclusion of advanced technologies like adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking underscore its suitability for family use.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Cadillac Escalade is 8.2 out of 10, while the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica scores 8.7 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the Chrysler Pacifica comes out on top as the preferred choice for most consumers, offering a superior blend of functionality, technology, safety, and cost-effectiveness.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Cadillac Escalade is 8.2 out of 10, while the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica scores 8.7 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the Chrysler Pacifica comes out on top as the preferred choice for most consumers, offering a superior blend of functionality, technology, safety, and cost-effectiveness.

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By: CarGurus + AI

At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.

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