2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs 2021 Cadillac Escalade

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade showcased a design heavily influenced by the Escala concept, particularly evident in its front fascia. However, from the side and rear, it retained a familiar look, featuring crisp creases and tall OLED taillights. For the first time, it sat on standard 22-inch wheels. The base model started at $76,195, with higher trims like the Premium Luxury and Sport offering more features and luxury, reaching up to $99,995 for the Platinum trim. The test vehicle, a Premium Luxury trim with four-wheel drive, was equipped with numerous features, including a 36-speaker AKG sound system and a Driver Assist Tech Package, totaling $102,310. The Escalade was praised for its luxurious interior, especially in higher trims, though some materials like plastic panels were criticized given the price point.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport, in its second generation since 2014, carried over the refreshed design from 2018, featuring a dual-screen center console that defined its interior. The model offered a variety of trims, from the base SE to the high-performance SVR Carbon Edition. Standard features on the SE included leather upholstery and a dual-screen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims added luxury features like a panoramic sunroof and a 19-speaker Meridian sound system. The Autobiography trim introduced high-end luxury with power soft-close doors and 22-way adjustable seats. The SVR models focused on performance with a powerful V8 engine and sport seats. The Range Rover Sport was known for its off-road capabilities and luxurious appointments, though the optional third row was best suited for children.

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, producing 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, was favored for its performance and sound, with a Performance Upgrade Package available for added power. The V8 featured direct fuel injection and Dynamic Fuel Management, allowing it to operate on as few as two cylinders to improve fuel economy. The test vehicle averaged 15.9 mpg on a 140-mile loop. The turbo-diesel, with 277 horsepower and the same torque as the V8, promised better fuel economy, though official estimates were pending. The Escalade's ride and handling were significantly improved with a new independent rear suspension, Magnetic Ride Control 4.0, and 4-Corner Air Ride suspension, providing a smooth and controlled ride. The SUV was maneuverable despite its size, though the brake pedal could have offered better modulation.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport offered a range of powertrains, starting with the P360 mild-hybrid system, which combined a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with a 48-volt electrical system, producing 355 horsepower and 365 lb-ft of torque. The HST model featured a more powerful P400 version with 395 hp and 406 lb-ft. The HSE Silver Edition offered plug-in hybrid and diesel options, with the P400e plug-in hybrid delivering 398 hp and 472 lb-ft. The HSE Dynamic and Autobiography trims boasted a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 with 518 hp, while the SVR models had an even more potent version with 575 hp. All models came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD. The Range Rover Sport excelled off-road with its Terrain Response system and height-adjustable air suspension, providing impressive cornering abilities on paved roads. Most variants could tow up to 7,716 pounds, except the SVR, which was limited to 6,613 pounds.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade's interior was significantly improved, thanks to a new independent rear suspension that allowed for a lower floor and increased interior volume. This resulted in more passenger room and cargo capacity. Front seats offered 12-way power adjustment, with ventilated and massaging options available in higher trims. The second row featured heated captain's chairs or a bench seat, with improved leg support. The third row was now comfortable for adults, with increased legroom and support. 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 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport provided a maximum of 63.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 31.7 cubic feet with the second row in use. An optional third row increased seating capacity to seven but offered only 10.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind it, making it suitable for children. Both the first and second rows provided ample headroom and legroom, with luxurious appointments. The third row was tight and best for short trips or children.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade featured a cutting-edge OLED display spanning 38 inches, offering greater pixel density than a 4K TV. The display included a 14.2-inch instrumentation screen and a 16.9-inch infotainment screen, though switching between views required navigating through menus. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though some users experienced connectivity issues. The voice recognition system struggled with certain commands, and climate control adjustments couldn't be made via voice. The Escalade's AR navigation system was impressive, with directional arrows superimposed on the camera view. A 19-speaker AKG sound system was standard, with a 36-speaker AKG Reference system available. A head-up display was standard on most trims, providing essential information.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport's interior was dominated by a dual-screen center console, with the lower screen handling climate controls and vehicle settings, and the upper screen housing the infotainment system. The system had a learning curve and was not always intuitive, though the lower screen's dials offered versatile control. The upper touchscreen allowed for easy switching between menus and smartphone integration. While the system had improved over earlier versions, it still required some acclimation.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. A Safety Alert Seat vibrated to warn the driver of potential hazards. Teen Driver technology, parking assist sensors, and a surround-view camera were standard. Premium Luxury and Sport trims added blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keeping assistance. An optional Driver Assist Tech Package included adaptive cruise control and higher-speed emergency braking. The Escalade's size provided inherent safety, though there were occasional false alarms with the ADAS.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport offered standard driver assistance features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning. Adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert were optional. Additional features included a surround-view camera, traffic sign recognition, and park assist. A head-up display was also available.