2021 Land Rover Range Rover 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, the Escalade maintained a familiar look, featuring standard 22-inch wheels, crisp creases, and tall OLED taillights. Priced from $76,195, the Escalade offered various trims, with the Premium Luxury and Sport trims being popular choices. 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 Performance Package, bringing its price to $102,310. The Escalade was praised for its luxurious interior, especially in higher trims, though some materials, like the plastic lower dashboard, were criticized given the price point.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover, once a rugged tool, had evolved into a luxury SUV with a starting price of $92,000. The HSE Westminster special edition, priced at $106,715, featured a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine. Despite its age, the Range Rover's design remained timeless, with hallmark features like blacked-out pillars and clean styling. Inside, the Range Rover exuded luxury with its Ivory-color interior and mid-century modern ambiance. However, the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system was less intuitive than newer systems, requiring patience and familiarity to operate effectively.

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 muscle. The Escalade's ride and handling were significantly improved, thanks to a new independent rear suspension, Magnetic Ride Control 4.0, and 4-Corner Air Ride suspension. These enhancements provided a smooth and controlled ride, with the SUV proving maneuverable despite its size. The V8-powered Escalade achieved an average of 15.9 mpg on a test loop, close to the EPA's estimate of 16 mpg combined.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover offered various powertrains, including a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine in the HSE Westminster edition, delivering 395 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. The Range Rover's 4WD system, with a two-speed transfer case and Terrain Response 2, ensured off-road capability, though the test vehicle's off-road ventures were limited. The adaptive air suspension provided a smooth ride, but the SUV's weight and tall center of gravity resulted in some body roll. The Range Rover averaged 18.5 mpg on a test loop, slightly below the EPA's estimate of 20 mpg combined.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade's redesigned interior offered significant improvements in passenger and cargo space, thanks to a new independent rear suspension and longer wheelbase. Front seats were comfortable, with available massaging and ventilated options. The second-row seats provided generous leg support, and the third-row seats were now adult-friendly, with ample legroom. Cargo capacity was impressive, with 25.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expandable to 109.1 cubic feet with 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 featured an air suspension with a kneel mode for easier access, though shorter passengers found entry challenging. Front seats were luxurious, but the second row lacked comfort, with limited thigh support and a slouched seating position. Storage space was limited, with a small center-console bin and dual glove compartments. Cargo capacity was also restricted, with 25 cubic feet behind the rear seats and a maximum of 59.8 cubic feet. A suspension kneel function aided loading, and a rear-seat center section allowed for longer items.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade boasted a 38-inch curved OLED display, offering high pixel density and vibrant colors. While the system was user-friendly for those familiar with smartphones, some improvements were needed, such as easier access to display modes. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though Apple CarPlay had connectivity issues during testing. The Escalade's voice recognition struggled with certain commands, and physical controls were often preferred over touchscreens. The AR navigation system and AKG sound systems were highlights, with the 36-speaker AKG Reference system providing exceptional audio quality.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured a fully digital instrumentation and infotainment system with three displays. The InControl Touch Pro Duo system required familiarity and setup to avoid distractions while driving. The head-up display was comprehensive but not visible with polarized sunglasses. The Range Rover's technology included a waterproof Activity Key wristband and an iGuide smartphone app for assistance with the infotainment system. Voice control and steering wheel controls helped mitigate some of the system's complexities.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade came equipped with a suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. The Safety Alert Seat provided tactile feedback for potential hazards. Premium Luxury and Sport trims added blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The Driver Assist Tech Package offered advanced features like adaptive cruise control and rear emergency braking. However, the system experienced a couple of false alarms during testing, highlighting areas for improvement.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover included standard safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. Optional packages added adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera. The HSE Westminster Edition included the Drive Pro and Park packages, which generally performed well, though the adaptive cruise control was slow to respond in certain situations. The Driver Assist Pack offered more advanced technology, but its effectiveness was not assessed during testing.