2021 Nissan Rogue 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 standard 22-inch wheels, crisp creases, and tall OLED taillights. The Escalade's pricing started at $76,195 for a basic model, with more luxurious trims like the Premium Luxury and Sport available at higher prices. The test vehicle, a Premium Luxury trim with four-wheel drive, boasted features like a 36-speaker AKG sound system and a Driver Assist Tech Package, culminating in a $102,310 price tag. Inside, the Escalade offered a luxurious cabin with various leather and wood trim options, though some plastic elements were less impressive given the price.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue sported a handsome new design with a more technical appearance, featuring dark gray plastic cladding and bold skid plates. Its modern aesthetic was complemented by clean LED lighting and a prominent V-Motion grille. The Rogue was available in four trims, starting with the Rogue S at $25,650 and topping out with the Rogue Platinum at $35,430. The test vehicle, a Rogue SL, included a Premium Package and additional features, totaling $35,195. Inside, the Rogue offered a light and bright interior with an Almond leather finish, a panoramic sunroof, and abundant soft-touch surfaces. The cabin was well-organized, with controls arranged logically, and the Platinum trim added luxurious touches like quilted leather and ambient lighting.

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 V8's fuel economy was enhanced by technologies like Dynamic Fuel Management, achieving an average of 15.9 mpg on a test loop. The turbo-diesel, while less powerful at 277 horsepower, offered the same torque and promised better fuel efficiency. The Escalade's ride and handling were significantly improved with a new independent rear suspension, Magnetic Ride Control, and 4-Corner Air Ride suspension, providing a smooth and controlled driving experience.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. While adequate for daily driving, the engine felt underpowered for more adventurous endeavors. The CVT transmission performed well, mimicking a traditional automatic, and the Rogue offered AWD and new driving modes for off-road capability. The test vehicle achieved 27.5 mpg, slightly below the EPA rating. The Rogue's ride and handling were enhanced by a robust architecture and advanced suspension systems, providing a smooth and predictable driving experience. The new steering system offered improved feel and responsiveness, making the Rogue more enjoyable to drive.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade's cabin was larger and more functional, thanks to a new independent rear suspension and increased vehicle dimensions. Front seats offered comfort with standard heated and available ventilated and massaging options. The second-row seats provided improved leg support and access to the third row, which now accommodated adults comfortably. Cargo capacity was generous, with 25.5 cubic feet behind the third row and up 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 Nissan Rogue featured improved Zero Gravity seats, offering comfort across all trims. The interior was equipped with standard air conditioning, with higher trims adding dual or triple-zone climate control. Rear-seat space was generous, with nearly 90-degree opening doors for easy access. The Rogue accommodated up to three child safety seats and included a rear-seat reminder system. Interior noise was reduced through various enhancements, and storage solutions were practical, with a power rear liftgate available on most trims. Cargo capacity was competitive, with up to 74.1 cubic feet of space with the rear seats folded.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade boasted a 38-inch curved OLED display, offering high pixel density and vibrant colors. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though some user experience improvements were needed. The AR navigation system provided turn-by-turn directions with visual cues, and a 19-speaker AKG sound system was standard. The optional 36-speaker AKG Reference system delivered exceptional audio quality. A head-up display was standard on most trims, providing essential driving information.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue offered a competitive infotainment package, starting with an 8-inch touchscreen and expanding to a 9-inch display with higher trims. Features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and NissanConnect Services, with options for a Bose audio system and wireless smartphone charging. The voice recognition system performed well, and the Platinum trim added advanced features like a digital instrument cluster and head-up display.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade came equipped with a comprehensive 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 trims added blind-spot warning, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The test vehicle's advanced safety systems generally performed well, though there were a couple of false alarms during testing. Cadillac planned to introduce its Super Cruise technology later in the model year, offering hands-free driving on select highways.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue prioritized safety with its Safety Shield 360 suite, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot warning. The Rogue featured ten airbags, a driver monitoring system, and a rear-seat reminder. Adaptive cruise control was available with ProPilot Assist, offering improved accuracy and smoothness. The SL Premium Package and Platinum trim added Navi-link technology for enhanced driving assistance. While crash-test results were pending, the Rogue's robust architecture and safety engineering were promising.