2021 Subaru Outback vs 2021 Cadillac Escalade

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade drew inspiration from Cadillac's impressive concept vehicles, most notably the Escala. This influence was highly evident in the redesigned Escalade's forward-facing design. However, from there back, the Escalade retained much of its traditional styling with standard 22-inch wheels, clean creases along its sides, and familiar tall vertical OLED taillights that fade into the roofline.

Its price began at $76,195 for a base model with leatherette upholstery and rear-wheel drive, climbing to $102,310 for a Premium Luxury trim with extensive options such as a 36-speaker AKG Reference sound system. These various trims and upgrades provided potential buyers with a wide array of choices to match their luxury and performance preferences.

Inside, the Escalade was a blend of high-quality materials and tech-forward designs. Where upper trims offered sumptuous leather interiors, wood trims, and advanced tech features, the lower trims exhibited more conservative use of materials like plastic on certain interior surfaces. Even so, Cadillac’s efforts to elevate the Escalade were clear, especially in the more opulent models such as the Platinum trim with its semi-aniline leather and leather-wrapped interior panels.

Meanwhile, the 2021 Subaru Outback retained a sense of familiarity, closely resembling its predecessors while incorporating fresh elements. The redesign for 2020 incorporated the same analog gauges, steering wheel design, and seat forms, creating an environment long-time Subaru drivers would find comfortingly familiar. However, the interior received a major update with trims above the base model featuring an 11.6-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen that greatly improved usability and aesthetics over the base model’s dual 7-inch screens.

Leather upholstery on Limited and Touring trims gave a luxurious feel, while our Onyx Edition XT’s StarTex upholstery balanced comfort with durability, thanks to its water-resistant properties—a nod to Subaru's adventurous spirit.

Externally, the Outback maintained its practical design with high gray cladding on the wheel arches and bumpers, emphasizing its rugged versatility. Its relatively unchanging appearance underscored Subaru's commitment to function over form, branding it as a lifted wagon—a practical alternative to more conventional SUVs. Little changed in 2021, with notable updates being the introduction of adaptive LED headlights and a new Brilliant Bronze Metallic paint option for the Premium trim.

Under the hood, the 2021 Cadillac Escalade came standard with a 6.2-liter V8 engine, delivering an impressive 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, providing robust acceleration capabilities. Cadillac also offered a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel six-cylinder engine with 277 horsepower and identical torque output, benefiting from slightly better fuel economy but retaining sufficient performance thanks to the early torque delivery. The V8 version managed a respectable 15.9 mpg during varied driving conditions, essentially meeting its EPA estimates for combined driving.

The Escalade’s performance was notably enhanced by its new independent rear suspension, MRC 4.0 adaptive dampers, and 4-Corner Air Ride air suspension. These features combined to deliver a remarkably smooth and controlled ride, whether navigating winding mountain roads or cruising on the highway. It effectively minimized body roll and head toss, with different driving modes allowing for tailored driving experiences.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru Outback managed with less muscle but impressive versatility. The base 2.5-liter flat-four engine produced 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, struggling somewhat under heavier loads. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) further hampered performance, making the Outback notably slow and noisy when pushed.

However, opting for the Outback XT significantly improved performance. Its 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four engine churned out 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, transforming the driving experience. This engine was quieter, smoother, and more capable of handling heavier loads than the base engine while maintaining decent fuel economy at an EPA-estimated 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway.

Subaru’s hallmark long-distance comfort shone through, with the Outback’s squishy handling and imprecise steering side effects of its plush ride. Its reliable all-wheel-drive system and 8.7 inches of ground clearance allowed it to tackle off-road conditions effectively, bolstered by the electronically-variable system that provided proactive torque distribution.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade boasted an impressive interior, largely thanks to its new independent rear suspension that allowed for a lower floor and more interior space. The front row featured ergonomically advanced seats, with various comfort options including massaging seats in the Platinum trim. The second-row captain’s chairs, which were standard and heated, offered excellent leg support and adjustability, while a three-person bench was also available. The third row witnessed dramatic improvements in comfort and space, making it suitable for adult passengers.

In terms of cargo space, the standard-length Escalade offered substantial capacity: 25.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 63 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a massive 109.1 cubic feet with all seats down. The extended-length Escalade ESV increased these figures further, providing 42.9 cubic feet behind the third row, 81.5 cubic feet behind the second, and up to 126.6 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The 2021 Subaru Outback, though not as large, was remarkably practical. With 33 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up, and expanding to 76 cubic feet with them down, it offered substantial room for its class. The cargo area was well-designed, featuring a wide, flat surface free of intrusive elements. Ample headroom and legroom ensured comfort across all seats, while the superb outward visibility was aided by pragmatic design choices like thin pillars and large windows.

Interior storage was thoughtfully designed, with generous map pockets, bottle holders, and additional small storage spaces enhancing daily usability. However, some key convenience features such as push-button start and rear climate vents were reserved for higher trims, reflecting Subaru’s approach similar to higher-end brands like BMW.

The standout feature in the Outback was its integrated roof rails with crossbars. These could be easily swiveled and locked into place, offering practical and instant utility without requiring additional purchases.

Cadillac positioned the 2021 Escalade as a tech leader with its impressive 38-inch curved OLED display, providing a stunning visual experience with unmatched pixel density and color depth. However, there were usability concerns with some aspects, such as switching between different display modes, which required navigating deeply nested menus.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto came standard, though the voice recognition system exhibited some flaws during testing. The AR navigation and the sound system with directional navigation prompts were highly advanced features, enhancing the driving experience. The optional 36-speaker AKG Reference sound system delivered exceptional audio quality.

The 2021 Subaru Outback’s technology felt outdated in comparison. Its infotainment system's graphics were reminiscent of older tech, which detracted from the modern functionality underlying the system. However, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, offering contemporary connectivity. Subaru EyeSight, standard across all trims, provided advanced driver assistance features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist using a camera-based system that worked well but had limitations in certain conditions.

Cadillac equipped the Escalade with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features. From forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking to pedestrian detection and a Safety Alert Seat, the Escalade aimed to provide extensive protection. The inclusion of Teen Driver technology, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system further underscored its safety credentials. The Driver Assist Tech Package added high-speed emergency braking and adaptive cruise control, although during testing, a couple of false alarms were noted.

In comparison, the 2021 Subaru Outback earned top safety ratings, including an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Its chassis was stronger and stiffer, with additional airbags providing enhanced protection. Key safety technologies like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on higher trims, while the driver-attention monitor and rear emergency braking added to the overall safety package.