2021 Toyota Sequoia 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 and vertical OLED taillights. The Escalade was available starting at $76,195, with higher trims like the Premium Luxury and Sport offering more features and luxury, reaching up to $102,310 for a fully equipped model. Inside, the Escalade impressed with its luxurious materials and design, though some plastic elements were less forgivable at its price point.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Sequoia, despite a facelift in 2018, showed its age with a design dating back to 2007. The 2021 model introduced a Nightshade Special Edition, but the overall styling remained largely unchanged. The interior featured a dated multi-tiered dash and a small 7-inch touchscreen, though it offered ample cabin space. The Sequoia's trims ranged from the entry-level SR5 to the off-road-focused TRD Pro and the luxurious Platinum, with features like leather upholstery and advanced audio systems available in higher trims.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade offered a choice between a standard 6.2-liter V8 engine and an optional 3.0-liter turbo-diesel inline six-cylinder engine. The V8 delivered 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, providing robust acceleration. The Escalade's ride and handling were significantly improved with a new independent rear suspension, Magnetic Ride Control, and 4-Corner Air Ride suspension, offering a smooth and controlled driving experience. The V8's fuel economy was rated at 16 mpg combined, while the diesel engine promised better efficiency.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia came standard with a 5.7-liter V8 engine producing 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. While the Sequoia's acceleration was strong, its fuel economy lagged behind due to the older transmission. The Sequoia's driving dynamics were reminiscent of a truck, with a soft suspension and strong brakes. It could tow up to 7,400 pounds, though it fell short compared to competitors like the Ford Expedition and Chevrolet Tahoe.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade boasted a larger and more versatile cabin, thanks to its new independent rear suspension and extended wheelbase. It offered significant improvements in passenger comfort and cargo capacity, with up to 109.1 cubic feet of cargo space in the standard model and 126.6 cubic feet in the extended-length Escalade ESV. The interior featured heated and ventilated seats, with massaging seats available in the Platinum trim, and a power-release second-row for easy access to the third row.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia's spacious cabin was one of its main selling points, offering nearly 120 cubic feet of cargo space with all rear seats folded. It featured a power-retractable rear window, a unique feature for easy access to the cargo area. While the front-row space could have been better utilized, the Sequoia provided ample storage options with deep door pockets and a large center console. Despite its age, the Sequoia's interior remained practical and functional.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade was equipped with cutting-edge technology, including a 38-inch curved OLED display with high pixel density. It featured wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though some user experience improvements were needed. The Escalade's voice recognition system had limitations, but its AR navigation and AKG sound systems were impressive. A full-color head-up display and a 36-speaker AKG Reference sound system were available, enhancing the luxury experience.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. Our test model featured a larger 9-inch screen, though it still felt small on the large dash. The Sequoia's older infotainment system was straightforward and easy to use, with physical buttons for convenience. While it lacked the advanced technology of newer models, its simplicity was appreciated.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. It also offered advanced systems like blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and adaptive cruise control in higher trims. However, there were instances of false alarms during testing. The Escalade's size provided inherent safety, and it was set to receive Cadillac's next-generation Super Cruise technology for hands-free driving.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia was equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense-P suite, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. It also featured blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. While it lacked more advanced systems like lane-keeping assist, the Sequoia offered a generous list of standard safety features. However, its older platform resulted in a four-star rollover rating from the NHTSA.