2021 Cadillac Escalade vs 2021 Volkswagen ID.4

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade showcased a design evolution influenced by the Escala concept, particularly evident in its front fascia. However, from the side and rear, it retained a familiar aesthetic, featuring standard 22-inch wheels and vertical 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, was equipped with numerous features, including a 36-speaker AKG sound system and a Driver Assist Tech Package, culminating in a $102,310 price tag. The Escalade's interior offered various leather and wood trim options, with the test model featuring Parchment leather and Tamo Ash wood. Despite its high price, some interior materials, like the plastic lower dashboard, were criticized.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was designed as an electric vehicle from the ground up, offering a distinctive look compared to Volkswagen's gasoline models. It featured a streamlined profile with wheels pushed to the corners, differentiating it from the Tiguan and Atlas. The ID.4 was built on VW's MEB platform, following the ID.3 hatchback. While it didn't resemble a traditional SUV, it offered a minimalist interior design with a tech-focused aesthetic. The base ID.4 Pro came with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and cloth seats, while higher trims offered leatherette upholstery. The ID.4's interior was spacious, with good front headroom, but rear visibility was limited due to thick rear pillars.

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. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission and technologies like Dynamic Fuel Management to improve fuel economy, achieving an average of 15.9 mpg in testing. The turbo-diesel engine, with 277 horsepower and the same torque as the V8, promised better fuel efficiency. 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 driving experience. However, the brake pedal modulation could be improved.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 launched with a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 201 horsepower and 229 lb-ft of torque, powered by an 82-kilowatt-hour battery. It was the first RWD Volkswagen passenger car in the U.S. since the Beetle. An AWD version with 295 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque became available later. The ID.4's RWD setup offered balanced handling, while the AWD version provided more power and traction. The ID.4 prioritized comfort over sportiness, with a smooth ride but noticeable body roll in corners. Unlike many EVs, the ID.4 didn't offer aggressive regenerative braking, opting for a more traditional driving experience.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade's redesigned interior offered more space and comfort, thanks to a new independent rear suspension and longer wheelbase. Front seats featured standard heated and available ventilated and massaging options. The second-row captain's chairs were heated and offered improved leg support. The third-row seat was now comfortable for adults, with significant legroom and support. 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 cargo space.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 provided more front and rear headroom than competitor EVs, though legroom was average. It offered 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats in place, expanding to 64.2 cubic feet with seats folded. While it lacked a "frunk," the interior felt spacious, with good forward visibility but limited rearward visibility. The ID.4 featured a unique twist-grip gear selector and a narrow center console with limited storage. Standard heated steering wheel and front seats efficiently maintained cabin warmth in cold conditions.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade featured a 38-inch curved OLED display with high pixel density, offering Gauge, AR Camera, and Map displays. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though some connectivity issues were noted. The voice recognition system struggled with certain commands, and physical controls were often preferred over touch and voice controls. The AR navigation system and AKG sound systems were highlights, with the 36-speaker AKG Reference system offering exceptional audio quality. A head-up display was standard on most trims.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 came with a standard 10-inch touchscreen (optional 12-inch) and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 5.3-inch display served as the instrument cluster, with haptic touchpads replacing traditional controls. The touchpads were challenging to use without tactile feedback, but a natural-language voice-control system offered an alternative. The ID.Light feature provided visual cues for various functions. The touchscreen was well-positioned, with intuitive graphics and menus.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade's safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and a Safety Alert Seat. Premium Luxury and Sport trims added blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The Driver Assist Tech Package offered additional features like adaptive cruise control. However, some false alarms were noted during testing. The upcoming Super Cruise technology promised hands-free driving on highways.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star NHTSA rating for the RWD model. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Travel Assist and Emergency Assist were new features, with Travel Assist offering smooth lane-centering and responsive acceleration and deceleration.