2022 Chevrolet Suburban vs 2021 Cadillac Escalade

CarGurus experts rate the 2021 Cadillac Escalade a 9 out of 10 and the 2022 Chevrolet Suburban a 5 out of 10 for look and feel. The Escalade, with design cues taken from the Escala concept vehicle, boasts a redesigned exterior featuring standard 22-inch wheels and tall, vertical OLED taillights. Its interior offers luxury and customization with various leather, wood trim options, and a Platinum trim upgrade for maximum luxury. Despite its high sticker price, the Escalade justifies its premium over its GMC and Chevrolet counterparts through superior design and material quality. Conversely, the Suburban adheres to Chevrolet's full-size truck design language, offering a vast array of customization options across its six trims. The RST trim, in particular, features sporty aesthetics with its Cherry Red Tintcoat paint and black accents. While its interior spans from comfortable to plush across different trims, the overall look and feel, particularly in the darker cabins, may not resonate as strongly with all consumers.

In performance, the Escalade earns a 9 out of 10, with a choice between a standard 6.2-liter V8 and an optional 3.0-liter turbo-diesel inline six-cylinder engine. It showcases significant improvements in ride and handling, attributable to its new independent rear suspension and the latest generation of Magnetic Ride Control and 4-Corner Air Ride adaptive dampers. These advancements offer a smoother ride and better maneuverability, underscoring the Escalade's refinement and power. The Suburban scores a 7 out of 10, offering a trio of engines including a new 3.0-liter turbodiesel. Its independent rear suspension and 10-speed automatic transmission enhance ride quality and handling, while the optional 6.2-liter V8 delivers robust performance, especially evident during towing tasks. However, its sheer size can make maneuverability a challenge in tight urban spaces.

Both SUVs excel in offering spacious and comfortable interiors, but the Escalade particularly shines with its significant gains in passenger room and cargo capacity, thanks to its new design. It offers up to 109.1 cubic feet of cargo space, surpassing the Suburban in luxury but not in sheer volume. The Suburban, however, is unmatched in its ability to accommodate passengers and cargo, boasting up to 144.7 cubic feet of space. Its spacious cabin is complemented by features like an optional power-sliding center console for additional storage, though its size can be a drawback in dense urban environments.

Technology ratings are even, with both vehicles scoring an 8 out of 10. The Escalade's standout feature is its 38-inch curved OLED display, offering unprecedented clarity and user-friendliness, albeit with some complexities in navigation. Its high-end AKG sound system and Super Cruise capability set a high bar for in-car technology. The Suburban impresses with its technological offerings, including a new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and Google built-in on higher trims. While it may not match the Escalade's OLED display, it offers a robust and user-friendly experience that is competitive in the full-size SUV market.

Safety ratings are also tied, with both vehicles receiving an 8 out of 10. The Escalade is equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including Cadillac's Super Cruise technology, while the Suburban's Chevy Safety Assist suite provides a strong foundation of driver assistance technologies, achieving solid scores in federal safety tests.