2021 Cadillac Escalade vs 2022 Kia EV6

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, sharp creases, 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, reaching up to $102,310 for a fully equipped version. Inside, the Escalade offered a mix of leather and wood trims, with the Platinum models boasting premium materials. Despite its high price, some interior elements, like the plastic lower dashboard, were less impressive.

The 2022 Kia EV6, in contrast, presented a sportier and more modern design, reminiscent of a Ford Mustang Mach-E. Its low and wide stance, combined with features like a lip spoiler and voluptuous curves, gave it a dynamic appearance. The EV6's interior was futuristic, with dual 12-inch screens, a floating center console, and a mix of suede and leather seats. The design was both stylish and functional, though the cargo space was limited compared to its exterior dimensions. The EV6's innovative features, like the retractable door handles and unique climate control interface, added to its appeal, though some elements were more style than substance.

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 power. The Escalade's ride quality was enhanced by a new independent rear suspension, Magnetic Ride Control 4.0, and 4-Corner Air Ride suspension, providing a smooth and controlled experience. Despite its size, the Escalade was maneuverable, though the brake pedal could have offered better modulation.

The 2022 Kia EV6, particularly in the GT-Line e-AWD trim, delivered impressive performance with its dual electric motors producing 320 horsepower and 446 lb-ft of torque. It accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds, with a top-power GT trim promising even more power. The EV6's handling was agile, with quick torque distribution and multiple regenerative braking settings for customizable driving experiences. However, its range was disappointing in cold weather, achieving only 65% of its EPA estimate. Charging was efficient, though not as fast as Kia's claims, highlighting the challenges of electric driving in colder climates.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade's interior was significantly improved, with a larger cabin and more cargo space due to its independent rear suspension and longer wheelbase. Front seats offered comfort with power adjustments and available massaging features. The second-row seats provided generous leg support, and the third-row was now suitable for adults. Cargo capacity was substantial, with up to 109.1 cubic feet available in the standard model and even more in the extended-length Escalade ESV.

The 2022 Kia EV6 offered a spacious interior with ample legroom and headroom, though its cargo space was limited to 24 cubic feet behind the seats. The innovative interior features, like the dual-function climate and stereo controls, were intriguing but could be frustrating in practice. The EV6's towing capacity was 2,300 pounds, and it included an onboard power generator for added utility.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade featured a 38-inch curved OLED display with high pixel density, offering impressive visuals. However, some user experience improvements were needed, such as easier access to different display modes. The Escalade included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though there were connectivity issues. The voice recognition system had limitations, and physical controls were often more practical than the touchscreen. The AR navigation and AKG sound systems were highlights, providing advanced functionality and audio quality.

The 2022 Kia EV6's infotainment system was user-friendly, with a focus on connectivity, though it required a wired connection for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The instrument panel offered useful features like blind-spot monitoring and a head-up display with augmented reality. The tech package included a 14-speaker Meridian stereo and a remote parking system, adding to the EV6's appeal. However, Kia Connect features were disabled in Massachusetts due to legal compliance issues.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade's safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. It also offered Teen Driver technology, parking assist sensors, and a surround-view camera system. Higher trims added blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control. However, there were instances of false alarms during testing, highlighting areas for improvement.

The 2022 Kia EV6 lacked published safety ratings but came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety technologies. Standard features included lane-keeping, pedestrian detection, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added automatic rear braking and 360-degree cameras. The GT-Line offered advanced features like evasive steering assist and adaptive cruise control with machine learning.