2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar 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, the Escalade maintained a familiar aesthetic, featuring standard 22-inch wheels, crisp body creases, and vertical OLED taillights. The base model started 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 version. Inside, the Escalade offered a range of materials and finishes, with the Premium Luxury trim featuring Parchment leather and Tamo Ash wood. Despite its high price, some interior elements, like the plastic lower dashboard, were less impressive.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded class and elegance, with a design that scaled down the Range Rover's iconic profile into a sportier package. The Velar's exterior featured a sloping roof, flush door handles, and distinctive taillight lenses, creating a streamlined yet blocky appearance. The R-Dynamic trim added bronze accents and a more aggressive front bumper. Inside, the Velar's cabin was sleek, with high-quality materials and a polished black center stack. The infotainment system was improved, and the base model came with a Black Exterior Pack and 20-inch wheels, enhancing its visual appeal.

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. The V8 delivered 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, providing robust acceleration. The V8 also featured Dynamic Fuel Management and an automatic stop/start system to improve fuel economy, achieving an average of 15.9 mpg during testing. 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, offering a smooth and controlled driving experience.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, resulting in improved handling and steering. The base engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 247 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD. The Velar also offered an optional 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, available in two power outputs: 340 hp and 354 lb-ft, or 395 hp and 405 lb-ft. The mild-hybrid system improved fuel efficiency and performance, while the Velar's ride was enhanced by an optional air suspension with adaptive dampers.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade's interior was significantly more spacious, thanks to a new independent rear suspension and longer wheelbase. The front seats offered 12-way power adjustments, with ventilated and massaging options available. The second-row seats were heated and could slide for added comfort, while the third-row seats provided ample legroom and support. Cargo capacity was generous, with 25.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 109.1 cubic feet with all seats folded. The extended-length Escalade ESV offered even more cargo space.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's interior was tighter, with limited headroom and visibility due to its stylish design. Cargo space was modest, with 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 49 cubic feet with them folded. The Velar's design sacrifices practicality for aesthetics, and its parking brake control was confusingly integrated with the transmission button. However, the Pivi Pro infotainment system was user-friendly, and the cabin featured high-quality materials and a sleek design.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade boasted a 38-inch curved OLED display with high pixel density, offering impressive visuals. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though some connectivity issues were noted. The Escalade's voice recognition system struggled with certain commands, and physical controls were often more convenient than the touchscreen. The AR navigation system and 36-speaker AKG Reference sound system were highlights, providing advanced features and exceptional audio quality.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system was reliable and user-friendly, with a simplified layout and customizable options. The system included a voice assistant, air quality monitoring, and advanced navigation features. The Velar also offered a 360-degree camera system, adaptive cruise control, and a 12-speaker Meridian stereo, enhancing the driving experience with modern technology.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade's safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. The Premium Luxury trim added blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The Driver Assist Tech Package further enhanced safety with adaptive cruise control and higher-speed emergency braking. However, the Escalade experienced a couple of false alarms during testing, highlighting the need for driver attention.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar scored well in European NCAP tests, though U.S. ratings were unavailable. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control with steering assist, providing a comprehensive safety suite.