2021 Cadillac Escalade vs 2022 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade boasted an eye-catching design heavily influenced by the Escala concept vehicle. It featured a bold front end with unmistakable sharp creases on its flanks. The SUV’s rear maintained a traditional look, housing tall, vertical OLED taillights that climbed up into the roofline. For the first time in its history, the Escalade came standard on 22-inch wheels, giving it a striking road presence.

This luxurious SUV had various trim levels, allowing personalization based on preferences. The entry-level model started at $76,195, featuring black-on-black leatherette upholstery, a standard-length wheelbase, and RWD. The Premium Luxury and Sport trims offered more opulence and sportiness, respectively, with starting prices ranging from $82,995 to $85,995. Generous upgrades like Platinum trim ($99,995) and the festive Premium Luxury fitted with multiple packages pushed the price over six figures.

Our test vehicle, priced at $102,310, was equipped with Premium Luxury trim, FWD, Shadow Metallic paint, an extravagant 36-speaker AKG Reference sound system, and a myriad of additional upgrades. The interior palette of Parchment leather over a Jet Black base with upscale wood trims created an elegant and awe-inspiring cabin.

Conversely, the 2022 Volvo XC90 embraced a shift from the boxy designs of the past to elegant and streamlined aesthetics. A Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform underscored its sophisticated stance. The XC90 displayed a forward-tilted body ready to launch, with a sleek roofline and prominent wheel arches.

The Scandinavian craftsmanship stood out in the interior, reflecting 'Swedish Luxury' with a blend of natural wood and metal trims. The sliding wood tambour cover and the crystal gear selector spoke volumes of the thoughtfulness put into the design. Volvo's commitment to leather-free alternatives offered options like a tailored wool blend, though Nappa leather remained for those seeking traditional luxury.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade offered two potent powertrains: a standard 6.2-liter V8 and an optional 3.0-liter turbo-diesel inline-six. Enthusiasts favored the V8 for its evocative rumble and performance, pumping out 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It was capable of delivering brisk acceleration despite its substantial mass, thanks to technologies like Dynamic Fuel Management and an automatic stop/start system. However, the trade-off was a modest combined fuel economy of 16 mpg, with our test averaging 15.9 mpg.

Handling and ride quality saw remarkable improvements with the introduction of a new independent rear suspension, Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 adaptive dampers, and 4-Corner Air Ride suspension. This combination smoothed out rough road surfaces and managed body motions skillfully, making the Escalade surprisingly agile for its size. Despite slight critiques regarding brake pedal modulation, the Escalade proved most comfortable on motorways, offering a serene and insulated drive.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 featured a range of powertrains: the T5 with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder generating 250 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, the T6 with a more robust supercharged/turbocharged variant outputting 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, and the T8 plug-in hybrid combining a gasoline engine with an electric motor for a total of 455 hp and 523 lb-ft.

The T8, especially in the extended range variant, delivered an exemplary driving experience, characterized by immediate torque from the electric motor, minimal body roll, and smooth power delivery. Its fuel economy rated in the mid-20s, peaking at 66 MPGe in the extended version's EV mode, offering a commendable blend of power and efficiency. In daily driving, this meant agility and fun could harmonize with fuel-saving capabilities—a remarkable feat for a sizable SUV.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade impressed with an expansive and versatile cabin, courtesy of a new independent rear suspension that lowered the vehicle’s floor, resulting in additional interior space. Upfront, occupants enjoyed seats with extensive adjustability and available heating, ventilation, and massaging functions. The second-row offered captain’s chairs or a three-person bench, both enhancing legroom and comfort.

One of the most notable improvements was in the third row, where adults could sit comfortably, thanks to the lower floor and longer wheelbase. Cargo space was generous, with 25.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 63 cubic feet with the third-row seats folded, and a maximum of 109.1 cubic feet with the second row also down. The extended-length Escalade ESV offered even more, topping out at 126.6 cubic feet.

The 2022 Volvo XC90, available in six or seven-passenger configurations, also offered a spacious cabin but with notable differences. The third row, while accessible, was less accommodating for adults, best suited for children due to limited legroom. Cargo capacity measured at 15.9 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 41.8 cubic feet with the third row down, and maxing out at 85.7 cubic feet with the second row folded.

Despite carrying less cargo compared to the Escalade, the XC90's thoughtfully designed storage spaces, including ample door pockets and a big glove compartment, made it highly functional for everyday use. The interior remained airy and pleasant, enhanced by the standard laminated panoramic moonroof, and the effective air-conditioning system managed to bring respite even during extreme heat and humidity.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade led in technological innovations with its 38-inch curved OLED display, creating an ultra-crisp and color-rich user interface. The display included a 14.2-inch customizable instrumentation cluster and a 16.9-inch touchscreen for infotainment, though switching between views could be cumbersome. While wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, occasional glitches were noted.

The suite of tech continued with features like a full-color head-up display, augmented reality navigation that superimposed directional arrows onto live street views, and innovative AKG sound systems. The highlight was the 36-speaker AKG Reference system that allowed distinct front and rear passenger volume control and issued directional acoustic cues for navigation.

Meanwhile, the 2022 Volvo XC90 utilized the Sensus infotainment system, which, although advanced with a portrait-oriented nine-inch touchscreen, faced occasional sluggishness. Integration with Apple CarPlay was seamless, and its 12.3-inch digital instrument panel offered customizable and easily readable information. Volvo's $1,650 Advanced package, including features like a head-up display and a 360-degree camera system, was a valuable addition.

The XC90’s premium audio choice, the Bowers & Wilkins system, excelled particularly in surround sound simulation, offering an immersive audio experience. The inclusion of both USB-A and USB-C ports, a WiFi hotspot, and a useful smartphone app enriched the vehicle's connectivity and convenience.

For the 2021 Cadillac Escalade, safety was a cornerstone, beginning with the vehicle's formidable size. Standard features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. The Safety Alert Seat buzzed the driver, while Teen Driver tech allowed parental monitoring. Premium trims added advanced systems like blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assistance, and a rear camera mirror. Despite a couple of false alerts during testing, these systems generally performed reliably.

In comparison, the 2022 Volvo XC90 carried forward the brand’s legacy of safety with an extensive suite of features: blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping aid, adaptive cruise control, and Pilot Assist. Unlike Cadillac, Volvo advanced closer to semi-autonomous capabilities with Pilot Assist, which offered comprehensive assisted driving on highways. The XC90 earned top safety accolades from both IIHS and NHTSA, reiterating its safety credentials.