2021 Ford Bronco Sport vs 2022 Cadillac Escalade

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was introduced as a smaller sibling to the much-anticipated Bronco, capturing the rugged spirit of its predecessor while offering a more urban-friendly design. It featured a modern retro aesthetic reminiscent of Land Rover, with short front and rear overhangs for improved off-road capability. The Bronco Sport's design was characterized by its bold "BRONCO" lettering on the grille and tailgate, with minimal Ford branding. The SUV's wheel options ranged from 17-inch to 18-inch, with various finishes and tire types to suit different driving needs. Inside, the Bronco Sport offered a rugged yet refined interior, with a focus on practicality and comfort, including a range of seating materials and configurations.

In contrast, the 2022 Cadillac Escalade made a bold statement with its unapologetically large size and distinctive styling. Its front end, with a tall hood and vertical running lights, gave it a commanding presence. The Escalade's design was further distinguished by its massive grille and LED lighting elements, which emphasized its bulk. The SUV offered different trim options, with varying exterior finishes to cater to both luxury and sport preferences. Inside, the Escalade boasted a spacious cabin with leather upholstery, wood trim, and a panoramic sunroof, though it lacked a cohesive design theme. Despite its luxury aspirations, some interior materials fell short of expectations.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport offered two engine options, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The Base, Big Bend, and Outer Banks trims featured a 1.5-liter EcoBoost turbocharged three-cylinder engine, delivering 181 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque. The Badlands and First Edition models were equipped with a more powerful 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 245 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. The Bronco Sport excelled off-road, thanks to its short wheelbase, independent suspension, and generous ground clearance. It also featured a terrain management system with up to seven G.O.A.T. modes, enhancing its versatility on various terrains.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade offered two powertrain choices: a standard 6.2-liter gasoline V8 with 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, and an optional 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six diesel engine with 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive standard and four-wheel drive optional. The Escalade's diesel engine provided smooth power delivery and a low torque peak, making it suitable for various driving conditions. However, the Escalade's ride quality was less refined, with a body-on-frame construction that resulted in an unsettled ride compared to unibody SUVs. Its towing capacity was slightly lower than some competitors, and it lacked off-road capabilities found in other GM SUVs.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was designed with active lifestyles in mind, offering clever features like a cargo space capable of accommodating two 27.5-inch-wheel mountain bikes. It also had a range of accessories for transporting outdoor gear. The roof could support up to 150 pounds, and the vehicle's towing capacity varied between 2,000 and 2,200 pounds, depending on the engine. The interior featured ample storage compartments, though visibility could be challenging for taller drivers due to the roof overhang and hood design.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade shared its platform with other GM full-size SUVs, resulting in a spacious cabin with ample legroom, particularly in the first and third rows. The standard Escalade measured 211.9 inches in length, while the extended ESV version was 227 inches long. The Escalade excelled in cargo space, offering 25.5 cubic feet with all seats in place, expanding to 109.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. However, the raised center console limited storage space, and some interior elements felt less luxurious than expected.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with SYNC 3, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It offered a range of tech options, including a Bang & Olufsen sound system and a 360-degree camera. The terrain management system provided multiple drive modes, enhancing off-road capabilities. Intelligent access with push-button start was available on most trims, along with a digital instrument panel on higher trims.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade boasted a 38-inch curved OLED display, comprising three screens for a comprehensive infotainment experience. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with physical controls for essential functions. The Escalade offered advanced features like a 360-degree camera system, augmented-reality navigation, and a head-up display. However, some infotainment elements, like the radio station carousel, were less user-friendly.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport came standard with the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite, including features like pre-collision assist, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. An optional Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control and other advanced features. All models featured all-wheel drive and a terrain management system for enhanced safety.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade offered a comprehensive suite of driver-assist technologies, including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. Super Cruise, a sophisticated hands-free driving system, was available on most trims. The Escalade's safety features were complemented by the vibrating Safety Alert Seat, though official crash ratings were not available.