2021 Cadillac Escalade vs 2021 Genesis GV80

The 2021 Genesis GV80 had the advantage of being a fresh entry, unburdened by a legacy of design language and customer expectations. As Genesis’s first SUV, the GV80 was designed with an open slate, though it still carried some signature styling cues from its sedan siblings, like the G80. The SUV featured an elegant two-box design, highlighted by a long hood, short front overhang, and considerable distance between the front axle and dashboard. Two slit vents on each fender contributed to a sophisticated front fascia dominated by a massive trapezoidal grille with a distinctive diamond mesh and a flying "G" cloisonné badge. The "Quad Lamp" LED headlights, two lines of lights on each side of the grille, have become a signature Genesis look.

Softly sculpted wheel arches encased 19-inch, 20-inch, or 22-inch wheels, depending on the trim level. The SUV’s rear echoed the front design with Quad Lamp taillights wrapping around to the tailgate and twin trapezoidal tailpipes. Paint quality and trim were impeccable, with tight, uniform panel gaps.

Inside, the GV80 boasted a sleek dashboard emphasizing horizontal lines for a spacious feel. The HVAC vents were subtly integrated, and the center console had an uncluttered bridge-like structure with minimal buttons, thanks to shift-by-wire technology that replaced the traditional gear selector with a rotary dial. A high-definition 14.5-inch widescreen display sat prominently on the dash, adding to the premium feel. The cabin was trimmed in high-quality materials such as real wood, metal, and leather.

Conversely, the 2021 Cadillac Escalade took design cues from Cadillac’s Escala concept, especially at the front. However, from the grille back, the design didn’t deviate from its predecessors' familiar silhouette. The Escalade sat on standard 22-inch wheels and had bold, crisp body lines. The rear featured tall, vertical OLED taillights that extended up into the roofline.

Price-wise, the Escalade ranged from $76,195 for the entry-level model to over $102,310 for a fully-loaded Premium Luxury trim with several packages. The interior was spacious and luxurious, with standard heated front seats, optional ventilated seats, and massaging features in the Platinum trim. Premium materials were evident, though there were some hard plastics that seemed out of place in a vehicle with such a high price tag.

The Genesis GV80 offered two engine choices: a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 with 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. The four-cylinder engine was sufficient for most driving scenarios, and its slightly thrashy sound when pushed was mitigated by responsive performance. The V6, combined with an eight-speed automatic transmission and AWD standard on V6 models, provided smoother and more powerful driving dynamics without straining. The GV80’s electronically controlled suspension system enhanced ride comfort, particularly with the road-preview feature on the 3.5T model, and active noise cancellation added to the premium experience. Fuel economy for the 2.5T was 21/25/23 mpg for RWD and 21/25/22 mpg for AWD, while the 3.5T AWD model offered 18/23/20 mpg.

The Escalade came standard with a robust 6.2-liter V8 engine, churning out 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain allowed the hefty SUV to accelerate without trouble, and the optional Performance Upgrade Package further enhanced its sound and responsiveness. Cadillac also offered a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel six-cylinder engine with 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, providing impressive fuel efficiency. The redesigned Escalade boasted an independent rear suspension and Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 adaptive dampers, alongside a four-corner air ride suspension. These features delivered a refined ride quality, effectively managing body motions and road imperfections, particularly in Sport mode. The Escalade averaged 15.9 mpg on a 140-mile test loop with the V8 engine and 4WD configuration. The upcoming Super Cruise system was set to enhance its appeal as a long-distance cruiser.

Driving the Genesis GV80 was an experience in advanced design, technology, and ergonomics. The center console featured a rotary gear selector and a multimedia controller with a concave design and dual control functions. The HVAC controls were sophisticated, with capacitive touch buttons providing tactile feedback and intelligent masking to lock out irrelevant buttons. The second-row seats were comfortable and spacious for two adults, with power options and luxury features like power window shades and three-zone climate control. While a third row was available only on the 3.5T AWD Advanced+ model, the power-folding function made it more practical for occasional use.

In terms of cargo capacity, the GV80 offered competitive space but did not match the sheer volume of the Escalade. With the third row folded, it provided ample room for most needs.

Meanwhile, the 2021 Cadillac Escalade featured significant interior improvements due to its independent rear suspension and extended length. This space-efficient design allowed for more passenger comfort and cargo capacity. The third-row seats were now adult-friendly, with ample legroom and support. Cargo capacity in the standard version measured 25.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 63 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 109.1 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. The extended-length Escalade ESV expanded this to 42.9, 81.5, and 126.6 cubic feet respectively. These figures substantially exceeded the GV80’s cargo space, making the Escalade a more versatile choice for families and travelers.

The Genesis GV80’s sixth-generation UX infotainment system utilized a 14.5-inch HD screen for a seamless experience with split-screen capability. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and featured cloud connectivity for over-the-air updates and cloud-based user profiles. Other tech highlights included an NFC digital key for Android users, Genesis Connected Services for three years, and a head-up display on higher trims. The top-tier audio option was a Lexicon Quantum Logic Surround system with 21 speakers providing immersive sound quality.

Cadillac's Escalade stood out with its OLED instrumentation and infotainment screens, spanning 38 inches across, offering remarkable clarity and color fidelity. It featured a 14.2-inch instrumentation screen and a 16.9-inch infotainment touchscreen. While user-friendly for most smartphone-savvy individuals, switching between display modes could be cumbersome while driving. Nonetheless, the AR navigation system and AKG sound system, with an optional 36-speaker AKG Reference setup, were industry-leading. The Escalade's voice recognition and hands-free driving technology, due for an upgrade later in the year with Super Cruise, added layers of convenience and safety.

The Genesis GV80 came equipped with an array of safety features, boasting 10 airbags, including a front-center airbag, and various collision avoidance assist systems. Adaptive cruise control with machine learning tailored the driving experience to individual habits, and Highway Driving Assist provided semi-autonomous driving capabilities. The GV80 also featured remote smart parking, enhancing its usability in tight spaces. However, official crash test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA had not yet been released.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade, thanks to its sheer size, offered inherent protection in collisions. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and a Safety Alert Seat. Premium trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control with advanced functionality. The Escalade's substantial weight, combined with a suite of active safety technologies, made it a formidable contender for safety-conscious buyers. Like the GV80, it awaited official crash test ratings at the time.