2021 Honda CR-V vs 2022 Cadillac Escalade

The 2021 Honda CR-V had a design that blended into the crowded compact crossover market. Its styling was nearly identical to its competitors, with only minor details like the grille and some chromed plastic features setting it apart. The color options were limited, with most being shades of gray, black, or white, and the more vibrant colors were restricted to higher trims. Inside, the CR-V offered a modern look with angular seats and a mix of cloth or leather depending on the trim. However, it faced stiff competition from more distinctively styled crossovers like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson.

In contrast, the 2022 Cadillac Escalade made a bold statement with its unapologetically massive size and distinctive styling. The grille, LED lights, and taillights were scaled to match its bulk, giving it a unique presence. The Escalade's front end resembled a diesel locomotive, emphasizing its size. The interior was luxurious, with leather upholstery, wood trim, and a panoramic sunroof, but it lacked a cohesive design theme. Despite some cheap-looking plastic bits, the Escalade's interior was spacious and offered various trim options for a more personalized look.

The 2021 Honda CR-V was not designed for high-speed thrills but for smooth and steady acceleration. It featured a 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine across all trims, achieving 0-60 mph in about 7.8 seconds. The CR-V's continuously variable transmission (CVT) provided a predictable driving experience, though it lacked the engagement of conventional transmissions found in competitors like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option. The CR-V's suspension setup ensured decent handling and ride quality, making it a reliable choice for everyday driving.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade offered two powertrain options: 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 paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and offered rear-wheel drive or optional four-wheel drive. The diesel engine provided smooth power delivery and impressive torque, making it a joy to drive. However, the Escalade's ride quality was less refined, with a body-on-frame construction and 22-inch wheels contributing to an unsettled ride. The Escalade's towing capacity was slightly lower than the Lincoln Navigator, but it still offered ample power for most needs.

The 2021 Honda CR-V was designed with practicality in mind, offering 102.9 cubic feet of passenger volume and 75.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. The tailgate options varied by trim, with higher trims offering power and hands-free operation. Roof rails were only standard on the top-tier Touring trim. The CR-V's interior was functional, with ample space for passengers and cargo, making it a versatile choice for families.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade, available in standard and extended ESV versions, shared its platform with other GM full-size SUVs. The standard Escalade measured 211.9 inches long, while the ESV was 227 inches. This platform provided a cavernous cabin with the most first-row and third-row legroom among full-size luxury SUVs. The Escalade excelled in cargo space, offering 25.5 cubic feet with all seats in place, 63.0 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 109.1 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. However, the raised center console limited storage space, and the seats, while adjustable and equipped with massage functions, felt similar to those in other GM vehicles.

The 2021 Honda CR-V's base LX trim had a basic 5-inch color screen with Bluetooth connectivity. Higher trims featured a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SMS text messaging. The audio system varied by trim, with the Touring trim offering a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. Charging ports were plentiful, with USB ports in the front and second rows, and the Touring trim added a wireless phone charger.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade boasted a 38-inch curved OLED display, comprising three screens: a 14.2-inch digital instrument cluster, a 16.9-inch touchscreen, and a 7.2-inch trip-computer screen. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity were standard. The display was well-integrated into the dashboard, with functional icons and physical toggles for climate control. The Escalade also featured a 360-degree camera system, a rearview camera mirror, and advanced tech options like night vision and augmented-reality navigation. The 19-speaker AKG Studio sound system was standard but challenging to tune.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA overall crash test rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. It featured the Honda Sensing system, which included a multi-angle rearview camera, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, road departure mitigation, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and auto high-beam headlamps. The only feature not standard on the base LX trim was blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade came with standard driver-assist features like adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, front and rear park assist, lane-keep assist, and lane-departure warning. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Super Cruise, a sophisticated driver-assist system, was available on most trims for $2,500. It allowed for hands-free driving on pre-mapped highways and used a driver-facing camera for safety. However, the Escalade lacked published safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.