2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe vs 2022 Cadillac Escalade

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe made a bold statement with its appearance and sound. Aside from a "4xe" badge and sky blue accents, it looked much like a regular Wrangler, with the only notable difference being the power port at the base of the windshield. When the battery had enough charge, the vehicle moved silently, save for the pedestrian notification system's whine, which drew attention as it navigated Yosemite National Park. Our test vehicle, painted in Firecracker Red and equipped with Rubicon trim, had over $13,000 in options, bringing the total price to $66,690, including destination charges. Inside, the Wrangler 4xe retained the classic Wrangler look with some added soft-touch materials and unique PHEV-related gauges and displays.

In contrast, the 2022 Cadillac Escalade made a strong first impression with its unapologetically massive size. The grille, LED lights, and taillights were scaled to match its bulk, giving it a distinct look compared to other GM full-size SUVs. The test car's 22-inch wheels seemed small against the vast sheet metal. The Escalade offered different trim pieces for "sport" and "luxury" models, with the latter featuring bright exterior trim and wheels. Despite sharing its body-on-frame architecture with other GM SUVs and trucks, the Escalade stood out with its luxurious interior, featuring leather upholstery, wood trim, and a panoramic sunroof. However, it lacked a cohesive design theme, and some materials appeared cheap.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, two electric motors, and a 17-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack. This setup provided an estimated 21 miles of pure electric driving and a combined efficiency rating of 49 MPGe. As a hybrid, it achieved 20 mpg combined, with a total driving range of 370 miles. The Wrangler 4xe offered three powertrain modes: Hybrid, Electric, and e-Save. In Hybrid mode, it delivered 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, accelerating to 60 mph in six seconds. Electric mode allowed for pure electric driving, while e-Save preserved battery power for specific situations. During a weekend road trip to Yosemite, the Wrangler 4xe covered 757 miles, averaging 19.1 mpg, with 120.9 miles on electricity.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade offered two powertrain choices: a standard 6.2-liter gasoline V8 producing 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, and an optional Duramax 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 standard rear-wheel-drive or optional four-wheel-drive. The diesel engine, tested for this review, provided smooth power delivery and a lower torque peak, making it an asset when pulling away from a stop. However, the brake pedal felt hard and uninspiring. The gasoline engine had a maximum towing capacity of 8,200 pounds, slightly higher than the diesel's 8,100 pounds. Despite its independent rear suspension, the Escalade's ride felt unsettled, with noticeable vibrations and pitching. It lacked the off-road capability of its GM cousins and competitors like the Range Rover and Grand Wagoneer.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe required some effort to climb into due to its high door sills and lack of side steps on the Rubicon trim. Once inside, the driving position was classic Wrangler, with a high seating position and clear view over the hood. The center console offered limited storage due to the hand-brake and transfer case lever. Rear-seat space was adequate, with air conditioning vents, USB charging ports, and a 115-volt power outlet. Cargo volume measured 27.7 cubic feet behind the back seat, expanding to 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. However, accessing cargo could be challenging due to the swing-out tailgate and flip-up rear glass window.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade shared its body shell and chassis with the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon, offering a cavernous cabin. The standard Escalade measured 211.9 inches long, while the extended ESV version was 227 inches. It provided the most first-row and third-row legroom among full-size luxury SUVs, with second-row captain's chairs and a 60/40 power split-folding third-row bench seat. Cargo space was impressive, with 25.5 cubic feet with all seats in place, 63.0 cubic feet with the third-row seats folded, and 109.1 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. However, the raised center console offered limited storage space, and the front seats, despite being 12-way power adjustable with massage and lumbar support, felt like they could have come from a GM cousin. Cadillac did include dedicated buttons for seat heating and ventilation and large sun visors for the side-window glass.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Rubicon's technological advancements were primarily related to its plug-in hybrid powertrain and 4WD system. It featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen Uconnect infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, and SiriusXM Guardian connected services. A WiFi connection was available, and the Alpine sound system could overcome wind noise on the freeway. However, the Uconnect system showed signs of aging in terms of load time, responsiveness, voice recognition accuracy, and graphics. The Trip Summary data panel provided charging time estimates, and the five blue charging indicator lights on the dashboard were helpful for viewing charging status.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade boasted a 38-inch curved OLED display, consisting of three screens: a 14.2-inch digital instrument cluster, a 16.9-inch touchscreen, and a 7.2-inch screen for trip-computer functions. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as Bluetooth connectivity, were standard. The display blended seamlessly into the dashboard, with icons arranged to fit its shape. Physical toggles for climate control and other functions were retained. However, the carousel format for changing radio stations was awkward to use while driving, and the rotary controller felt like an afterthought. The Escalade's OLED screens provided excellent resolution for the 360-degree camera system, and the rearview camera mirror eliminated blind spots. Additional tech features included a head-up display, night vision, augmented-reality navigation, and a 19-speaker AKG Studio sound system.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe offered advanced driving assistance systems bundled in the Safety Group (blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, rear parking sensors) and the Advanced Safety Group (adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, automatic high-beam headlights). The blind-spot warning system was particularly useful due to the Wrangler's narrow side mirrors. The LED headlights with automatic high beams were effective but rated Marginal by the IIHS. The Wrangler received a four-star frontal-impact crash-test rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA. However, it earned a Marginal rating for small-overlap, frontal-impact protection for the driver, with the vehicle tipping over onto its side during testing.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade came standard with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking (front and rear), front and rear park assist, lane-keep assist, and lane-departure warning. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on higher trim levels, with trailer blind-spot monitoring available on Premium Luxury Platinum trims and above. Super Cruise, a $2,500 option, offered hands-free driving on pre-mapped highways, using a driver-facing camera to ensure safety. While the system occasionally disengaged for unknown reasons, it provided smooth and natural responses. The IIHS and NHTSA did not publish safety ratings for the 2022 Escalade.