2021 Land Rover Defender vs 2022 Cadillac Escalade

The 2021 Land Rover Defender carried forward the legacy of its predecessors, which began with the original Land Rover Series I in 1948. The Defender name was first used in 1990, and the model retained its distinctive look and character through minor changes until 2016. The new Defender echoed the vibe of previous generations while modernizing the SUV. It featured half-round LED headlights, a structural-looking grille, and flat-topped fenders with diamond-plate patterns. The interior emphasized exposed structure, with a dash held between horizontal beams, beefy controls, and luxury-comfortable leather seating.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade made a strong first impression with its unapologetic size and distinct styling elements. The front end resembled a diesel locomotive with its tall hood, vertical running lights, and horizontal headlights. The Escalade offered different trim pieces for "sport" and "luxury" models, with bright or darkened exterior trims. The interior was spacious, with leather upholstery, wood trim, and a panoramic sunroof, but lacked a cohesive design theme. Despite some cheap-looking plastic bits, the Escalade's interior was functional and luxurious.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender offered two powertrains in the U.S.: a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four-cylinder engine producing 296 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder mild-hybrid setup producing 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. All models used an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD with low range and Terrain Response. The Defender had impressive off-road capabilities, with a 30.1-degree approach angle, 37.6-degree departure angle, and a maximum wading depth of 35.4 inches. On-road, the Defender was quick, with the 2.0-liter model reaching 0-60 mph in 7.7 seconds and the 3.0-liter model in 5.8 seconds. It also had a maximum towing capacity of 8,200 pounds.

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 a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six diesel engine producing 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard rear-wheel-drive or optional four-wheel-drive. The Escalade diesel impressed with smooth power delivery and a low torque peak, but the ride felt unsettled due to its body-on-frame construction and 22-inch wheels. The gasoline engine had a maximum towing capacity of 8,200 pounds, slightly more than the diesel.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender rode on a unibody platform shared with the Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, and Discovery, making extensive use of aluminum for weight reduction and strength. It featured four-wheel independent multi-link air suspension, enhancing both on-road and off-road performance. The Defender offered flexible seating options, including a jump seat between the front seats and a third-row seat in the long-wheelbase 110 model. Cargo space was generous, with 34-34.6 cubic feet behind the second row in the 110 model and 58.3 cubic feet behind the front seats in the three-door model.

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 was 227 inches. It provided the most first-row and third-row legroom among full-size luxury SUVs. The Escalade was a cargo-hauling champ, 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 limited storage space, and the front seats felt like they could have come from one of the Escalade's GM cousins.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender featured Land Rover's Electronic Vehicle Architecture 2.0, allowing remote software updates for 14 individual modules. The Pivi Pro infotainment system included a 10-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard. Multiple camera views, including a "transparent hood" view, were available for off-roading. The audio system could be upgraded to a Meridian sound system with up to 700 watts of amplification. A full-color head-up display and a ClearSight rear-view mirror were also available.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade boasted a 38-inch curved OLED display, comprising 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 with the dashboard, and physical toggles were retained for climate control. The Escalade offered a 360-degree camera system with unparalleled resolution and a rearview camera mirror. Additional tech features included a head-up display, night vision, and augmented-reality navigation. A 19-speaker AKG Studio sound system was standard but difficult to tune properly.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender came with an extensive list of standard safety features, including a perimeter alarm, front airbags, a tire pressure monitoring system, electronic traction control, dynamic stability control, roll stability control, emergency braking, anti-lock braking, emergency brake assist, cruise control speed limiter, blind spot assist, lane-keep assist, driver condition monitor, traffic sign recognition, rear traffic monitor, clear exit monitor, and a 360-degree parking aid. The Defender underwent extensive durability testing, including hundreds of thousands of miles through harsh climates and conditions.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade included standard driver-assist tech such as adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, 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 on Premium Luxury Platinum trims and above. Super Cruise, a sophisticated driver-assist system, was available as a $2,500 option. It allowed for hands-free driving on pre-mapped highways and used a driver-facing camera to check for distraction. However, safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available for this model year.