2021 Lexus GX vs 2022 Cadillac Escalade

The styling of the 2021 Lexus GX 460 reflected its long tenure in the market, maintaining the same basic body shell for over a decade, with incremental updates. The 2014 addition of the Lexus trademark spindle grille was further refined in 2020 with a new textured insert. That update also introduced new triple-beam LED headlights. Despite no new styling changes for the 2021 model, the inclusion of silver 18-inch wheels as standard on the Premium trim and available 19-inch wheels offered minor refreshes.

Though not originally designed with the spindle grille in mind, the GX’s styling was surprisingly coherent. The massive grille, while visually imposing, had become a standard feature amongst competitors like the BMW X7. The GX’s tough and aggressive appearance was distinctive, appealing to SUV shoppers seeking an assertive and unique look.

Internally, however, the GX fell short of the modern luxury SUV standards. The wood trim in the Premium test car felt like molded plastic and the abundance of actual plastic detracted from the luxurious feel. Nonetheless, standard leather upholstery, with the option for semi-aniline leather in the Luxury trim, added some premium touches.

By contrast, the 2022 Cadillac Escalade made a formidable first impression. Its unapologetically massive design was matched by its equally large grille, LED daytime running lights, and taillights that echoed the towering tailfins from classic Cadillacs. The tall hood, vertical running lights, and horizontal headlights gave the front end a robust appearance reminiscent of a diesel locomotive.

Distinct from other GM full-size SUVs, the various styling elements emphasized the Escalade’s bulk. Even with 22-inch wheels, they seemed dwarfed by the vehicle’s expansive sheet metal. The Escalade offered varied trim pieces for “sport” and “luxury” models, with Luxury and Premium Luxury trims getting bright exterior accents, while the Sport version had darkened trims, including a mesh grille.

Built on the same body-on-frame chassis as other GM full-size SUVs and trucks, the Escalade’s design echoed the body-on-frame approach seen in rivals like the Lincoln Navigator. The interior, while luxurious with leather upholstery, wood trim, and a panoramic sunroof, lacked a distinctive design theme. Some materials were also deemed cheap-looking, comparable to its GM cousins.

The 2021 Lexus GX kept things uncomplicated with a single powertrain option. It housed a 4.6-liter V8 engine that delivered 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Despite the V8's power, the GX’s hefty 5,130 pounds became evident at higher speeds, necessitating careful planning for merging and overtaking maneuvers. Lexus claimed a zero to 60 mph time of 7.8 seconds. The braking system also demanded foresight due to the SUV's large mass.

Handling was reminiscent of older SUVs with prevalent body roll and low grip in corners. The ride quality mirrored that of typical body-on-frame vehicles, often uncomfortable without the adaptive suspension found in the Luxury trim. Off-road, however, the GX excelled. Its Torsen center differential offered a 40/60 front-to-rear torque split, lockable for a 50/50 split, and the 4WD system included a low range. The Off-Road Package added features like a transmission cooler, fuel-tank protector, multi-view camera, Crawl Control, and Multi-Terrain Select. With an 8.1-inch ground clearance and robust approach, departure, and break-over angles, the GX could handle rugged terrains well. It boasted a towing capacity of 6,500 pounds, bolstered by a trailer-sway control function.

In contrast, the 2022 Cadillac Escalade offered two powertrain choices. The standard 6.2-liter gasoline V8 produced 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. Alternatively, a $100 Duramax 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six diesel engine delivered 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and offered rear-wheel or four-wheel drive options. For the review, the diesel engine was tested and proved satisfactory despite its lower horsepower compared to the V8. Its low torque peak of 1,500 rpm aided smooth power delivery, particularly when pulling away from stops, although the hard brake pedal failed to inspire confidence.

In terms of towing, the Escalade’s gasoline engine could pull up to 8,200 pounds, slightly higher than the diesel’s 8,100 pounds. Both figures, however, fell short of the Lincoln Navigator’s 8,700-pound towing capacity. The Escalade’s ride quality was also marred by its body-on-frame construction and large 22-inch wheels, sending vibrational waves through the cabin on uneven roads. It fell short in comfort compared to both truck-like rivals like the Navigator and Grand Wagoneer and unibody rivals like the BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS.

For off-road use, the Escalade did not offer the same capabilities as its GM cousins. It lacked equivalents to the off-road-specific versions seen in the Tahoe/Suburban Z71 or Yukon AT4, making it less suited to rugged terrains compared to its competitors like the Range Rover or Lexus LX.

The 2021 Lexus GX’s interior ergonomics showed its age. The upright dashboard and high center console restricted legroom, while the odd-angle steering wheel and tall seating position likened the driving experience to that of a bus. Premium models received a heated wood-trimmed steering wheel for 2021, but the heating elements did not encompass the entire wheel due to the wood trim.

The dashboard design, along with the GX’s boxy profile, afforded excellent outward visibility, especially useful in parking and possibly off-roading scenarios. However, the tall hood limited forward visibility. The center-console storage was minimal, and cupholders and door bottle holders were small across all three rows. Second-row cupholders in the fold-down armrest consumed significant space. The advantage lay in the abundance of physical buttons and knobs for climate control and seat heaters, offering user-friendly alternatives to touchscreen-based controls.

Standard with three rows, the GX seated seven, with the second-row bench replaceable by captain’s chairs. While the power-folding third row was convenient, it was cramped and hard to access, more suitable for occasional use or children's seating. On paper, Lexus quoted 64.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the second and third rows folded, significantly less than the Land Rover Discovery’s 73.0 cubic feet. With the third row up, cargo space was minimal.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade, sharing its body shell and chassis with the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon, boasted a spacious cabin. The base Escalade measured 211.9 inches in length, while the extended Escalade ESV stretched to 227 inches, granting vast interior dimensions. It offered the most first-row and third-row legroom among full-size luxury SUVs, but the Lincoln Navigator provided slightly more headroom for second-row passengers. Standard second-row captain’s chairs and a 60/40 power split-folding third-row bench seat could be substituted with a 60/40 power-folding bench seat.

The Escalade excelled in cargo capacity with 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, surpassing the Navigator. Despite the spacious interior, raised center consoles restricted storage for loose items. Though featuring 12-way power adjustable front seats with massage and lumbar support, the seats felt like they belonged in a less luxurious vehicle.

The 2021 Lexus GX lacked modern tech features besides the standard Bluetooth, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant connectivity. However, it did not support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Two USB ports were available for the first two rows, but the third row had none. The optional 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system was a highlight.

The standard infotainment system was outdated, with 1990s-esque graphics and limited functionality. It featured a secondary display for time and temperature, using a seven-segment format akin to a digital clock, undermining its luxury branding. Nevertheless, the analog controls, including large buttons for menu shortcuts, provided ease of use compared to newer screen-centric systems.

Conversely, the 2022 Cadillac Escalade flaunted one of the most sophisticated infotainment systems, with a 38-inch curved OLED display composed of three screens. It included a 14.2-inch digital instrument cluster, a 16.9-inch touchscreen, and a 7.2-inch screen for trip-computer functions. Standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Bluetooth connectivity, enhanced user convenience.

The OLED display integrated well with the dashboard and offered home row icons arranged diagonally for practicality and aesthetic appeal. Physical toggles for climate control and other essential functions complemented the advanced tech. However, the carousel format for radio stations posed convenience issues, and the rotary controller felt like an afterthought. Cadillac’s system also lacked the natural language voice recognition found in BMW and Mercedes SUVs.

Despite this, the Escalade’s OLED screens provided exceptional resolution for the 360-degree camera system, which could display views on both the instrument cluster and central touchscreen. The inclusion of a rearview camera mirror eliminated blind spots, further enhancing functionality. The Escalade's array of tech features included a head-up display, night vision, and augmented-reality navigation, although the 19-speaker AKG Studio sound system proved challenging to fine-tune.

The 2021 Lexus GX had not undergone crash-test evaluations by the NHTSA or IIHS by that model year. Standard safety features included the Lexus Safety System+ bundle, encompassing forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. However, it missed out on traffic-sign recognition and Lane Tracing Assist automated lane centering available in other Lexus and Toyota models.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade came equipped with standard driver-assist technology including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, front and rear 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 Premium Luxury trims and above, with trailer blind-spot monitoring standard on Premium Luxury Platinum trims and above.

Super Cruise, a $2,500 option on most trims excluding the base Luxury model, was among the most advanced driver-assist systems, allowing for hands-free driving on compatible highways. Despite occasional disengagement issues, Super Cruise provided smooth, natural responses, reducing the likelihood of accidental deactivation. While crash-test ratings were unavailable from the IIHS and NHTSA, the sophisticated Super Cruise system and comprehensive driver-assist features marked a significant safety advancement in the Escalade.