2021 Lexus NX vs 2022 Cadillac Escalade

The 2021 Lexus NX was available in three versions: the NX 300, NX 300 F Sport, and the NX 300h hybrid. This comparison focused on the gasoline models, specifically the performance-oriented F Sport version. The NX carried over Lexus's signature design elements, featuring sharp lines and a sculpted exterior similar to the smaller UX and larger RX models. Standard features included power-folding outside mirrors and 17-inch wheels. The F Sport variant added a sportier touch with a honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and 18-inch F Sport wheels.

Inside, the NX F Sport boasted exclusive quilted NuLuxe sport seats, with options for a Circuit Red interior color scheme. The material fit and finish were top-notch, consistent with Lexus's reputation. The gauge cluster featured a sculpted metal-faced four-dial setup with a 4.2-inch multi-information display, though it appeared dated compared to competitors. The center stack, with its elevated climate-control buttons and rare CD player, also showed its age but remained functional. However, the layout left little room for open small-item storage between the driver and passenger.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade made a bold statement with its massive size and unapologetic design. The front end, with its tall hood, vertical running lights, and horizontal headlights, resembled a diesel locomotive. The Escalade's various styling elements emphasized its bulk, with 22-inch wheels looking small against the vast expanse of sheet metal. Different trim pieces distinguished the "sport" and "luxury" models, with the Luxury and Premium Luxury trims featuring bright exterior trim and wheels, while the Sport trim had darkened trim and a mesh grille.

The Escalade shared its body-on-frame architecture with other GM full-size SUVs and trucks, including the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL. Despite this, the Escalade managed to carve out a distinct identity. The interior featured leather upholstery, wood trim, and a massive panoramic sunroof, but lacked a cohesive design theme. While most materials looked nice, some cheap-looking plastic bits detracted from the overall luxury feel.

The 2021 Lexus NX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The standard six-speed automatic transmission was adequate, though not as smooth as the eight-, nine-, and ten-speed transmissions found in competitors. The NX accelerated from zero to 60 mph in around seven seconds, a respectable time for its segment. The F Sport model featured Active Sound Control, which electronically enhanced the engine note through the car's speakers, though some purists found this gimmicky.

Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on all trim levels. The AWD system could transfer up to 50 percent of torque to the rear axle but lacked individual-wheel torque vectoring. Fuel economy for the FWD model was EPA-estimated at 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined. The AWD model had similar city/highway numbers but dropped to 24 mpg combined. The NX F Sport AWD also achieved 24 mpg combined. The NX had a 2,000-pound towing capacity and a top speed electronically limited to 124 mph.

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 with 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard rear-wheel drive, with four-wheel drive available. The diesel engine, despite its lower horsepower, provided smooth power delivery and a lower torque peak, making it an asset for pulling away from stops. 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. The Escalade's ride was unsettled, even with standard independent rear suspension and available air suspension and Magnetic Ride Control dampers. The body-on-frame construction and 22-inch wheels contributed to a less comfortable ride compared to unibody SUVs like the BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS. The Escalade also lacked the off-road capability of its GM cousins, with no equivalent to the Chevy Tahoe/Suburban Z71 or GMC Yukon/Yukon XL AT4.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured an upscale interior with comfortable front seats and adequate second-row legroom for two adults. Heated and ventilated seats were available, and the rear seats offered a 60/40 split-folding configuration. The NX's cabin was quiet, with minimal road and wind noise. However, cargo space was limited, with 17.7 cubic feet behind the second-row seats and 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded down. A power liftgate with kick sensor technology and power-folding rear seats were available options.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade shared its body shell and chassis with the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon, while the extended Escalade ESV was related to the Chevrolet Suburban and GMC Yukon XL. The standard Escalade measured 211.9 inches long, with the ESV adding 15.1 inches. This platform sharing resulted in a cavernous cabin, offering the most first-row and third-row legroom among full-size luxury SUVs. Second-row captain's chairs and a 60/40 power split-folding third-row bench seat were standard, with a power-folding 60/40 bench seat available as a no-cost option.

The Escalade excelled in cargo space, 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 for loose items. The 12-way power adjustable front seats with massage and lumbar support were a nice touch, though the seats themselves felt similar to those in other GM vehicles. Cadillac did include dedicated buttons for seat heating and ventilation and large sun visors for the expansive side-window glass.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with a 10.3-inch screen available as part of the Navigation package. The system included predictive traffic information, detour preview, ETA calculation, and fuel station guidance. New for 2021, the Navigation package added HomeLink and Lexus Enform Destination Assist, an in-car personal concierge. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though the Lexus infotainment system was criticized for its user-unfriendly interface and reliance on a touchpad.

Standard features included keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, a USB port, HD Radio, and a WiFi hotspot. Optional features included a moonroof, heated steering wheel, and a Mark Levinson 14-speaker audio system. The Lexus Enform Remote mobile app allowed users to lock/unlock doors, start/stop the engine, and adjust climate control remotely. A 10-year subscription to Lexus Enform Services Connect was included, providing maintenance alerts and notifications to the owner's preferred Lexus retailer.

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 was well-integrated into the dashboard, with icons arranged to fit its shape. Physical toggles for climate control and other functions were retained, though the carousel format for changing radio stations and the rotary controller were less user-friendly.

The Escalade's OLED screens provided excellent resolution for the standard 360-degree camera system, with views available in both the instrument cluster and central touchscreen. The rearview camera mirror eliminated blind spots from rear seats or pillars. Additional tech features included a head-up display, night vision, and augmented-reality navigation. The standard 19-speaker AKG Studio sound system was difficult to tune properly, with headrest-mounted speakers distorting sound for front-seat occupants.

The 2021 Lexus NX came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included a rearview camera, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, automatic high beams, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. Optional safety features included park assist, a surround-view camera system, and adaptive headlights.

The NX received top "Good" scores in all crash tests from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), with its front crash-prevention technology rated "Superior" and the LATCH system's ease of use rated "Acceptable." The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the NX a five-star overall safety rating. Lexus backed the NX with a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and a six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty.

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. Many warnings were dispatched through Cadillac's vibrating Safety Alert Seat. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on Premium Luxury and higher trims, with trailer blind-spot monitoring standard on Premium Luxury Platinum trims and above. Super Cruise, a sophisticated driver-assist system, was a $2,500 option on most trims but unavailable on the base Luxury model.

Super Cruise allowed for hands-free driving on pre-mapped highways, using a driver-facing camera to ensure the driver remained attentive. The system's responses were smooth and natural, making it easier to place the large SUV on the road. However, the IIHS and NHTSA had not published safety ratings for the 2022 Escalade at the time of this review.