2021 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2022 Cadillac Escalade

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was designed as an electric vehicle from the ground up, showcasing a distinctive look that set it apart from Volkswagen's gasoline models. It featured a streamlined profile with wheels pushed out to the corners, eschewing the straight lines and sharp angles of the Tiguan and Atlas crossovers. The ID.4 was part of VW’s EV-specific MEB platform, following the European-market ID.3 hatchback. Despite its SUV-like styling, the ID.4 didn’t quite look like an SUV, similar to other EV crossovers like the Chevy Bolt EUV and Hyundai Kona Electric. The interior combined Volkswagen’s minimalism with a tech-focused design, featuring piano black and matte plastic elements, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and cloth seats on the base model.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade made a bold first impression 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 styling elements emphasized its bulk, with 22-inch wheels looking small against the vast expanse of sheet metal. The Escalade offered different trim pieces for “sport” and “luxury” models, with bright exterior trim for the Luxury and Premium Luxury models and darkened trim for the Sport model. The interior featured leather upholstery, wood trim, and a panoramic sunroof, but lacked a cohesive design theme, with some cheap-looking plastic bits detracting from the overall luxury feel.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 launched with a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, powered by an 82-kilowatt-hour battery pack. It was the first rear-wheel-drive (RWD) Volkswagen passenger car sold in the U.S. since the Beetle. An all-wheel-drive (AWD) version with a second electric motor arrived later in 2021, boosting power to 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. The ID.4’s RWD setup provided balanced handling, with the front wheels steering and the rear wheels driving. The electric motor’s instantaneous torque made for fun acceleration, though the ID.4 was tuned more for comfort than sporty handling, with noticeable body roll in corners.

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 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and either RWD or optional 4WD. The diesel engine, despite its lower horsepower, provided smooth power delivery and a low torque peak, making it effective for pulling away from stops. The gasoline engine had a slight towing advantage with a maximum capacity of 8,200 pounds. However, the Escalade’s ride was unsettled, with its body-on-frame construction and 22-inch wheels contributing to a less comfortable experience compared to unibody SUVs.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more front and rear headroom than competitor EVs, though legroom was average for the segment. It provided 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 64.2 cubic feet with the seats folded, more than several EV competitors but less than gasoline crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The ID.4 lacked a “frunk” for extra storage, but the interior felt spacious, with good forward visibility. The twist-grip gear selector on the dashboard freed up some storage space, though the narrow center console limited space for larger items. Heated steering wheel and front seats were standard, providing efficient cabin heating.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade shared its body shell and chassis with other GM full-size SUVs, 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, with ample cargo space: 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. The raised center console, however, lacked storage space for loose items. The 12-way power adjustable front seats with massage and lumbar support were a highlight, though the seats themselves felt similar to those in other GM SUVs.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 featured a standard 10-inch touchscreen (with an optional 12-inch screen) and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 5.3-inch display screen served as the instrument cluster, with haptic touchpads replacing most switchgear. While the setup looked modern, the touchpads were difficult to use without tactile feedback. The natural-language voice-control system, activated by saying “Hello ID,” allowed for easier control of functions like temperature and radio stations, though it was slow to respond. The ID.Light, a light strip at the base of the windshield, communicated information to the driver but was more of a novelty. The touchscreen was well-positioned with smart graphics and easy-to-navigate menus.

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 were standard. The display blended seamlessly with the dashboard, with icons arranged to fit its shape. Physical toggles for climate control and other functions were retained. The 360-degree camera system provided excellent resolution, and the rearview camera mirror eliminated blind spots. Additional tech features included night vision, augmented-reality navigation, and a 19-speaker AKG Studio sound system, though the latter was difficult to tune properly.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 received the highest-level Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA for the RWD model. Standard driver aids included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, park distance control, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. Travel Assist added automated lane centering, and Emergency Assist could bring the car to a stop if the driver was incapacitated. Travel Assist performed well, smoothly following curves and responding well to acceleration and deceleration.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade came with standard driver-assist tech, including 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 trims, with trailer blind-spot monitoring 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 attention. Super Cruise impressed with its smooth and natural responses, 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.