2021 Volvo XC90 vs 2022 Cadillac Escalade

The 2021 Volvo XC90 managed to redefine Volvo's often conservative design image when it debuted its current generation in 2016. It retained some traditional features like a boxy profile and a rectangular grille but enhanced its appeal through softer lines, extra chrome, and the distinctive “Thor’s Hammer” LED daytime running lights. The Inscription trim, adorned with extra chrome and optional 21-inch alloy wheels, was the flashiest, with the sportier R-Design and the more modest Momentum trims following suit. Based on Volvo’s Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform, the XC90 offered a streamlined design that maintained a sense of Swedish minimalism, using matte-finish wood and the unique touch of a wool upholstery option.

In contrast, the 2022 Cadillac Escalade made an audacious visual statement, leveraging its massive size with an equally bold design. Its exaggerated grille, oversized LED lights, and a front end that resembled a diesel locomotive emphasized its bulk. The 22-inch wheels of the test model looked small against its vast body. Cadillac offered different exterior trims for its sport and luxury models. Underpinned by a body-on-frame architecture shared with the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, GMC Yukon, and full-size GM pickup trucks, the Escalade’s design aimed to blend ruggedness with luxury. The interior included leather upholstery, wood trim, and a panoramic sunroof but lacked a cohesive design theme.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains based on a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T5 delivered 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque with a turbocharged engine. The T6 variant combined turbocharging and supercharging for 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. At the top, the T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid, rebranded as Recharge, married the T6’s engine with electric assist for a total of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. However, the small engine struggled without frequent assistance from electric components, falling short against competitors' larger engines. Despite offering smooth ride quality and respectable 5,000-pound towing capacity, acceleration and efficiency often came at the expense of one another.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade provided two engine options: a standard 6.2-liter V8 gasoline engine producing 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, and a Duramax 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six diesel with 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. Both powertrains utilized a 10-speed automatic transmission with standard rear-wheel drive or optional four-wheel-drive configurations. The diesel engine, tested and appreciated for its smooth power delivery and lower torque peak, slightly trailed its gasoline counterpart’s 8,200-pound max towing capacity. Despite offering an independent rear suspension and Magnetic Ride Control dampers, the Escalade's ride quality was less than luxurious, especially when compared to unibody SUVs like the BMW X7 and Range Rover.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured a versatile interior with six or seven-seat configurations. Headroom and legroom were typical for its class, but third-row seating lacked comfort and support, making it less ideal for adults. An optional power moonroof enhanced the sense of space, while standard four-zone climate control could be upgraded with advanced filtration. Front seats in the Inscription trim included luxurious touches like backrest massage, though they lacked a power-adjustable steering wheel. Cargo capacity fell short at 11.2 cubic feet with all seats in place, 34.1 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 64.1 cubic feet with both rows down.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade, sharing its platform with other GM SUVs, offered significant interior space. Measuring 211.9 inches (standard) and 227 inches (extended ESV), it provided exceptional first and third-row legroom and competitive cargo space: 25.5 cubic feet with all seats up, 63.0 cubic feet with the third row down, and 109.1 cubic feet with both rows folded. Despite functional seats with numerous adjustments, the interior storage left much to be desired due to a raised center console. However, the Escalade retained some practical features, such as dedicated buttons for seat heating and ventilation.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 boasted a minimalistic yet efficient Sensus infotainment system with a 9-inch touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth, and built-in WiFi. Standard and available features included numerous USB ports, a premium 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system, and a head-up display. The easy-to-use touchscreen compensated for the lack of analog controls though readability of some menus posed a challenge. Additionally, the wireless charging pad was not accommodating for larger phones.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade stood out with its 38-inch curved OLED display integrating three screens: a 14.2-inch digital instrument cluster, a 16.9-inch touchscreen, and a 7.2-inch trip-computer screen. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth were standard. The design fit seamlessly into the dashboard, and vital controls retained physical buttons. The system's high resolution improved camera views, crucial for maneuvering a large SUV, though some functions felt gimmicky or awkward. The standard 19-speaker AKG Studio sound system was sophisticated but challenging for precise tuning.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 earned the “Top Safety Pick+” rating from IIHS for non-hybrid models, scoring top marks in crash tests and front-crash prevention (vehicle-to-vehicle). Volvo’s emphasis on safety was evident with standard features like lane-keep assist, driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control with lane centering, marketed as Pilot Assist. Despite its sophistication, Pilot Assist couldn’t fully replace an attentive driver.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade included a robust suite of standard driver-assist technologies like adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. Higher trims offered additional features, such as trailer blind-spot monitoring and the advanced Super Cruise system for semi-autonomous highway driving. Utilizing a driver-facing camera and pre-mapped highways, Super Cruise enabled hands-free driving while the driver remained responsible. Despite its sophistication, the Escalade lacked crash test ratings from IIHS and NHTSA for further occupant safety assessment.