Cadillac Escalade ESV vs Acura ADX

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was an extended version of the standard Escalade, featuring a complete redesign for that model year. It was notably longer than the regular Escalade, measuring 226.9 inches compared to 211.9 inches, with a slightly lower height of 76.4 inches. This additional length was primarily at the rear, enhancing cargo space and providing a more stable ride due to its extended 134.1-inch wheelbase. The Escalade ESV boasted a luxurious appearance with chrome styling on various trim levels, while Sport models featured blacked-out accents. All versions rode on 22-inch wheels, with finishes varying by trim. The vehicle's exterior was equipped with standard features like LED headlights, roof rails, and power-extending assist steps, while optional packages added further luxury touches.

Inside, the Escalade ESV's interior was less impressive, particularly in lighter color schemes, where the use of hard plastics detracted from its luxury appeal. Despite its high price point, the dashboard area lacked distinctive features. The vehicle offered a range of packages to enhance both exterior and interior features, but the overall interior design fell short of expectations for a luxury SUV in its price range.

The 2025 Acura ADX, on the other hand, shared its platform with the Honda HR-V but stood out with distinct Acura styling. Its large pentagonal grille with diamond-patterned mesh and LED lighting elements gave it a striking appearance. The ADX featured sporty design elements like vent-like creases, a hatch-top wing, and dual exhaust outlets. Standard 18-inch wheels were upgraded to 19-inchers on A-Spec trims, with various color options available. The interior of the ADX exuded Acura's premium feel, with genuine leather in A-Spec Advance models and thoughtful use of materials to avoid fingerprints and glare. The ADX's interior color options were limited by exterior color choices, but the overall look and feel were impressive for its price point.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV offered two engine options: a 6.2-liter V8 delivering 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel inline-six with 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, and buyers could choose between rear-wheel drive (RWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD). The V8 engine provided sufficient power, though it could have benefited from more low-end torque for passing at higher speeds. The Escalade ESV's weight ranged from 5,785 to 6,182 pounds, depending on the trim level, which affected its performance when towing. Fuel economy was estimated at 17 to 23 mpg combined, with RWD versions being more efficient.

The 2025 Acura ADX came standard with a 1.5-liter VTEC turbo four-cylinder engine producing 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). While not the most powerful in its class, the ADX's power output was adequate for everyday tasks and offered a fun driving experience on twisty roads. The ADX featured multiple drive modes, including Sport, Normal, Comfort, and Snow, allowing drivers to tailor the vehicle's performance to their preferences. Visibility from the driver's seat was excellent, and noise cancellation measures were effective. The ADX's fuel economy was competitive, with an EPA-rated 28 mpg combined for front-wheel drive models.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was designed as a spacious and comfortable people and cargo hauler. It featured leatherette seating surfaces as standard, with leather upholstery available. The interior offered a range of comfort features, including power-adjustable front seats, heated seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Escalade ESV provided ample legroom in the first two rows, while the third row was suitable for occasional adult use. Cargo space was generous, with 126.6 cubic feet behind the first row, 81.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and 42.9 cubic feet behind the third row. The power-adjustable third row could be folded using a switch in the cargo area, though it sometimes required manual adjustment. The hands-free power liftgate was a convenient feature, though it worked inconsistently.

The 2025 Acura ADX offered a premium interior with leatherette seating surfaces as standard, while A-Spec models added microsuede accents, and the Advance Package featured genuine leather. The steering wheel was leather-wrapped, with a sportier design for A-Spec models. Heated front seats and a power-adjustable driver's seat were standard, with additional features available in higher trims. The ADX provided more headroom and legroom in the front row compared to some competitors, and rear seat legroom was also generous. Cargo space measured 24.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 55.1 cubic feet with them folded. A power tailgate with a walkaway close feature was standard, along with dual-zone climate control and rear-seat vents.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was equipped with advanced technology, including a standard 19-speaker AKG sound system, with an optional 36-speaker AKG Studio Reference audio system. The vehicle featured wireless charging, NFC phone pairing, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and seven USB ports. A standout feature was the curved 38-inch OLED screen, which provided crisp graphics and intuitive menu navigation. Cadillac's Super Cruise advanced driving assist system was available, allowing for hands-free driving on certain highways. While Super Cruise generally worked well, it occasionally struggled in certain conditions, such as bright sunlight or recent road construction.

The 2025 Acura ADX offered a comprehensive infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wi-fi hotspot capability, and a wireless phone charging pad. The ADX featured a nine-inch center infotainment screen and a 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster. A-Spec models added rear USB-C ports, while the Advance Package included Alexa Built-In, Google Built-In, HD Radio, and a 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system. The top-of-the-line audio system featured a unique "beosonic" app for adjusting sound by mood or ambiance.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV came standard with a range of safety features, including front automatic braking, park assist, pedestrian detection, and lane-keep assist. Additional technologies were available, such as adaptive park assist, a head-up display, and advanced adaptive cruise control. The Escalade ESV received a four-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), with a three-star rating in the rollover test.

The 2025 Acura ADX offered a comprehensive suite of safety and driver-assistance features as standard, including adaptive cruise control, traffic-sign recognition, and lane-keeping assist. The ADX earned a Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and a five-star Overall Safety Rating from the NHTSA.