Cadillac Escalade ESV vs Audi Q3

The 2021 Audi Q3 presented a modern take on automotive design, with its massive corporate grille fitting well with the vehicle's stout and chunky styling. This design suggested utility and dynamic handling, though it primarily delivered on the latter. Inside, the Q3's cabin echoed a mechanical, modern aesthetic, with a dash design that framed the center touchscreen prominently. While the interior was once a standout, the design had become less unique as Volkswagen's interiors caught up, though the Q3 still maintained a refined and modern feel.

In contrast, the 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was an extended version of the Escalade, redesigned for the 2021 model year. It was longer and slightly lower than the standard Escalade, with a lengthened wheelbase that improved stability and design proportions. The Escalade ESV featured chrome styling on its Luxury trims and blacked-out accents on Sport trims, riding on 22-inch wheels. The vehicle exuded luxury with standard features like LED headlights, power-extending assist steps, and a hands-free power liftgate, though some interior elements fell short of expectations for a vehicle in its price range.

The 2021 Audi Q3 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive. The S-Line trim offered a more potent version of the same engine, delivering 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The Q3's performance was lively, with a decent kick off the line and solid power for passing, especially in Sport mode. The vehicle's handling was nimble and engaging, providing a comfortable ride without compromising on dynamic driving.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV offered a choice between a 6.2-liter V8 engine, delivering 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel inline-six engine, producing 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, and the vehicle was available in rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. The V8 engine provided sufficient power, though it could have used more low-end torque for passing at higher speeds. The Escalade ESV's fuel economy was not rated by the EPA, but it averaged around 18 mpg during testing.

The 2021 Audi Q3 offered 48 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 23.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats. While the cargo space was subpar for its class, the Q3 compensated with ample passenger space. The front seats were comfortable, and the rear seats provided impressive headroom and legroom, making it suitable for four passengers on a road trip.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was designed for comfort and cargo capacity, with leatherette seating surfaces standard and leather upholstery available. It featured 126.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the first row, 81.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and 42.9 cubic feet behind the third row. The Escalade ESV's seats were comfortable, though skinnier passengers might find themselves shifting during cornering. The vehicle's ride quality was generally good, and it offered a first-class experience with various climate-control functions.

The 2021 Audi Q3 came standard with an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system running Audi's MMI system, featuring Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay. An upgraded 10.1-inch touchscreen with navigation was available, along with wireless device charging, satellite radio, and a Bang & Olufsen 15-speaker premium audio system. The Audi Virtual Cockpit was also available, replacing the conventional instrument cluster with a customizable digital display.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was a technological powerhouse, featuring a standard 19-speaker AKG sound system, with an optional 36-speaker AKG Studio Reference audio system. It included wireless charging, NFC phone pairing, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and seven USB ports. The Escalade ESV boasted a curved 38-inch OLED screen, providing crisp graphics and intuitive menu navigation. Cadillac's Super Cruise, an advanced driving assist system, was available, offering hands-free driving on certain highways, though it occasionally struggled with lane changes and construction zones.

The 2021 Audi Q3 came standard with Audi Pre Sense and Pre Sense Front, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. Lane-departure warning was also standard, with optional features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and traffic-sign recognition. Additional features included a 360-degree camera system, front-and-rear parking sensors, and self-parking assist.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV featured standard safety equipment such as front automatic braking, front and rear park assist, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. Buyers could add technologies like adaptive park assist, a head-up display, lane-keep assist with lane-departure warning, side blind-spot alert, and night vision. The NHTSA gave the Escalade ESV a four-star rating, with a three-star rating in the rollover test, indicating a higher risk of rollover collisions.