Cadillac Escalade ESV vs Audi Q5

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was an extended version of the standard Escalade, featuring a complete redesign for the model year. It was notably longer, measuring 226.9 inches compared to the Escalade's 211.9 inches, and slightly lower at 76.4 inches. This extension primarily enhanced cargo space, with a wheelbase stretched to 134.1 inches, improving stability and design proportions. The Escalade ESV boasted a luxurious appearance with chrome styling on various trims and blacked-out accents on Sport models. All versions rode on 22-inch wheels, with finishes varying by trim. The grille design also changed across trim levels, adding to its upscale look. Standard features included LED headlights, taillamps, and a deep-tinted glass, while options like a panoramic moonroof and power-folding mirrors enhanced its luxury appeal. However, the interior fell short of expectations, with hard plastics and a lack of unique dashboard trimmings, which was disappointing for a vehicle priced near or above $90,000.

The 2021 Audi Q5 was a sharp-looking crossover SUV that carried Audi's design language with distinction. It featured an expressive front with LED headlights and a prominent Singleframe grille, emphasizing width. The body had crisp character lines, and the rear showcased bold taillights, giving it a classy and modern appearance. The Q5 PHEV stood out with S-Line trim pieces and enhancements, including standard 19-inch wheels or optional 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Q5 maintained a classy and modern feel, with technology integrated seamlessly into an uncluttered design. Buttons and switches were smartly grouped, and materials were of high quality, with real wood and metal accents. The 10.1-inch touchscreen was well-placed, and the second row offered leather seating surfaces, ensuring a comfortable and stylish interior.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV offered buyers a choice between a 6.2-liter V8 engine delivering 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, or a 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel inline-six engine producing 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, and the vehicle was available in rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) configurations. The Escalade ESV's V8 engine provided sufficient power but lacked low-end torque for high-speed passing. The vehicle's weight ranged from 5,785 to 6,182 pounds, depending on the trim level, which could challenge the engine when towing. Fuel economy was not officially rated by the EPA for the ESV, but the traditional Escalade achieved 17 to 23 mpg combined. During testing, the RWD Escalade ESV averaged around 18 mpg.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV enhanced the standard Q5's performance with an additional 114 horsepower and 96 pound-feet of torque from a 14.1-kWh battery, resulting in a total combined output of 362 horsepower and 373 pound-feet of torque. This setup, combined with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four gasoline engine, provided impressive acceleration, reaching 0-60 mph in 5.0 seconds. The Q5 PHEV achieved 65 MPGe combined and 27 mpg in gasoline-only mode. Its battery could be recharged overnight with household current or in 2.4 hours with Level 2 service. The Q5 PHEV featured a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission with full-time Quattro all-wheel drive, offering various driving modes for efficient battery usage. Handling was good, with minimal body roll and powerful braking.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was designed as a comfortable and plush people and cargo hauler. It featured standard leatherette seating surfaces, with leather upholstery available. The vehicle offered 12-way power-adjustable front seats, heated first- and second-row seats, a heated steering wheel, and tri-zone climate control. Buyers could upgrade to 16-way power-adjustable front seats with massage functionality and a panoramic sunroof. 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. The hands-free power liftgate worked intermittently, and the rear window could be opened for additional storage options. An adaptive air suspension made entry and exit easier.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV offered smart packaging, with its battery pack located under the luggage compartment floor, preserving cargo space. It provided 25.1 cubic feet of space behind the second row and 53.1 cubic feet with the second row folded. The second row offered 37.8 inches of legroom, 37.7 inches of headroom, and 56.5 inches of shoulder room, accommodating two adults comfortably. The front seats were supportive and adjustable, with heating and ventilation available on the Prestige trim. The interior featured cupholders, storage cubbies, and a small center-console storage bin, all laid out smartly for functionality.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV stood out with its advanced technology offerings. It came standard with a 19-speaker AKG sound system, with an optional upgrade to a 36-speaker AKG Studio Reference audio system for an immersive sound experience. The vehicle featured wireless charging, NFC phone pairing, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and seven USB ports. A curved 38-inch OLED screen housed three displays for driver information and infotainment, offering unparalleled graphics quality. Cadillac's Super Cruise, an advanced driving assist system, was available, allowing hands-free driving on designated highways. However, Super Cruise occasionally struggled with construction zones and required driver intervention. Despite its quirks, Super Cruise was highly valued for highway driving.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV featured Audi's latest MMI 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, complemented by a center-console touchpad. The Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus 12.3-inch HD instrument cluster offered customizable views, enhancing the cabin's futuristic feel. The Prestige Package included the Navigation Package, optimizing fuel consumption and battery usage in hybrid mode. The Integrated Toll Module (ITM) was standard, providing a built-in transponder for toll road services. A Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system with 19 speakers was available on Premium Plus models and standard on the Prestige trim. Wireless Apple CarPlay was included, ensuring seamless connectivity.

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

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV had not been rated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), but the 2020 gasoline-only model received top ratings in most categories. The NHTSA awarded the 2021 gasoline model five stars. Safety features included six airbags, an anti-lock braking system, Audi Pre Sense basic, and electronic stability control. Available driver-assistance features included Audi Advanced Key, Audi Pre Sense rear, and adaptive cruise control with traffic-jam assist.