Cadillac Escalade ESV vs Buick Envista

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, measuring 226.9 inches compared to the Escalade's 211.9 inches, and slightly lower in height. This additional length was primarily at the rear, enhancing cargo space and providing a more stable ride due to its extended wheelbase of 134.1 inches. The Escalade ESV's design was characterized by its luxurious appearance, with chrome styling on certain trims and blacked-out accents on others. All versions rode on 22-inch wheels, with variations in finishes and spoke numbers depending on the trim. The vehicle's exterior was further enhanced by features like LED headlights, taillamps, and a deep-tinted glass, contributing to its luxurious appeal.

Inside, the Escalade ESV offered a mix of luxury and practicality, though it fell short in some areas. While the vehicle boasted features like leatherette seating, power-adjustable seats, and a panoramic sunroof, the interior materials, particularly in lighter color schemes, highlighted the use of hard plastics and less refined elements. Despite its high price point, the dashboard and cockpit design lacked the special touches expected in a luxury vehicle. However, the Escalade ESV did provide ample cargo space, with 126.6 cubic feet behind the first row, making it a practical choice for those needing significant storage capacity.

The 2026 Buick Envista was available in Preferred, Sport Touring, and Avenir trims, with prices ranging from $26,495 to $31,295. The Sport Touring Studio Series model, priced at $31,855, showcased a trendy design that was well-received, despite its Ceramic paint not being a first choice for everyone. The interior, while initially appealing, revealed its affordability through the use of plastic, fake leather, and hard seats. The vehicle's construction was evident in the sounds and feel of various components, reminding drivers of its budget-friendly nature.

Despite its shortcomings, the Envista offered a decent driving experience with its turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine, producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. The engine, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, provided adequate performance for city driving, though it struggled at higher speeds. The vehicle's fuel efficiency was below expectations, averaging 28.1 mpg over 300 miles, despite an EPA rating of 30 mpg combined. The Envista's handling was marred by turbo lag and imprecise steering, though its cornering grip was commendable. The ride quality remained unsettled, particularly with a full load of passengers.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV offered two engine options: a standard 6.2-liter V8 delivering 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, and an optional 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel inline-six with 277 horsepower and the same torque. Both engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and available in rear-wheel or four-wheel drive. The V8 engine provided sufficient power, though it lacked low-end torque for high-speed passing. The Escalade ESV's weight, ranging from 5,785 to 6,182 pounds, contributed to its performance challenges, particularly when towing. Fuel economy was not officially rated by the EPA, but the vehicle averaged around 18 mpg during testing.

The 2026 Buick Envista was powered by a turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine, producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. This engine, coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission, was only available in front-wheel drive. The Envista's performance was hindered by its low horsepower and turbo lag, making it difficult to maneuver in traffic and pass slower vehicles. Despite its lightweight design, the vehicle's fuel efficiency fell short of expectations, averaging 28.1 mpg over 300 miles, below the EPA rating of 30 mpg combined. The six-speed automatic transmission was a positive aspect, preventing the droning often associated with continuously variable transmissions.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was designed for comfort and practicality, offering leatherette seating surfaces with available leather upholstery. Standard features included 12-way power-adjustable front seats, heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and tri-zone climate control. The vehicle provided ample legroom in the first two rows, though the third row was less accommodating for adults. Cargo space was a highlight, with 126.6 cubic feet behind the first row, 81.5 cubic feet behind the second, and 42.9 cubic feet behind the third. The power-adjustable third row and hands-free power liftgate added convenience, though the liftgate's functionality was inconsistent.

The 2026 Buick Envista offered easy entry and exit due to its higher seating position, though rear-seat passengers needed to be mindful of the sloping roofline. The single-zone automatic climate control was basic but effective, with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel available on higher trims. The front seats were hard and flat, with limited power adjustment for the passenger seat. Storage space was decent, though unlined surfaces caused items to rattle. Rear-seat passengers found the Envista accommodating, with generous legroom and a comfortable backrest angle. Cargo space was modest, with 20.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 42 cubic feet with the seats folded.

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 38-inch curved OLED screen, providing crisp graphics and intuitive menu navigation. The Escalade ESV also offered Super Cruise, an advanced driving assist system, allowing hands-free driving on select highways. While Super Cruise generally performed well, it occasionally struggled in certain conditions, requiring driver intervention.

The 2026 Buick Envista featured an 8-inch digital driver display and an 11-inch touchscreen within a single glass surface. Standard technology included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Studio Series upgrade added wireless smartphone charging, though it operated slowly. OnStar Basics connected services were free for eight years, providing valuable features like automatic crash response and remote vehicle access. The standard six-speaker audio system was adequate, with steering wheel controls enhancing usability. However, the volume knob on the touchscreen was difficult to use.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV came standard with front automatic braking, park assist, pedestrian detection, safety seat alert, lane-keep assist, and forward-collision assist. Additional safety features included adaptive park assist, a head-up display, rear camera mirror, lane-departure warning, blind-spot alert, rear cross-traffic alert, night vision, and adaptive cruise control. The Escalade ESV received a four-star rating from the NHTSA, with a three-star rating in the rollover test, indicating a higher risk of rollover collisions.

The 2026 Buick Envista offered basic driver-assistance technology, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, rear parking sensors, and high-beam assist. The Studio Series Package added adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitors, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Envista received a Poor rating from the IIHS for vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention and a Marginal headlight rating. It also received a Poor rating in the updated moderate overlap front crash test, though it performed well in other tests. The NHTSA had not released safety ratings for the Envista at the time of writing.