Cadillac Escalade ESV vs Cadillac XT5

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. This additional length was primarily at the rear, enhancing cargo space. The wheelbase was also extended to 134.1 inches, improving stability and design proportions, giving it a more balanced appearance. The Escalade ESV was available in various trims, each with distinct styling elements, such as chrome accents for Luxury trims and blacked-out features for Sport trims. All versions rode on 22-inch wheels, with variations in finishes and spoke designs. The exterior was equipped with luxury features like LED lighting, power-extending assist steps, and a panoramic moonroof option. However, the interior, while spacious, was criticized for its use of hard plastics and lack of unique design elements, which detracted from its luxury appeal.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5, on the other hand, presented a mix of Cadillac's signature design cues with a compact footprint and tall profile. It featured a bold grille, distinctive daytime running lights, and vertical taillights, creating a unique but somewhat ungainly look. The XT5's trim levels, Premium Luxury and Sport, offered different styling cues, with the former showcasing bright chrome and the latter featuring darker trim and a mesh grille. Standard 18-inch alloy wheels were available on Luxury and Premium Luxury models, while Sport models came with 20-inch wheels. The interior, while luxurious, relied heavily on the optional Platinum Package for standout features like semi-aniline leather upholstery and a microfiber sueded headliner. Without this package, the XT5's interior lacked a strong design theme and brand-specific markers, making it less distinctive compared to competitors.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV offered two engine options: a standard 6.2-liter V8 producing 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 drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) configurations. The V8 engine provided sufficient power but lacked low-end torque for high-speed passing. The Escalade ESV's weight ranged from 5,785 to 6,182 pounds, affecting its performance when towing. Fuel economy was estimated at 17 to 23 mpg combined, with RWD versions being more efficient. During testing, the RWD Escalade ESV averaged around 18 mpg.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 came with a base 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, standard on Luxury and Premium Luxury trims. The XT5 Sport and optional Premium Luxury models featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The V6 provided adequate power for everyday driving, with smooth and quick shifts. The optional Platinum Package included a performance suspension with adaptive dampers, offering a comfortable ride with excellent body control. The steering was well-suited for luxury driving, providing nimbleness without excessive corrections. The XT5's cabin was notably quiet, enhancing the luxury experience.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was designed as a spacious and comfortable people and cargo hauler. It featured standard leatherette seating surfaces, with leather upholstery available. The interior included 12-way power-adjustable front seats, heated first- and second-row seats, a heated steering wheel, and tri-zone climate control. Upgrades included 16-way power-adjustable front seats with massage functionality and a panoramic sunroof. The Escalade ESV offered ample legroom in the first two rows, with the third row being less suitable for adults. 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 hands-free power liftgate was innovative but had reliability issues. The adaptive air suspension facilitated entry and exit, while upscale features like a center console cooler added to its appeal.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 offered competitive interior space compared to German luxury crossovers. It provided more front headroom than the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class but less than the BMW X3. The XT5 excelled in legroom for both rows, although it trailed the Lincoln Corsair in front legroom. The seats were comfortable but lacked the cushioning expected in a luxury vehicle. Cargo space was 30 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 63 cubic feet with them folded, surpassing the Q5, X3, and GLC but falling short of the Infiniti QX50. A hands-free power liftgate was available, and the interior featured a small cubbyhole for storage, compensating for limited center console space.

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. It featured wireless charging, NFC phone pairing, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and seven USB ports. The highlight was a curved 38-inch OLED screen, comprising three displays for driver information and infotainment. The OLED technology provided deep blacks and crisp graphics. Super Cruise, an advanced driver-assist system, was available, allowing hands-free driving on certain highways. While Super Cruise generally performed well, it struggled in certain conditions and required driver intervention when it failed.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5's standard infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. An 8-inch digital instrument cluster and head-up display were available with the Technology Package. While usability improved over previous systems, the XT5's tech was considered adequate compared to competitors. The touchscreen was easy to navigate, but secondary controls were cumbersome. The optional Bose Performance Series 14-speaker system delivered excellent sound quality, enhanced by the XT5's quiet interior.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV came standard with front automatic braking, front and rear park assist, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, safety seat alert, lane-keep assist, and forward-collision assist. Additional technologies included adaptive park assist, a head-up display, rear camera mirror, lane-change alert, night vision, and advanced adaptive cruise control. The NHTSA awarded the Escalade ESV a four-star rating, with a three-star rollover test score, indicating a higher risk of rollover collisions.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 featured standard forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, park assist, automatic high-beam headlamps, lane-keep assist, and lane-departure warning. The Safety Alert Seat vibrated when warnings were triggered. Optional packages added adaptive cruise control, enhanced emergency braking, rear automatic braking, and more. The XT5 received top scores in IIHS crash tests and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with a four-star rollover rating.