Cadillac Escalade ESV vs Chevrolet Trailblazer

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, which enhanced its cargo space. The ESV also had a longer wheelbase of 134.1 inches, contributing to improved stability and better design proportions. The exterior boasted chrome styling on Luxury trims and blacked-out accents on Sport trims, all riding on 22-inch wheels. Despite its luxurious appearance, the interior fell short in terms of poshness, with hard plastics and a lack of unique dashboard trimmings, which was disappointing for a vehicle priced near or above $90,000.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer, though compact, was praised for its appealing styling and well-executed proportions. It offered five trim levels, with pricing ranging from $20,195 to $26,695, and was manufactured in South Korea. The Trailblazer's interior was filled with hard plastic, but it maintained a sense of style. The RS trim, which was tested, featured AWD and a starting price of $28,195, with options raising it to $33,000. Despite its small size, the Trailblazer was functional, offering ample room for four people and a flexible cargo area. However, the rear seat was less comfortable due to its flat design.

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 with 277 hp and 460 lb-ft 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 but lacked low-end torque for high-speed passing. The Escalade ESV's fuel economy was not officially rated by the EPA, but it averaged around 18 mpg during testing.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer featured turbocharged three-cylinder engines, with the larger 1.3-liter engine producing 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) was standard with front-wheel drive (FWD), while AWD models received a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Trailblazer's light curb weight and turbocharged torque made it nimble and fun to drive, especially in RS trim with 18-inch wheels. However, it was loud on freeways, and the suspension struggled with speed bumps. The Trailblazer averaged 26.1 mpg in combined driving, slightly below the EPA rating of 28 mpg.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was designed for comfort and cargo capacity, offering leatherette seating surfaces with available leather upholstery. Standard features included 12-way power-adjustable front seats, heated seats, tri-zone climate control, and a hands-free power liftgate. The ESV provided ample legroom in the first two rows, with 126.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the first row. However, the hands-free liftgate was inconsistent, and the third-row seats could be tricky to fold.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer, despite its small size, was highly functional. It accommodated four people comfortably, with a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat in the RS trim. The rear seat, though flat, allowed for a flat load floor when folded. The Trailblazer offered 25.3 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 54.4 cubic feet with the rear seats down. The front passenger seat also folded flat, enabling the transport of long items.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV stood out for its technology, featuring a standard 19-speaker AKG sound system with an optional 36-speaker upgrade. It included wireless charging, NFC phone pairing, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 38-inch OLED screen. The Escalade also offered Super Cruise, an advanced driving assist system, which allowed for hands-free driving on certain highways. However, Super Cruise occasionally struggled with lane changes and required driver intervention.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with a comprehensive infotainment system, featuring a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen display. Standard features included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The RS trim tested had an 8-inch screen with Alexa Built-in, Spotify, SiriusXM, and a 7-speaker Bose audio system. The Trailblazer's infotainment system was user-friendly, with physical controls for easy navigation.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV came standard with front automatic braking, park assist, pedestrian detection, and lane-keep assist. Additional safety features included adaptive park assist, a head-up display, and night vision. The Escalade ESV received a four-star rating from the NHTSA, with a three-star rating in the rollover test.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer prioritized safety with 10 airbags, a rear-seat reminder, and Teen Driver technology. Chevy Safety Assist was standard, offering forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. Optional features included blind-spot warning and adaptive cruise control. The Trailblazer earned top crash-test ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS.