Cadillac Escalade ESV vs Honda Odyssey

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 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 trim levels, while Sport models featured blacked-out accents. All versions rode on 22-inch wheels, with finishes varying by trim. The vehicle's exterior was equipped with features like LED headlights, roof rails, and power-extending assist steps, contributing to its luxurious look. However, the interior, despite its high price, was criticized for its use of hard plastics and lack of unique design elements.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey, while adhering to the classic minivan design, offered a sense of style with its kinked sliding doors and hockey-stick character lines. The Elite trim level featured dark gray 19-inch aluminum wheels, adding a touch of sophistication. The Odyssey's interior was praised for its quality materials and open-concept design, with a low console and ample storage space. The minivan provided a comfortable third-row seat, making it ideal for family trips and carpools. The Magic Slide second-row seats offered versatility, allowing for easy access to the third row and enhanced safety for children. The Odyssey's cargo space was impressive, with 32.8 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 144.9 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed, rivaling the capacity of larger SUVs.

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 buyers could choose between rear-wheel drive (RWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD). The Escalade ESV's V8 engine provided sufficient power but lacked low-end torque for high-speed passing. The vehicle's weight, ranging from 5,785 to 6,182 pounds, contributed to this challenge. Fuel economy was estimated at 18 mpg in combined driving for the RWD version, which was better than expected.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine generating 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Unlike some competitors, the Odyssey did not offer all-wheel drive or an electrified powertrain. Its EPA fuel economy estimate was 22 mpg in combined driving. The Odyssey was praised for its enjoyable driving experience, with responsive handling and quick acceleration. However, repeated use of the brakes on downhill drives led to pedal vibration and audible grumbling, especially when the vehicle was fully loaded. Despite this, the Odyssey remained a delightful vehicle to drive, offering a balance of performance and practicality.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was designed for comfort and luxury, featuring 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 ESV offered ample legroom in the first two rows, with a spacious third row. 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, however, was inconsistent in operation. The Escalade ESV also featured an adaptive air suspension for easier entry and exit, and a rear window that opened for additional storage options.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey provided easy access with wide-opening doors and a lower ride height. The Elite trim featured quality leather, supportive front seats with power adjustment, and a tri-zone automatic climate control system. The Odyssey offered impressive storage space, with numerous compartments for personal items. The Magic Slide second-row seats allowed for versatile configurations, enhancing safety and accessibility. The third-row seat was comfortable for adults, with good leg support and foot room. Cargo space was substantial, with 32.8 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 144.9 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed. The Odyssey's design prioritized practicality and comfort for families.

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 a curved 38-inch OLED screen, providing crisp graphics and intuitive menu navigation. Standard tech included wireless charging, NFC phone pairing, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and seven USB ports. Cadillac's Super Cruise, an advanced driving assist system, was available, allowing for hands-free driving on certain highways. While Super Cruise generally performed well, it occasionally struggled with lane changes and construction zones, requiring driver intervention.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey Elite came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Touring and Elite trims included CabinWatch and CabinTalk technology, allowing the driver to monitor and communicate with rear passengers. The rear-seat entertainment system featured a 10.2-inch display, but it was considered outdated compared to competitors. The Elite trim added an 11-speaker premium audio system and a wireless charging pad. The Odyssey's infotainment system was criticized for its small screen size and lack of a tuning knob. The embedded navigation system required specific voice commands and was less user-friendly than smartphone-based navigation.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV came standard with a range of safety features, including front automatic braking, park assist, pedestrian detection, and lane-keep assist. Additional technologies were available, such as 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, indicating a higher risk of rollover collisions.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey was equipped with Honda Sensing, a suite of safety features including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The Odyssey also had automatic high-beam headlights and a rear-seat reminder system. However, Honda Sensing was noted for its lack of refinement, with occasional false warnings and abrupt responses. The Odyssey received a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, highlighting its strong safety performance.