Cadillac Escalade ESV vs INFINITI QX60

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 than the regular Escalade, measuring 226.9 inches compared to 211.9 inches, with a slightly lower height of 76.4 inches. 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 the ESV a more balanced and substantial appearance. The exterior boasted chrome styling on Luxury trims, while Sport models featured blacked-out accents. All versions rode on 22-inch wheels, with variations in finishes and spokes depending on the trim. The grille design varied across trim levels, adding to the vehicle's luxurious appeal. Standard features included roof rails, LED headlights, and a power-extending assist step, with options for a panoramic moonroof and heated mirrors.

Inside, the Escalade ESV's interior was less impressive, particularly in lighter color schemes where the use of General Motors' standard switches and knobs detracted from the luxury feel. Hard plastics were prevalent, lacking the refinement seen in competitors like Mercedes-Benz. Despite its high price point, the dashboard area lacked distinctive features. The vehicle offered various packages to enhance exterior and interior features, but the overall interior design fell short of expectations for a luxury SUV in its price range.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 underwent a complete makeover, marking the start of its second generation. The exterior design was striking, with a prominent grille, slim LED headlights, and oversized air intakes, giving it a concept-car-like appearance. The long hood and steeply-raked windshield added elegance, while blacked-out pillars created a floating roof effect. The top Autograph trim featured a contrasting black roof, enhancing this effect. The rear design was tasteful, with "INFINITI" spelled out in chrome letters across the liftgate. However, the Autograph trim's chromed panels at the rear fascia were a slight misstep, resembling fake exhaust outlets. Inside, the QX60 felt spacious and open, with quilted leather upholstery on the Autograph trim. The 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display was well-placed, and the TFT instrument panel provided crisp graphics. The controls were intuitive and easy to use, reflecting a high level of craftsmanship and build quality.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV offered a choice between a 6.2-liter V8 engine and a 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel inline-six engine. The V8 was standard across all trims, delivering 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, while the diesel provided 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 weight ranged from 5,785 to 6,182 pounds, depending on the trim, and the V8 engine provided sufficient power, though it could have used more low-end torque for passing at higher speeds. The EPA estimated fuel economy for the traditional Escalade ranged from 17 to 23 mpg combined, with RWD versions being more efficient. During testing, the RWD Escalade ESV averaged around 18 mpg.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 295 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. It was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, replacing the previous CVT, which improved the driving experience. The transmission shifted cleanly and crisply, though it could use some fine-tuning for passing situations. The QX60's suspension was reworked, providing a smooth and serene ride, with good steering feel. The EPA estimated fuel economy at 21 mpg city/26 mpg highway/23 mpg combined for FWD models and 20 mpg city/25 mpg highway/22 mpg combined for AWD models. The QX60 was not designed for off-road use but excelled on highways and suburban streets.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was designed as a comfortable people and cargo hauler, with leatherette seating surfaces standard and leather upholstery available. It featured 12-way power-adjustable front seats, heated first- and second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel. Buyers could upgrade to 16-way power-adjustable front seats with massage functionality and a panoramic sunroof. The ESV offered 126.6 cubic feet of cargo space 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, though it could get stuck on the second-row seat. The hands-free power liftgate worked inconsistently, and the rear window could open for drop-in storage.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 catered to passengers with ample storage, charging ports, and comfort features. The center console had a cubby for smartphones, cupholders, and covered storage. The second-row seats slid fore and aft, with a 60/40 split bench in lower trims and captain's chairs in the Autograph trim. The third row was roomy, and the QX60 offered 14.5 cubic feet of luggage space behind it, 41.6 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 75.4 cubic feet with both rows folded. The QX60 had a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, expandable to 6,000 pounds with the towing package.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV featured a standard 19-speaker AKG sound system, with an optional 36-speaker AKG Studio Reference audio system. It included wireless charging, NFC phone pairing, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and seven USB ports. The Escalade ESV's 38-inch OLED screen housed three screens for driver information and infotainment. Super Cruise, an advanced driving assist system, was available, allowing hands-free driving on certain highways. However, it occasionally struggled with lane changes and required driver intervention when it failed.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 offered full LED lighting, a power liftgate, and a 12.3-inch InTouch Interactive display with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto. It had a WiFi hotspot, USB charge points, and a wireless charging pad. The navigation system was standard on all but the base trim, and the QX60 featured a simplified version of Alexa for voice commands. The Autograph trim included a head-up display and a smart rearview mirror. A nine-speaker audio system was standard, with a 17-speaker Bose system available on higher trims.

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

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but the previous generation received high ratings. It included standard safety features like airbags, forward emergency braking, and blind-spot warning. ProPilot Assist was standard on all trims except Pure, with optional features like blind-spot intervention and lane-departure warning.