Cadillac Escalade ESV vs Jeep Compass

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 regular 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 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 variations in finishes and spoke designs depending on the trim. The vehicle's exterior was equipped with features like LED headlights, a power-extending assist step, and a deep-tinted, solar-absorbing glass, contributing to its upscale look.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Compass retained much of its previous design, resembling a smaller Grand Cherokee. However, it received updates in exterior styling and new wheel designs. The High Altitude model, in particular, featured 19-inch multi-spoke wheels with a dark sparkly finish, giving it an upscale appearance. Inside, the Compass High Altitude impressed with a new dashboard design, updated digital instrumentation, and luxury-grade leather seats. The cabin was enhanced with soft-touch surfaces and added sound deadening, elevating its sophistication. The Compass lineup offered various trim levels, with the High Altitude being the most expensive, featuring standard all-wheel drive and numerous upgrades, resulting in a premium feel.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV offered two engine options: a 6.2-liter V8 delivering 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel inline-six producing 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet 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, although it could have benefited from more low-end torque for passing at higher speeds. The Escalade ESV's weight ranged from 5,785 to 6,182 pounds, depending on the trim level. While the EPA hadn't rated the Escalade ESV for fuel economy, the traditional Escalade achieved an estimated 17 to 23 mpg combined, with RWD versions being more efficient.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Compass was equipped with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 177 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque. This "Tigershark" engine lacked the accelerative power of its competitors, and a turbocharger would have improved its performance, especially at higher altitudes. The Compass featured a nine-speed automatic transmission for all-wheel-drive models, while front-wheel-drive versions had a six-speed automatic. The transmission aimed to maximize fuel efficiency but often resulted in a busy and unrewarding powertrain character. The Compass High Altitude achieved an average of 23.8 mpg during testing, slightly below the EPA's estimated 25 mpg combined. The Compass offered Jeep Selec-Terrain with various driving modes and had 8.1 inches of ground clearance, making it suitable for light off-roading.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was designed as a comfortable and plush people and cargo hauler. It featured leatherette seating surfaces as standard, with leather upholstery available. The interior boasted 12-way power-adjustable front seats, heated first- and second-row seats, a heated steering wheel, and tri-zone climate control. Buyers could upgrade to 16-way power-adjustable front seats with massage functionality and a panoramic sunroof. The Escalade ESV offered ample legroom in the first two rows, while the third row was suitable for occasional adult use. 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, although it occasionally required manual adjustment. The hands-free power liftgate worked inconsistently, and the rear window could be opened for additional storage options.

The 2022 Jeep Compass, on the other hand, offered a spacious interior for four adults and their luggage. The High Altitude model featured eight-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats. The Elite Interior Group option package added premium leather upholstery and contrast stitching. The cabin was enhanced with a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, a redesigned dashboard with a new Uconnect 5 infotainment screen, and improved perceived quality. The Compass provided 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat and a maximum of 59.8 cubic feet with the back seat folded down. The available hands-free power liftgate facilitated access to the cargo area.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV stood out with its advanced technology features. It came standard with a 19-speaker AKG sound system, with an optional upgrade to a 36-speaker AKG Studio Reference audio system. The vehicle featured wireless charging, NFC phone pairing, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and seven USB ports. The highlight was the curved 38-inch Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) screen, which housed three screens displaying driver information and infotainment content. The OLED technology provided deep blacks and crisp graphics, enhancing the cabin's ambiance. Cadillac's Super Cruise, an advanced driving assist system, was available, allowing hands-free driving on certain highways. While Super Cruise generally worked well, it occasionally struggled in specific conditions, such as construction zones or sudden changes in lighting.

The 2022 Jeep Compass featured the new Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which was five times faster than its predecessor. It offered an 8.4-inch touchscreen display as standard, with a 10.1-inch touchscreen available as an upgrade. Uconnect 5 supported wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. The system allowed the pairing of two devices via Bluetooth and offered over-the-air updates. The Compass also provided a navigation system, connected services, a WiFi hotspot, and a wireless device charging pad. The voice recognition system was fast and accurate, although it occasionally struggled with specific requests. Overall, Uconnect 5 impressed with its speed and functionality.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including front automatic braking, front and rear park assist, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. Buyers could opt for additional technologies such as adaptive park assist, a head-up display, lane-keep assist, and night vision. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the Escalade ESV a four-star rating out of five, with a three-star rating in the rollover test, indicating a higher risk of rollover collisions.

The 2022 Jeep Compass received safety upgrades for 2022, with standard features including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Compass was set to receive Highway Assist later in the model year, combining adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance for highway driving. While the adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems generally worked well, the lane-keep assist was occasionally too insistent at lower speeds. The forward-collision warning system produced some false positives during testing. As of the review, safety ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and NHTSA were not available for the updated Compass.