Cadillac Escalade ESV vs Lexus RX

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's wheelbase was also extended to 134.1 inches, improving stability and design proportions. The vehicle's exterior was adorned with 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 Escalade ESV boasted luxury features like LED headlights, power-extending assist steps, and a panoramic moonroof, although its interior was criticized for its use of hard plastics and lack of unique dashboard trimmings.

The 2022 Lexus RX continued to offer a modern and sporty design, with its aggressive styling standing out among competitors like the Audi Q5 and BMW X5. The RX was available in base 350, F Sport, and L trim levels, with a hybrid RX 450h option. The F Sport trim was the most athletic in appearance, featuring 20-inch wheels and unique front fascia. The RX's interior maintained a luxury appeal, with F Sport models adding sporty elements like Scored Aluminum trim and NuLuxe synthetic leather. Despite its high-quality feel, the RX's center stack felt dated, and the seats were criticized for their lack of comfort. The RX offered a limited-edition Black Line trim with exclusive features, appealing to those prioritizing high-end looks.

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 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) or four-wheel drive (4WD). The V8 engine provided sufficient power but lacked low-end torque for passing at higher speeds. The Escalade ESV's fuel economy was not rated by the EPA, but it averaged around 18 mpg during testing.

The 2022 Lexus RX 350 was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, while the hybrid RX 450h combined the V6 with two electric motors for a total output of 308 horsepower. All RX models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive (FWD) standard on the RX 350 and all-wheel drive (AWD) available. Despite its sporty appearance, the RX's performance was underwhelming, with a lack of acceleration and engine noise that was more hum than growl. The F Sport trim included performance dampers and an adaptive variable suspension, but the drive modes offered minimal changes in driving dynamics. The RX excelled in comfort and cabin quietness, with the hybrid model achieving a combined fuel efficiency of 30 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 first- and second-row seats, 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 third row was less accommodating for adults, and the power liftgate was inconsistent in operation. The ESV also featured an adaptive air suspension for easier entry and exit, and a center console that could be converted into a cooler.

The 2022 Lexus RX offered 99.8 cubic feet of passenger volume in its standard two-row configuration, with comfortable seating for four adults. The three-row L models had limited cargo space, with only 7.45 cubic feet available with all seats upright. The RX's cargo area was accessible via a power liftgate, but the load-in height was high due to the sporty bumper design. Interior features included a smartphone slot, adjustable-height cup holder, and a head-up display button. However, the rear seats did not fold completely flat, limiting cargo versatility.

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

The 2022 Lexus RX came with an 8-inch touchscreen display, with a 12.3-inch version available. The infotainment system was responsive but ergonomically unfriendly due to its positioning. The RX offered voice commands and a touchpad, though the latter was difficult to use. Standard tech features included six USB ports, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, wireless charging, and a WiFi hotspot. The Lexus App provided additional connectivity options, such as remote engine start and vehicle settings.

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 Lexus RX featured the Lexus Safety System 2.0+, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and a pre-collision system. Additional safety features were blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a head-up display. The RX was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS when equipped with optional triple-beam LED headlights, but it received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.