Cadillac Escalade ESV vs Subaru Forester Hybrid

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 at 76.4 inches. This additional length was primarily at the back, enhancing cargo space and providing a more stable ride with a 134.1-inch wheelbase. 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 exterior was equipped with features like LED headlights, a power panoramic moonroof, and illuminating door handles, contributing to its upscale look.

Inside, the Escalade ESV's interior was less impressive, especially in lighter color schemes, where the use of hard plastics detracted from its luxury appeal. The dashboard lacked distinctive trimmings, which was disappointing for a vehicle priced near or above $90,000. Despite these shortcomings, the Escalade ESV offered a comfortable ride with ample legroom in the first two rows, though the third row was less accommodating for adults. The vehicle's design aimed to deliver a first-class experience, but certain features, like the automatic heated seats, limited driver control over comfort settings.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid debuted with a new look for its sixth-generation model, featuring a more cohesive design that sacrificed some distinctiveness for a conventional appearance. Its blockier shape gave it a rugged look, enhanced by black plastic elements hinting at off-road potential. The hybrid version closely resembled its non-hybrid sibling, with subtle badges distinguishing it. Inside, the Forester retained some of its previous charm with a beveled dashboard center section, now dominated by a large vertical infotainment touchscreen. The cabin featured a mix of hard plastics and soft-touch materials, with the front seats offering ample cushioning and support.

The Forester Hybrid's interior provided a spacious and airy feel, with the front seats accommodating various body types and the rear seats offering generous legroom and headroom. The standard panoramic sunroof added to the sense of openness. While the cabin had adequate storage options, the cargo space was slightly less than some rivals, though still practical with a hands-free power liftgate and power remote seatback releases. The Forester Hybrid's design aimed to balance mass appeal with a touch of ruggedness, making it suitable for both urban and outdoor adventures.

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) or four-wheel drive (4WD). The V8 engine provided sufficient power, though it could have benefited from more low-end torque for passing at higher speeds. The Escalade ESV's weight, ranging from 5,785 to 6,182 pounds, posed a challenge for the engine when towing. Fuel economy was not officially rated by the EPA, but the RWD version averaged around 18 mpg during testing.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid was powered by a 2.5-liter horizontally opposed flat four-cylinder "boxer" engine, combined with a parallel hybrid system featuring two motor/generators and a 1.1-kWh lithium-ion battery pack. This setup produced 194 horsepower, surpassing the standard Forester's 180 horsepower. The hybrid powertrain included an all-wheel drive system with a traditional driveshaft, offering better traction and consistent off-road performance. While acceleration was adequate, the hybrid transmission sometimes made the vehicle feel slower than it was. The ride quality was firm, with some passenger jostling over moderate road undulations. Off-road, the Forester Hybrid excelled with its X-Mode drive programming and hill descent control, making it a versatile choice for various terrains.

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 offered 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 provided ample legroom in the first two rows, though the third row was less suitable for adults. 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 hands-free power liftgate and adaptive air suspension added convenience, though the liftgate's functionality was inconsistent.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid offered an unimpeded forward view from the driver's seat, thanks to thinner front roof pillars. The front seats provided ample space and comfort, while the rear seats offered generous legroom and headroom. The standard panoramic sunroof enhanced the sense of openness. The cabin featured a wireless charging pad, cup holders, and storage options, though the cargo space was slightly less than some rivals, with 27.5 cubic feet available. The hands-free power liftgate and power remote seatback releases made loading and unloading easier. The Forester Hybrid's design aimed to balance practicality with a touch of ruggedness, making it suitable for various lifestyles.

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 wireless charging, NFC phone pairing, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and seven USB ports. The highlight was a curved 38-inch OLED screen, providing crisp graphics and intuitive menu navigation. 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 bright sunlight or poorly-lit tunnels, and lane-change technology could be slow in heavy traffic.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid came with an 11.6-inch vertical infotainment touchscreen, featuring built-in navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Starlink infotainment system received high marks for its user-friendly interface and large on-screen buttons. The X-Mode off-road drive menu was accessible through the screen, and external camera views aided off-roading. Additional tech features included a WiFi hotspot and an 11-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system in higher trims. The Forester Hybrid's technology aimed to enhance both on-road and off-road experiences.

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

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid earned five stars in NHTSA crash tests, except for rollover protection, where it received four stars. The IIHS awarded the non-hybrid model a Top Safety Pick, with "Good" ratings in most categories. The Forester Hybrid featured Subaru's EyeSight suite, including frontal collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. The safety systems functioned well, with the option to disable audible alarms for lane-keep assist.