Cadillac Escalade ESV vs Toyota Grand Highlander

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 at 226.9 inches compared to the regular Escalade's 211.9 inches, with a slightly lower height. This additional length was primarily at the rear, enhancing cargo space and providing a more stable ride due to its extended 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 variations in finishes and spoke numbers depending on the trim. The vehicle's exterior was further enhanced by features like LED headlights, a power panoramic moonroof, and heated mirrors, contributing to its upscale look.

Inside, the Escalade ESV's interior was less impressive, particularly in lighter color schemes, where the use of hard plastics and generic switches detracted from its luxury appeal. Despite its high price point, the dashboard lacked distinctive features. However, the vehicle offered a range of packages to enhance both exterior and interior features, such as the Illumination and Onyx Packages. Overall, while the Escalade ESV presented a posh exterior, its interior fell short of expectations for a vehicle in its price range.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander was a significant addition to Toyota's lineup, positioned as a larger and more spacious alternative to the standard Highlander. Built on the TNGA-K platform, it shared its underpinnings with other Toyota models like the RAV4 and Camry, offering a crossover experience rather than a body-on-frame SUV. With a length of 201.4 inches and a 116.1-inch wheelbase, the Grand Highlander provided ample interior space, surpassing competitors like the Kia Telluride. Its design drew inspiration from rugged vehicles, featuring a blockier appearance with a trapezoidal grille and narrow headlights reminiscent of the 4Runner.

Toyota offered the Grand Highlander in three trims: XLE, Limited, and Platinum, with varying interior materials and features. The XLE trim featured Softex synthetic leather, while higher trims offered real leather upholstery. The vehicle's interior was designed for comfort, with power-adjustable seats, heated front seats, and a spacious center console. The Grand Highlander excelled as a road-trip vehicle, offering a comfortable and well-built interior with ample storage space. Its reputation for mechanical reliability was complemented by a well-fitted interior that promised durability over time.

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, 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 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander offered three engine options: a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 265 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid with 245 combined net horsepower, and the Hybrid Max powertrain with 362 combined net horsepower and 400 combined net pound-feet of torque. The gas and hybrid engines were available with front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD), while the Hybrid Max was AWD-only. The Hybrid Max delivered impressive acceleration with a zero-to-60 time of 6.3 seconds. The Grand Highlander's size made it less maneuverable than its smaller counterpart, but its brakes provided solid performance. The vehicle offered three drive modes—Sport, Eco, and Normal—with additional modes for AWD-equipped models. The 2.4-liter turbocharged engine provided adequate power, while the Hybrid Max offered a more rewarding driving experience.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was designed as a comfortable and plush people and cargo hauler, offering leatherette seating surfaces as standard and leather upholstery as an option. 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 Escalade ESV provided ample legroom in the first two rows, while the third row was less accommodating for adults. Cargo space was a highlight, 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 vehicle's hands-free power liftgate and adaptive air suspension added convenience, while the rear window offered additional storage options.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander was larger than its competitors, offering a spacious interior with a total cargo capacity of 97.5 cubic feet. With seats in position, it provided 57.9 cubic feet behind the second row and 20.6 cubic feet with all three rows up. The Grand Highlander was designed for comfort, with ample headroom, legroom, and shoulder room in every row. Its big greenhouse offered good outward visibility, making it a comfortable choice for passengers. The vehicle's interior was well-suited for long trips, providing a comfortable and spacious environment for occupants.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was a technology powerhouse, featuring a standard 19-speaker AKG sound system with an optional upgrade to a 36-speaker AKG Studio Reference audio system. It offered wireless charging, NFC phone pairing, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and seven USB ports. The vehicle's standout feature was its curved 38-inch 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 advanced driving assist system was available, allowing hands-free driving on select highways. While Super Cruise worked well in most conditions, it occasionally struggled with construction zones and required driver intervention.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander came equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering a visually stunning interface. An intelligent assistant was available via a connected-services subscription, responding to voice commands for tasks like adjusting the temperature. The system included dual-device Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Limited and Platinum trims featured an 11-speaker JBL stereo, providing a balanced audio experience. Streaming audio integration and Sirius XM satellite radio were available, along with a Wi-Fi Connect package for additional connectivity options. Toyota's tech offering had improved significantly, though buyers were encouraged to review subscription options carefully.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV came standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including front automatic braking, front and rear park assist, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. Buyers could add advanced technologies like adaptive park assist, a head-up display, and night vision. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the Escalade ESV a four-star rating, with a three-star rating in the rollover test due to its top-heavy design.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). However, it came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0) as standard, offering features like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert with steering assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The adaptive cruise control included four following-distance settings, enhancing its functionality.