Cadillac Escalade ESV vs Volkswagen Atlas

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, with a slightly lower height. This additional length was primarily at the rear, enhancing cargo space and providing a more stable ride due to a longer 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 finishes varying by trim. The exterior was equipped with features like LED headlights, roof rails, and power-extending assist steps, contributing to its upscale look. However, the interior, despite its spaciousness, was criticized for its use of hard plastics and lack of unique design elements, which detracted from its luxury appeal.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas, following significant updates in 2021, carried over with minor modifications and a simplified lineup. It offered a range of trim levels, from SE to SEL Premium R-Line, with prices starting at $34,355. The SEL Premium R-Line trim featured R-Line design elements, including 21-inch wheels that complemented its bold styling. The Atlas was praised for its spacious and comfortable interior, accommodating seven passengers with ease. However, the use of low-cost materials and hard plastics was a drawback, affecting the perceived quality. Despite this, the Atlas provided ample storage space and a user-friendly design, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV offered two engine options: a standard 6.2-liter V8 producing 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, and an optional 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel inline-six with 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and available in rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) configurations. The Escalade ESV's V8 engine provided sufficient power, though it could have benefited from more low-end torque for passing at higher speeds. The vehicle'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 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered a standard turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and available in front-wheel drive (FWD) or 4Motion all-wheel drive (AWD). The turbo-four's towing capacity was limited to 2,000 pounds, but it achieved an EPA-estimated 22 to 23 mpg in combined driving. The optional 3.6-liter V6 engine, standard on higher trims, produced 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, with a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds. However, the V6's performance was considered leisurely, and its fuel economy estimates ranged from 19 to 20 mpg. The Atlas offered various driving modes and an Active Control system for AWD models, enhancing its versatility. Despite its size, the Atlas was easy to maneuver, thanks to its cameras and sensors, though its ride quality was affected by the 21-inch wheels and low-profile tires.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was designed as a luxurious 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. The interior provided ample legroom in the first two rows, with the third row being less accommodating for adults. The Escalade 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 sometimes required manual adjustment. The hands-free power liftgate was a convenient feature, though it was not always reliable. The Escalade ESV also offered a rear window that opened for additional storage options.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas, with its V-Tex leatherette seating and heated front seats, provided a comfortable and spacious interior for seven passengers. Higher trims added features like tri-zone automatic climate control, ambient cabin lighting, and a panoramic sunroof. The Atlas excelled in interior space, with 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 55.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 96.8 cubic feet with the second row folded. The low step-in height made it easy to access, and the vehicle offered numerous storage areas, though many were unlined, leading to unwanted noise. The Atlas's cargo space was practical and versatile, making it a strong contender in its class.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was equipped with advanced technology, including a standard 19-speaker AKG sound system, with an optional upgrade to a 36-speaker AKG Studio Reference audio system. It featured wireless charging, NFC phone pairing, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and seven USB ports. The Escalade ESV's standout feature was its curved 38-inch OLED screen, which housed three screens for driver information and infotainment. The OLED technology provided deep blacks and crisp graphics, enhancing the driving experience. Cadillac's Super Cruise, an advanced driving assist system, was available, allowing for hands-free driving on certain highways. While Super Cruise generally performed well, it occasionally struggled in specific conditions, such as construction zones or poorly-lit areas. Despite some limitations, Super Cruise was considered a valuable feature for highway driving.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas came standard with the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrument cluster, featuring an 8-inch display that expanded to 10.25 inches on higher trims. The Atlas SE had a 6.5-inch touchscreen with last-generation infotainment, while other trims featured the next-generation MIB3 system with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. Volkswagen's Car-Net connected services offered various plans, including remote access, safety features, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Atlas also included five additional USB ports and a navigation system on higher trims. However, the user experience was hindered by slow loading times and a cumbersome process for tuning the radio. The voice recognition system required a subscription for optimal performance, leading to mixed results. Overall, the Atlas's technology offerings were comprehensive but could benefit from improved usability.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV came standard with a range of safety features, including front automatic braking, front and rear park assist, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and lane-keep assist. Additional technologies were available, such as adaptive park assist, a head-up display, and advanced adaptive cruise control. The Escalade ESV received a four-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), with a three-star rating in the rollover test, indicating a higher risk of rollover collisions.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered an extensive list of safety features, including automatic post-collision braking, Front Assist, Side Assist, and Rear Traffic Alert. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, and the full collection of IQ Drive safety features, such as lane-departure warning and lane-centering assistance. The Atlas also featured brighter LED headlights and an adaptive front lighting system. However, the Lane Assist technology occasionally misinterpreted road markings, leading to potential issues. The Atlas received decent crash-test ratings but did not earn a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).