GMC Yukon vs Cadillac Escalade ESV

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's design was characterized by its luxurious appearance, with chrome styling on various trim levels and 22-inch wheels standard across all versions. The grille design varied by trim, adding to its distinct look. Despite its upscale exterior, the interior fell short of expectations, with hard plastics and a lack of unique dashboard trimmings, which was disappointing for a vehicle priced near or above $90,000.

The 2022 GMC Yukon, on the other hand, embraced chrome as a defining feature, especially evident in the Denali trim with its vast, multi-dimensional grille. This design choice gave the Yukon a commanding presence, complemented by signature C-shaped headlights. The Denali's 22-inch bright machined aluminum wheels stood out against its dark paint, while the AT4 trim offered a unique off-road look with a dark grille and skid plate. Inside, the Yukon provided a spacious cabin with standard seating for eight, or seven with second-row captain's chairs. The Denali trim boasted exclusive interior designs, adding layers and textures for a premium feel. The AT4 featured a Jet Black interior with unique accents, enhancing its rugged appeal.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV offered two engine choices: a standard 6.2-liter V8 delivering 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, and an optional 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel inline-six with 277 horsepower and the same 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 Escalade ESV's V8 engine provided sufficient power, though it lacked low-end torque for passing at higher speeds. The vehicle's weight, ranging from 5,785 to 6,182 pounds, contributed to this challenge. Fuel economy was estimated at 17 to 23 mpg combined for the traditional Escalade, with the RWD Escalade ESV averaging around 18 mpg during testing.

The 2022 GMC Yukon offered three engine options, including a 5.3-liter V8 with 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, a 6.2-liter V8 with 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, and a new 3.0-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder engine with 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. The diesel engine, known as the "Baby Duramax," provided excellent fuel economy and a five-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, with RWD standard and 4WD available. The AT4 trim was exclusively 4WD. The Yukon's maximum towing capacity was 8,400 pounds with the 5.3-liter engine and Max Trailering Package. The Denali trim, equipped with the 6.2-liter V8, had an 8,200-pound tow rating. The Yukon's independent rear suspension improved handling and ride quality, though some bouncing was noted on rough surfaces.

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 heated steering wheel. The ESV provided ample legroom in the first two rows, with the third row offering decent space for adults. Cargo capacity was impressive, 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, though it sometimes required manual adjustment. The hands-free power liftgate was a convenient feature, though it worked inconsistently. The ESV also offered a rear window that opened for additional storage options.

The 2022 GMC Yukon addressed previous shortcomings with increased third-row legroom, now at 34.9 inches, and expanded cargo space, offering 25.5 cubic feet behind the third row. The redesign included a nearly five-inch wheelbase stretch and six inches of additional length, along with an independent rear suspension for a lower floor and more usable space. The second-row seats folded flat, with power fold-and-tumble bucket seats available for easier access to the third row. The Denali trim featured a power-sliding center console with hidden storage, and power-retractable, illuminated assist steps were part of the Denali Ultimate Package. The Yukon also introduced pushbutton transmission controls, replacing traditional gear shifters.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV stood out for its technology, featuring a standard 19-speaker AKG sound system with an optional 36-speaker AKG Studio Reference audio system. The vehicle included wireless charging, NFC phone pairing, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and seven USB ports. A curved 38-inch OLED screen housed three displays for driver information and infotainment, offering unparalleled graphics quality. Cadillac's Super Cruise advanced driving assist system was available, allowing hands-free driving on certain highways. While Super Cruise generally worked well, it occasionally struggled in construction zones or with sudden changes in lighting. The system's lane-change technology was effective but sometimes slow to respond.

The 2022 GMC Yukon came equipped with a 12-inch reconfigurable driver information center, providing access to phone, audio, and navigation functions. The Denali trim featured a 15-inch multi-color head-up display, the largest in its class, offering driving speed, safety aids, and off-road information. The Yukon's 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system included Google Built-In, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Bose 14-speaker audio system. The Denali Ultimate Package added a rear-seat media system with dual 12.6-inch LCD HD touchscreens, compatible with various media formats. While the Bose audio system was adequate, it didn't meet expectations for sound quality.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV came standard with front automatic braking, park assist, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, safety seat alert, lane-keep assist, and forward-collision assist. Additional safety features included adaptive park assist, a head-up display, rear camera mirror, lane-change alert, night vision, and advanced adaptive cruise control. The NHTSA gave the Escalade ESV a four-star rating, with a three-star rating for rollover resistance.

The 2022 GMC Yukon featured GMC's Pro Safety suite, including automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The Pro Safety Plus package added lane-change alert, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear park assist. The Yukon also included a Safety Alert Seat and an adjustable rear camera mirror. The NHTSA awarded the Yukon a four-star overall rating, with five stars for side crash protection and three stars for rollover resistance.