2021 Cadillac Escalade vs 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade showcased a design influenced by the Escala concept, particularly evident in its front styling. However, from the side and rear, it maintained a familiar look with crisp creases and tall OLED taillights. It sat on standard 22-inch wheels, a first for the model. The Escalade offered various trims, starting at $76,195, with options for more luxurious finishes like the Premium Luxury and Sport trims, and a Platinum upgrade for maximum luxury. The interior featured leather and wood trims, with the Premium Luxury model boasting Parchment leather and Tamo Ash wood. Despite its high price, some interior plastics were hard to overlook.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid, positioned between the UX and RX, retained its sharp-edged, streamlined design. It shared a platform with the older Toyota RAV4, making it less advanced than its sibling. The F Sport Black Line model featured a larger grille, dark-finish wheels, and a striking Grecian Water paint. Inside, the NX had a radical design with a stepped center console and sporty dashboard. The F Sport model included aluminum pedals and NuLuxe upholstery, but the material quality felt more mainstream than luxury. The NX's design was both familiar and distinct, but it lacked the refinement expected from a luxury brand.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade offered a choice between a 6.2-liter V8 engine and a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel inline six-cylinder. The V8, producing 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, was favored for its performance and sound. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission and technologies like Dynamic Fuel Management for improved efficiency, achieving 15.9 mpg on a test loop. The turbo-diesel, with 277 horsepower, promised better fuel economy and early torque delivery. The Escalade's ride was enhanced by an independent rear suspension, Magnetic Ride Control, and 4-Corner Air Ride, providing a smooth and controlled experience. However, the brake pedal could have offered better modulation.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, delivering 194 horsepower and standard AWD. Despite its sporty appearance, it was not a performance vehicle, taking 9.1 seconds to reach 60 mph. The hybrid system prioritized fuel efficiency, but the transition between electric and gasoline power was clunky. The Black Line package's sport-tuned suspension improved handling without sacrificing comfort. However, the steering felt numb, and the drive modes offered minimal impact on performance. The NX Hybrid was more about efficiency than excitement.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade's new design allowed for a more spacious and functional interior. The independent rear suspension lowered the floor, increasing passenger comfort and cargo capacity. Front seats offered 12-way and optional 16-way adjustments, with heated and ventilated options. The second-row seats provided generous leg support and easy access to the third row, which now accommodated adults comfortably. Cargo space was impressive, with 25.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expandable to 109.1 cubic feet with seats folded. The extended-length ESV model offered even more room.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid had limited front and rear headroom, with rear legroom being the worst in its class. The front seats, however, were comfortable with 10-way power adjustment and available heating and ventilation. The sporty dashboard design made controls accessible but reduced rear visibility. Cargo space was limited, with 16.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 53.7 cubic feet with them folded. The NX Hybrid offered a power-folding second row and power liftgate, but these were not standard features.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade featured a cutting-edge 38-inch curved OLED display with high pixel density. It included a 14.2-inch instrumentation screen with multiple display options, though switching between them was cumbersome. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, but voice recognition had limitations. The AR navigation system was impressive, overlaying directional arrows on the camera view. A 19-speaker AKG sound system was standard, with an optional 36-speaker system offering exceptional audio quality. A head-up display was standard on most trims, providing essential driving information.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid's infotainment system was a weak point, with an 8-inch display and an awkward Remote Touch Interface touchpad. The lack of a touchscreen made it difficult to use while driving. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, but the system felt outdated with poor graphics. An eight-speaker audio system was standard, with a 14-speaker Mark Levinson system available on higher trims. The base audio system lacked the quality expected from a luxury brand.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade's safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. It also had a Safety Alert Seat, Teen Driver technology, and a surround-view camera. Premium trims added blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and adaptive cruise control. However, there were instances of false alarms during testing. The upcoming Super Cruise technology promised hands-free driving on highways.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid earned a “Top Safety Pick+” from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It came standard with the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, including forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. The NX Hybrid offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, making it a strong contender in its class.