2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2021 Cadillac Escalade

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade showcased a design heavily influenced by the Escala concept, particularly evident in its front fascia. However, from the side and rear, it retained a familiar look with crisp creases and tall OLED taillights. It sat on standard 22-inch wheels, marking a first in its history. The base model started at $76,195, with higher trims like the Premium Luxury and Sport offering more features and luxury, reaching up to $102,310 for a fully equipped version. Inside, the Escalade impressed with its luxurious materials, though some hard plastics were noted as a downside given the price.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid borrowed styling cues from the Tacoma, featuring a rugged trapezoidal grille. Its side profile introduced a swooping character line, adding visual weight. The rear echoed the front's design, but the overall look felt disjointed compared to competitors. Inside, the Highlander Hybrid's asymmetrical dash and high-mounted infotainment screen provided practicality. The Bronze Edition's fabric upholstery was criticized for its pattern and durability concerns, while higher trims offered more conventional materials.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade offered a choice between a 6.2-liter V8 engine with 420 horsepower and a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel engine producing 277 horsepower. The V8 was favored for its performance and sound, delivering power through a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Escalade's ride quality improved significantly with a new independent rear suspension and Magnetic Ride Control, providing a smooth and controlled experience. Fuel economy for the V8 was estimated at 16 mpg combined, while the diesel promised better efficiency.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine producing 243 horsepower, paired with a CVT. It offered FWD as standard, with AWD available. The hybrid system provided a smooth but uninspired acceleration experience, with a noticeable engine drone under heavy load. The Highlander Hybrid excelled in ride comfort, with a quiet cabin and soft suspension, though it wasn't designed for sporty handling.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade boasted a larger and more functional cabin, thanks to its independent rear suspension and extended wheelbase. It offered generous passenger space, with heated and ventilated seats, and a third row that could comfortably accommodate adults. Cargo capacity was impressive, with up to 109.1 cubic feet available in the standard model, and even more in the extended-length ESV version.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid provided comfortable front seats with ample storage options. The second row was spacious, with sliding and reclining captain's chairs, while the third row was less accommodating, suitable for children or short trips. Cargo space was limited to 16 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 84.3 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade featured a cutting-edge 38-inch OLED display with high pixel density. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though some user experience improvements were needed. The AR navigation and AKG sound system were highlights, offering advanced features and impressive audio quality.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came with an 8-inch infotainment screen, with a larger 12.3-inch option on higher trims. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. The system was user-friendly, with physical buttons for climate control. Higher trims offered navigation and a JBL audio system.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and a surround-view camera. Advanced systems like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance were available on higher trims. Some false alarms were noted during testing.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid received top safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS. It included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist as standard. While effective, some systems required fine-tuning to improve performance.