2021 Lexus NX Hybrid vs 2022 Cadillac Escalade

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid presented a unique blend of sharp edges and a streamlined profile, fitting snugly between the Lexus UX and RX models. Its design, while not traditionally SUV-like, maintained a sense of familiarity due to its consistent styling over the years. The F Sport Black Line variant added a distinctive touch with a larger mesh grille, dark-finish 18-inch wheels, and a striking Grecian Water blue paint, which contrasted nicely with the darker trim elements. Inside, the NX Hybrid's interior design, once radical, had become familiar, featuring a stepped center console and a lack of traditional wood trim. The F Sport package added sporty elements like an aluminum pedal and NuLuxe upholstery, but the material quality leaned more towards mainstream than luxury.

In contrast, the 2022 Cadillac Escalade made a bold statement with its unapologetically massive size and distinct styling elements. The front end, reminiscent of a diesel locomotive, featured a tall hood and vertical running lights, while the 22-inch wheels seemed small against the expansive body. The Escalade's design set it apart from other GM full-size SUVs, emphasizing its bulk. Inside, the Escalade offered a luxurious yet somewhat incohesive design with leather upholstery, wood trim, and a panoramic sunroof. Despite its spaciousness, some materials appeared less premium, and the interior lacked a distinctive design theme compared to competitors like the Lincoln Navigator.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a total of 194 horsepower. It came standard with all-wheel drive, but its performance was more focused on fuel efficiency than excitement. The NX Hybrid accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 9.1 seconds, with a top speed of 112 mph. The sport-tuned suspension in the Black Line package improved handling, but the steering felt numb, and the drivetrain struggled with a heavy foot. Drive modes like Normal, Eco, and Sport offered minimal differences in performance.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade offered two powertrain options: a 6.2-liter V8 with 420 horsepower and a 3.0-liter turbocharged diesel engine with 277 horsepower. Both engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and offered rear-wheel or four-wheel drive. The diesel engine, tested for this review, provided smooth power delivery and a low torque peak, making it effective for city driving. However, the Escalade's ride felt unsettled, with vibrations from pavement imperfections. Despite its truck DNA, the Escalade lacked off-road capabilities compared to its GM cousins.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid had limited interior space, with the least front headroom in its segment and cramped rear seats. Front-seat legroom was generous, but rear legroom was lacking. The sloping roofline and thick rear pillars hindered rear visibility. Cargo space was limited, with 16.8 cubic feet with seats up and 53.7 cubic feet with seats folded. The NX Hybrid offered features like power-folding seats and a power liftgate, but they weren't standard.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade, sharing its platform with other GM SUVs, boasted a cavernous cabin. It offered the most first-row and third-row legroom among full-size luxury SUVs. Cargo space was impressive, with 25.5 cubic feet with all seats in place, expanding to 109.1 cubic feet with seats folded. However, the raised center console limited storage space, and the seats, though adjustable, felt similar to those in GM's other models. Cadillac included practical features like dedicated buttons for seat heating and ventilation.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid's infotainment system was a weak point, featuring an 8-inch display with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The lack of a touchscreen and reliance on a touchpad made it difficult to use while driving. The graphics appeared outdated, and the base audio system sounded unbalanced. Higher trims offered a 14-speaker Mark Levinson system.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade featured a 38-inch curved OLED display, comprising three screens. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a well-integrated design. The touchscreen's icons were functional, and physical toggles were retained for essential functions. However, the radio station carousel was awkward, and the rotary controller felt like an afterthought. The Escalade's OLED screens provided excellent resolution for the 360-degree camera system, and it offered advanced tech features like night vision and augmented-reality navigation.

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 newly standard, but a 360-degree camera system was missing.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade included standard driver-assist tech like adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking. Super Cruise, a sophisticated driver-assist system, was available on most trims. It offered hands-free driving on pre-mapped highways, using a driver-facing camera for safety. However, safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were unavailable for this model year.