2020 Audi Q7 vs 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV

The 2020 Audi Q7 presented a refined and modern aesthetic, with its updated front and rear styling aligning it with the flagship Q8 model. The test vehicle, a Q7 55 TFSI in Prestige trim, featured Navarra Blue metallic paint and was equipped with 20-inch turbine-style wheels. Inside, the Q7 adopted a high-tech dashboard from the Q8, replacing most physical controls with three digital displays, including Audi’s Virtual Cockpit. The cabin, adorned in Okapi Brown leather and Gray/Brown Fine Grain Ash wood inlays, exuded an upscale and high-tech vibe, enhanced by multi-color ambient lighting.

In contrast, the 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was a strikingly large and luxurious SUV, with its extended length providing additional cargo space. The Escalade ESV featured chrome styling on Luxury trims and blacked-out accents on Sport trims, all riding on 22-inch wheels. The interior offered leatherette seating with options for leather upholstery and a range of comfort features, including heated seats and a panoramic sunroof. Despite its plush design, the interior was criticized for its use of hard plastics and lack of unique dashboard trimmings, which detracted from its luxury appeal.

The 2020 Audi Q7 55 TFSI was powered by a new 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine, producing 335 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system. The Q7 accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds and had a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds. It featured a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that improved fuel efficiency, achieving an average of 21 mpg during testing. The adaptive air suspension and Audi Drive Select system provided a comfortable and agile driving experience, with the Q7 excelling on both highways and winding roads.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV offered a choice between a 6.2-liter V8 engine with 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel engine with 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission, with options for rear-wheel or four-wheel drive. The V8 engine provided ample power, though it lacked low-end torque for passing at higher speeds. The Escalade ESV’s fuel economy was estimated at around 18 mpg during testing. Despite its size, the Escalade ESV delivered a smooth ride, though its performance was less agile compared to the Q7.

The 2020 Audi Q7, while offering three rows of seats, was best suited for five passengers, as the third row was cramped and reduced cargo space to 14.2 cubic feet. Folding the third row expanded cargo capacity to 35.7 cubic feet, and further to 69.6 cubic feet with both rear rows down. The Prestige trim provided comfortable seating with heated and ventilated front seats, and the panoramic sunroof added to the cabin’s appeal. However, the Q7 lacked practical interior storage, with limited space for personal items.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV excelled in passenger and cargo space, with 126.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the first row. The third row offered 42.9 cubic feet, accommodating bulkier items without folding seats. The Escalade ESV featured power-adjustable seating, a hands-free power liftgate, and an adaptive air suspension for easier access. Despite its spaciousness, the Escalade ESV’s interior was criticized for its lack of premium materials and the inconsistent functionality of its hands-free liftgate.

The 2020 Audi Q7 introduced the MMI Touch Response system, featuring a 10.1-inch and an 8.6-inch touchscreen for accessing vehicle systems. It included natural voice recognition, wireless smartphone integration, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. While the system was generally intuitive, dry fingertips occasionally caused unresponsive virtual buttons. The Prestige trim offered a head-up display and a Bose premium sound system, though Audi upgraded to a Bang & Olufsen system for 2021.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV stood out with its 38-inch OLED screen, providing crisp graphics and an intuitive interface. It came standard with a 19-speaker AKG sound system, with an option to upgrade to a 36-speaker system. The Escalade ESV featured wireless charging, NFC phone pairing, and Super Cruise, an advanced driving assist system. Super Cruise allowed hands-free driving on highways, though it occasionally struggled with lane changes and construction zones. Despite some limitations, the technology in the Escalade ESV was among the best available.

The 2020 Audi Q7 was equipped with advanced driving-assistance systems, including Emergency Assist, Turn Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Assist. However, the traffic-sign recognition system occasionally misread signs, leading to abrupt braking. The Q7 received high safety ratings from the IIHS, except for its headlights, which were rated "poor" due to excessive glare.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV came standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist. Additional technologies were available, such as night vision and advanced adaptive cruise control. The Escalade ESV received a four-star rating from the NHTSA, with a lower score in the rollover test due to its top-heavy design.