2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV vs 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe offered a diverse range of trims, each with distinct styling cues. The base LS and popular LT trims featured unique grille patterns, while the sporty RST trim boasted a slotted grille, blacked-out appearance, and 22-inch wheels. The rugged Z71 trim combined the LS grille with a blacked-out look, a redesigned front end for off-roading, red tow hooks, a skid plate, and unique 20-inch wheels with all-terrain tires. The upscale Premier trim adopted the RST’s slotted grille with chrome accents and polished wheels, while the luxurious High Country trim showcased a chrome bar grille and body-color mirror caps. The Tahoe's design was characterized by standard LED headlights and expressive taillights, with larger wheels enhancing its appearance. Prices ranged from $49,000 for the LS to $72,600 for the High Country, with the Z71 trim tested at $76,225. Interior features included a 10.2-inch infotainment screen, leather seating from the LT trim upwards, and a focus on storage capacity, though the control layout was somewhat compromised.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV, an extended version of the Escalade, underwent a complete redesign for 2021. It was longer and slightly lower than the standard Escalade, with a lengthened wheelbase for improved stability and design proportions. The Escalade ESV featured chrome styling on Luxury trims and blacked-out accents on Sport trims, all riding on 22-inch wheels. The grille design varied by trim, and standard features included LED headlights, roof rails, and power-extending assist steps. The interior offered leatherette seating with available leather upholstery, 12-way power-adjustable front seats, and a range of luxury upgrades. The Escalade ESV provided ample cargo space, with 126.6 cubic feet behind the first row, and a hands-free power liftgate. The adaptive air suspension facilitated entry and exit, while upscale features like a center console cooler were available.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe offered three engine options. The standard 5.3-liter V8, available in all trims except the High Country, delivered 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. The High Country featured a 6.2-liter V8 with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. A turbocharged 3.0-liter diesel engine, offering 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, was available for all trims except the Z71. The Tahoe's 10-speed automatic transmission powered the rear wheels, with optional four-wheel drive. The Z71 trim included standard 4WD, hill descent control, and off-road enhancements. The major engineering change was the adoption of an independent rear suspension, improving ride quality and interior comfort. The Tahoe Z71 impressed with its smooth ride, adaptive damping, and air suspension upgrades. The 5.3-liter V8 and 10-speed transmission provided ample power, with Dynamic Fuel Management technology improving fuel economy. Handling was commendable, though the Z71's all-terrain tires affected cornering on pavement.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV offered a choice between a 6.2-liter V8 and a 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel inline-six engine. The V8, standard on all trims, delivered 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, while the diesel offered 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive options. The V8 provided sufficient power, though more low-end torque was desired for passing at higher speeds. The Escalade ESV's weight, ranging from 5,785 to 6,182 pounds, could challenge the engine when towing. The EPA estimated fuel economy for the traditional Escalade ranged from 17 to 23 mpg combined, with the RWD Escalade ESV averaging around 18 mpg during testing. The Escalade ESV's performance was characterized by its size and weight, with the V8 engine delivering adequate power for most driving situations.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe benefited from a new independent rear suspension, enhancing passenger comfort and cargo space. The test vehicle featured heated power-adjustable front seats and a heated steering wheel, with a power sliding storage console for added convenience. The second-row offered a choice between a bench seat or captain’s chairs, with easy access to the third row. The third-row seat room was significantly improved, accommodating adults comfortably. The Tahoe provided 25.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 122.9 cubic feet with seats folded. These figures surpassed most full-size SUVs, except for longer-wheelbase models like the Chevrolet Suburban.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was designed for comfort and luxury, with standard leatherette seating and available leather upholstery. The interior featured 12-way power-adjustable front seats, heated first- and second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel. Buyers could upgrade to 16-way power-adjustable front seats with massage functionality and a panoramic sunroof. The Escalade ESV offered generous legroom in the first two rows, with the third row accommodating adults occasionally. Cargo space was substantial, 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 hands-free power liftgate and adaptive air suspension added convenience, while the rear window opening allowed for versatile storage options.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe featured a standard 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with enhanced computing power and cybersecurity protection. Standard highlights included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice recognition, and Chevrolet Connected Services. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though main-menu shortcut icons were somewhat hard to use. The voice-recognition system was impressive, and Bluetooth pairing was fast. The test vehicle included a mid-grade 9-speaker Bose audio system and a Rear Seat Media system, though the latter was not fully tested. The Tahoe also offered an available 15-inch head-up display for added convenience.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was a technological marvel, featuring a standard 19-speaker AKG sound system with an optional 36-speaker upgrade. Wireless charging, NFC phone pairing, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and seven USB ports were standard. The Escalade ESV boasted a curved 38-inch OLED screen, providing crisp graphics and intuitive menu layers. Cadillac's Super Cruise, an advanced driving assist system, was available, allowing hands-free driving on designated roadways. Super Cruise included lane-keeping, lane-centering, and adaptive cruise control, though it occasionally struggled in certain conditions. Despite some limitations, Super Cruise was a valuable feature for highway driving.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe came standard with Teen Driver, rear-seat reminder, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, and low-speed automatic emergency braking. Higher trims offered additional safety features, including lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Tahoe's safety features worked as expected, though the audible pedestrian alert could be distracting. A surround-view camera was recommended for maneuvering the large SUV. As of the review, the Tahoe had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV included standard safety features such as front automatic braking, park assist, pedestrian detection, and lane-keep assist. Buyers could add advanced technologies like adaptive park assist, a head-up display, and night vision. The Escalade ESV received a four-star rating from NHTSA, with a three-star rating in the rollover test, indicating a higher risk of rollover collisions.