2021 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a significant mid-generation refresh, resulting in a more muscular aesthetic with its new hexagonal grille and standard LED headlights. This design shift moved away from the elegance of previous models, yet retained a touch of sophistication as the eye traveled from the front to the sides and rear. The rear featured a new all-LED taillamp spanning the width of the vehicle, with the Chrysler wing badge at its center. The Pacifica offered six new wheel designs and the S Appearance Package, which included darkened features and black accents, enhancing its bold look. Inside, the Pacifica balanced practicality and luxury, especially in the Pinnacle trim, which boasted quilted leather seats, suede center row pillows, and Beber floor mats. The flat dashboard, anchored by a 10.1-inch touchscreen, added to the premium feel, while sound-deadening technology ensured a quiet ride.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV, as the extended version of the Escalade, benefited from a complete redesign. It was longer and slightly lower than the standard Escalade, with a lengthened wheelbase that improved stability and design proportions. The Escalade ESV exuded luxury with chrome styling on certain trims and blacked-out accents on others. All versions rode on 22-inch wheels, with finishes varying by trim. The exterior featured standard roof rails, LED headlights, and a power-extending assist step, among other luxury touches. Inside, the Escalade ESV offered leatherette seating with available leather upholstery, 12-way power-adjustable front seats, and a host of standard features like tri-zone climate control and a hands-free power liftgate. Despite its plush design, the interior had some hard plastics that detracted from its luxury feel, especially in lighter color schemes.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered two powertrain options: a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, and a hybrid powertrain combining a V6 engine with a dual-motor electrically variable transmission, achieving 260 horsepower. The hybrid model boasted an all-electric range of over 30 miles and a total range exceeding 500 miles, delivering 82 MPGe and 30 mpg combined. The traditional V6 Pacifica achieved 19 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, with AWD models slightly less efficient. The AWD system, new to the lineup, activated on-demand based on driving conditions, enhancing traction without compromising fuel efficiency.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV offered a choice between a 6.2-liter V8 engine delivering 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel inline-six engine with 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Escalade ESV was available with rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, and a mechanical limited-slip differential was standard. The V8 engine provided ample power, though it could have benefited from more low-end torque for passing at higher speeds. The Escalade ESV's fuel economy was not rated by the EPA, but the traditional Escalade achieved an estimated 17 to 23 mpg combined. During testing, the RWD Escalade ESV averaged around 18 mpg.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family life in mind, offering spacious seating and practical storage solutions. The front seats provided ample space and a sense of togetherness, with a padded center console lid replacing armrests. Storage options included an under-stack area and under-console storage for second-row passengers. Standard features included power-sliding rear doors, three-zone climate control, and Stow 'n Go seating, allowing for flexible cargo space. The Pacifica Pinnacle offered best-in-class total storage of 227.6 liters, making it ideal for family travel.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was designed as a comfortable people and cargo hauler, with leatherette seating surfaces and available leather upholstery. Standard features included 12-way power-adjustable front seats, heated first- and second-row seats, and a hands-free power liftgate. The Escalade ESV offered 126.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the first row, 81.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and 42.9 cubic feet behind the third row. The power-adjustable third row could be folded using a switch in the cargo area, though it sometimes required manual adjustment of the second-row seats. The hands-free power liftgate worked inconsistently, and the rear window could be opened for additional storage options.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured advanced technology, including hands-free sliding doors and the Uconnect 5 infotainment system. The system was graphically appealing, responsive, and easy to use, with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The second-row in-seat entertainment system remained an option, with additional games available. Audio options included a standard six-speaker system and upgraded Alpine and Harman Kardon systems. The Pinnacle model featured FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with unique features like a rear-facing child seat view and zoom-to-seat functionality.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was a technological powerhouse, featuring a standard 19-speaker AKG sound system with an optional 36-speaker upgrade. Standard features included wireless charging, NFC phone pairing, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and seven USB ports. The Escalade ESV boasted a curved 38-inch OLED screen, providing crisp graphics and intuitive menu navigation. Cadillac's Super Cruise, an advanced driving assist system, was available, allowing for hands-free driving on designated roadways. While Super Cruise generally performed well, it occasionally struggled in certain conditions, requiring driver intervention.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica came standard with 97 safety features, increasing to 100 in the Pinnacle trim. Key safety technologies included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not yet rated the model.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV featured standard safety equipment such as front automatic braking, park assist, pedestrian detection, and lane-keep assist. Additional technologies were available, including adaptive park assist, a head-up display, and night vision. The NHTSA awarded the Escalade ESV a four-star rating, with a three-star rating in the rollover test, indicating a higher risk of rollover collisions.