2021 Buick Envision vs 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was an extended version of the standard Escalade, featuring a complete redesign for the model year. It was notably longer than the regular Escalade, measuring 226.9 inches compared to 211.9 inches, with a slightly lower height. This additional length was primarily at the rear, enhancing cargo space and providing a more stable ride due to its extended wheelbase of 134.1 inches. The Escalade ESV boasted a luxurious appearance with chrome styling on various trim levels, while Sport models featured blacked-out accents. All versions rode on 22-inch wheels, with variations in finishes and spoke numbers depending on the trim. The vehicle's exterior was further enhanced by features like LED headlights, roof rails, and power-extending assist steps, contributing to its luxurious appeal.

Inside, the Escalade ESV's interior was less impressive, particularly in lighter color schemes, where the use of hard plastics and generic switches detracted from its luxury status. Despite its high price point, the dashboard lacked distinctive trimmings. However, the vehicle offered a range of packages to enhance both exterior and interior features, such as the Illumination and Onyx Packages. Overall, while the Escalade ESV presented a posh exterior, its interior fell short of expectations for a vehicle in its price range.

The 2021 Buick Envision underwent a redesign, presenting a more premium crossover styling with a lower and wider stance than its predecessor. It was positioned between the smaller Encore GX and the larger Enclave in Buick's lineup. The Envision's new look was more sculpted than its cousin, the Cadillac XT4, but not as sleek as the Acura RDX. It offered three trim levels: Preferred, Essence, and Avenir, with the Avenir trim making its debut on the Envision. The Avenir model featured upgraded exterior elements, including a Black Ice Chrome mesh grille and 20-inch pearl nickel wheels, while the interior boasted leather-appointed seating and a head-up display.

The Envision's cabin design was driver-centric, with a protruding center stack housing the infotainment screen and climate controls angled toward the driver. While the design choices were stylish for a General Motors product, the abundance of piano black plastic on the dashboard and center console attracted dust. Despite these drawbacks, the Envision's Avenir grade fit well among premium competitors and some base model luxury SUVs. The vehicle came equipped with LED lighting and offered a Sport Touring package for the Preferred and Essence trims, adding darkened wheels and exterior accents.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV offered two engine options: a standard 6.2-liter V8 delivering 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, and an available 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel inline-six engine producing 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, and buyers could choose between rear-wheel drive (RWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) configurations. The Escalade ESV's V8 engine provided sufficient power, though it could have benefited from more low-end torque for passing at higher speeds. The vehicle's weight, ranging from 5,785 to 6,182 pounds depending on the trim, contributed to its performance challenges, particularly when towing.

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, surpassing expectations. The vehicle's mechanical limited-slip differential was standard, with an electronic version available in higher grades. The diesel engine option did not require a premium, with pricing dependent on trim level and packages.

The 2021 Buick Envision featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. This engine produced 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, a downgrade from the previous model year's 252 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Despite the power reduction, Buick managed to shed 200 to 300 pounds from the vehicle, depending on the trim level. The Envision's turbo-four engine was competent for daily driving, though not particularly powerful.

Buick revised its drivetrain offerings, making front-wheel drive (FWD) standard on all trims, with all-wheel drive (AWD) available. The weight reduction and engine downgrade improved the Envision's fuel efficiency, with the FWD model achieving an EPA-estimated 24 mpg in the city, 31 mpg on the highway, and 26 mpg combined. AWD versions fared slightly worse, with 22 mpg in the city, 29 mpg on the highway, and 25 mpg combined. The Envision's acceleration and deceleration were accompanied by noticeable engine and road noise, detracting from its premium feel. The vehicle's drivability was more akin to a Lincoln, offering comfortable cruising without sporty dynamics. The Envision's drive mode selector included a Sport mode, but the noise and fuel economy trade-offs were not worth the switch.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was designed as a comfortable and plush people and cargo hauler, offering leatherette seating surfaces as standard and leather upholstery as an option. The vehicle featured 12-way power-adjustable front seats, heated first- and second-row seats, a heated steering wheel, and tri-zone climate control. Buyers could upgrade to 16-way power-adjustable front seats with massage functionality and a panoramic sunroof. The Escalade ESV provided ample legroom in the first two rows, with the third row offering decent space for adults on shorter trips.

Cargo space was a highlight, 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 power-adjustable third row could be folded using a switch in the cargo area, though it occasionally required manual adjustment. The hands-free power liftgate worked inconsistently, with a Cadillac logo projected on the ground at night to indicate the activation spot. The Escalade ESV also featured a rear window that opened for additional storage options and an adaptive air suspension for easier entry and exit.

The 2021 Buick Envision's redesign did not significantly improve cabin functionality. Despite a longer wheelbase, the Envision had less headroom, legroom, and shoulder room in the front row compared to its predecessor. Rear-seat passengers lost two inches of legroom and nearly six inches of hip room. Cargo capacity was also reduced, with 25.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 53.7 cubic feet with the back seat folded. While these numbers were low compared to other luxury SUVs, the Envision's rear cargo space was sufficient for daily activities.

The Envision's driver-centric cockpit limited front-seat passenger access to climate controls and the infotainment screen. Small-item storage was typical for the compact SUV segment. The Envision offered standard heated driver and front passenger seats, eight-way power-adjustable front seats, and a heated steering wheel. Forward visibility was challenging for shorter drivers due to the hood's slope, requiring reliance on parking sensors for proper stopping.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV stood out for its technology, featuring a standard 19-speaker AKG sound system with an optional 36-speaker AKG Studio Reference audio system. The vehicle included wireless charging, NFC phone pairing, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and seven USB ports. A curved 38-inch OLED screen housed three displays for driver information and infotainment, offering unparalleled graphics quality and responsiveness.

Cadillac's Super Cruise advanced driving assist system was available, allowing hands-free driving on select highways. The system included lane-keeping, lane-centering, and adaptive cruise control, though it occasionally struggled in bright sunlight or poorly-lit tunnels. Super Cruise's lane-change technology worked as advertised but sometimes lacked the desired acceleration. Despite occasional failures, Super Cruise was valuable for highway driving.

The 2021 Buick Envision's technology was less advanced, with a standard 10.2-inch infotainment touchscreen and an available 8.0-inch driver information display. The Envision included standard features like USB ports, dual-zone automatic climate control, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Available features included navigation, driver massage, HD Radio, and a surround-view camera. The Envision lacked GM's Super Cruise system and lane-centering technology.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV came standard with front automatic braking, front and rear park assist, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. Buyers could add features like adaptive park assist, a head-up display, and night vision. The NHTSA gave the Escalade ESV a four-star rating, with a three-star rollover test score indicating a higher risk of rollover collisions.

The 2021 Buick Envision had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS. Standard safety features included a following distance indicator, forward-collision alert, and lane-keep assist. Adaptive cruise control and enhanced automatic park assist were available on Avenir models. The Envision lacked GM's Super Cruise system and lane-centering technology.