2021 Honda Pilot 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, measuring 226.9 inches compared to the Escalade's 211.9 inches, and slightly lower at 76.4 inches. This additional length was primarily at the rear, enhancing cargo space. The wheelbase was also extended to 134.1 inches, improving stability and design proportions, giving it a more balanced appearance. The Escalade ESV boasted a luxurious exterior with chrome styling on various trims, while Sport models featured blacked-out accents. All trims rode on 22-inch wheels, with variations in finishes and spokes. The vehicle came with standard luxury features like LED headlights, power-extending assist steps, and a deep-tinted glass, while optional packages added further enhancements. However, the interior, despite its high price, was criticized for its use of hard plastics and lack of unique design elements.

The 2021 Honda Pilot aimed to balance styling with reliability, safety, comfort, and performance. Despite a 2019 refresh and a 2020 Black Edition, its exterior design was still considered an acquired taste. The Pilot was available in seven trims, ranging from the base LX to the upscale Black Edition, with prices between $32,250 and $49,920. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available for an additional cost, except on the Elite and Black Edition trims where it was standard. The new Special Edition trim added features like black alloy wheels and wireless smartphone charging. The Black Edition, fully loaded with a $395 paint option, was priced at $51,435. It featured exclusive black leather upholstery with red accents, but the black mats were prone to collecting pet hair. The interior was noted for its quality materials, though it resembled a minivan from the front seat, which, along with its exterior design, was not universally appealing.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV offered two engine options: a standard 6.2-liter V8 producing 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, and an optional 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel inline-six with 277 horsepower and the same torque. Both engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and available with rear-wheel or four-wheel drive. The V8 engine provided adequate power but lacked low-end torque for high-speed passing. The Escalade ESV's weight ranged from 5,785 to 6,182 pounds, which could challenge the engine when towing. Fuel economy was not rated by the EPA for the ESV, but the standard Escalade achieved 17 to 23 mpg combined. During testing, the RWD Escalade ESV averaged 18 mpg in mixed driving conditions.

The 2021 Honda Pilot was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, powering the front wheels or an optional torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system. The AWD system could direct up to 70 percent of engine output to a single rear wheel, enhancing traction. The Pilot featured Intelligent Traction Management with driving modes for various conditions. Fuel-saving technologies included variable-cylinder management and automatic engine stop/start, with the AWD model achieving an EPA-estimated 22 mpg combined. The Pilot's suspension provided a comfortable ride and agile handling, aided by the torque-vectoring AWD system and 20-inch wheels. However, its off-road capability was limited by ground clearance and tire type.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was designed for comfort and cargo capacity, offering leatherette seating with available leather upholstery. Standard features included 12-way power-adjustable front seats, heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and tri-zone climate control. Upgrades included 16-way power-adjustable seats with massage, a panoramic sunroof, and soft-close doors. The ESV provided ample legroom in the first two rows, with the third row suitable for occasional adult use. Cargo space was generous, with 126.6 cubic feet behind the first row, 81.5 cubic feet behind the second, and 42.9 cubic feet behind the third. The power-adjustable third row could be folded using a switch in the cargo area. The hands-free power liftgate was inconsistent, and the rear window could open for additional storage options. An adaptive air suspension facilitated entry and exit, and a center console cooler was available.

The 2021 Honda Pilot offered seating for up to eight with a second-row bench seat. The test vehicle featured leather-wrapped, heated, and ventilated front seats, with 10-way power adjustment for the driver. Second-row captain’s chairs were optional on Touring trims and standard on Elite and Black Edition models, providing comfort and sliding functionality for third-row access. The third-row seat was less comfortable for adults due to its low cushion. Storage was abundant, with compartments in door panels, a large center console, and seatback pockets. Cargo space measured 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 83.9 cubic feet maximum. Higher trims included a power tailgate with hands-free operation.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was notable for its advanced technology, featuring a standard 19-speaker AKG sound system with an optional 36-speaker upgrade. It included wireless charging, NFC phone pairing, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and seven USB ports. A 38-inch curved OLED screen housed three displays for driver information and infotainment, offering exceptional graphics quality. Cadillac's Super Cruise, an advanced driving assist system, was available, allowing hands-free driving on designated highways. However, it occasionally struggled with lane changes and required driver intervention when it failed. Despite these issues, Super Cruise was highly valued for highway driving.

The 2021 Honda Pilot came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and satellite radio. The Special Edition added wireless phone charging, while the Touring trim included navigation, a WiFi hotspot, and a premium audio system. The system was functional but lacked a tuning knob and required specific voice commands. The Touring trim also featured a rear-seat entertainment system with Cabin Talk, allowing the driver to communicate with rear passengers through the speakers or headphones. The system supported DVDs, Blu-Ray discs, and streaming apps, though many users preferred using WiFi for personal devices.

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

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured Honda Sensing, a package of advanced driving assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Starting with the EX trim, it also included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning. The Pilot's crash-test ratings were generally favorable, with a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and high scores from the IIHS, except for an "acceptable" rating in certain areas.