2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV vs 2021 Ford Bronco Sport

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 at 226.9 inches compared to the Escalade's 211.9 inches, with a slightly lower height of 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 the ESV a more balanced appearance. The vehicle boasted a luxurious exterior with chrome styling on certain trims and blacked-out accents on others, all riding on 22-inch wheels. The grille design varied across trim levels, adding to its distinct look. Standard features included LED headlights, roof rails, and power-extending assist steps, while optional packages offered further enhancements. However, the interior, despite its spaciousness, was criticized for its use of hard plastics and lack of unique design elements, which detracted from its luxury appeal.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was introduced as a smaller sibling to the anticipated Bronco, capturing some of the rugged styling cues of its larger counterpart. It featured a modern retro design reminiscent of Land Rover, with short front and rear overhangs for improved off-road capability. The Bronco Sport's exterior was marked by bold "BRONCO" lettering and minimal Ford branding, emphasizing its unique identity. Wheel options varied by trim, with sizes ranging from 17 to 18 inches, and the interior was designed to be rugged yet functional, with a focus on practicality. The cabin featured an 8-inch infotainment screen and a rotary gear selector, with a step-up in materials and features across trims. The Bronco Sport was designed for active lifestyles, offering ample cargo space for outdoor gear and a variety of accessories to support adventurous activities.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV offered two engine choices: 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 buyers could choose between rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive. The Escalade ESV's performance was robust, though the V8 could have benefited from more low-end torque for passing at higher speeds. The vehicle's weight ranged from 5,785 to 6,182 pounds, which could challenge the engine when towing. Fuel economy was not officially rated for the ESV, but it averaged around 18 mpg in mixed driving conditions.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport came with two engine options tied to trim levels. The Base, Big Bend, and Outer Banks trims featured a 1.5-liter EcoBoost turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 181 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque. The Badlands and First Edition trims were equipped with a 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivering 245 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. All models had an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, with a terrain management system offering up to seven G.O.A.T. modes for various driving conditions. The Bronco Sport excelled off-road, thanks to its short wheelbase, independent suspension, and generous ground clearance. On-road, it provided a comfortable ride, though the 1.5-liter engine could feel strained under pressure.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was designed for comfort and practicality, offering leatherette seating surfaces with available leather upholstery. Standard features included 12-way power-adjustable front seats, heated seats in the first two rows, and a heated steering wheel. The ESV provided ample legroom in the first two rows, with a spacious third row. 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, though it sometimes required manual adjustment. The hands-free power liftgate was innovative but occasionally unreliable. The ESV also featured an adaptive air suspension for easier entry and exit, and a rear window that opened for additional storage options.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport catered to active lifestyles with features like cargo space designed to accommodate two 27.5-inch-wheel mountain bikes. Ford offered over 100 accessories for transporting outdoor gear. The roof could support up to 150 pounds, and the 2.0-liter engine could tow up to 2,200 pounds. The cargo area included a flip-up rear glass and an optional management package with a slide-out work table and inverter. The cabin featured ample storage compartments, though visibility could be challenging for taller drivers. The seating position was comfortable, but off-road visibility was somewhat limited by the hood design.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was a technological powerhouse, 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. The centerpiece was a 38-inch OLED screen housing three displays for driver information and infotainment. The system was praised for its crisp graphics and intuitive interface. Cadillac's Super Cruise offered advanced driver assistance, allowing hands-free driving on certain highways. While generally effective, it occasionally struggled with lane changes and construction zones, requiring driver intervention.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with SYNC 3, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It offered FordConnect with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot and an available Bang & Olufsen sound system. The terrain management system included multiple G.O.A.T. modes for different driving conditions, with trail control technology for off-road assistance. Intelligent access with push-button start was standard on most trims, and higher trims included a digital instrument panel and heated steering wheel.

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 options included 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 due to its top-heavy design.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport included the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite, featuring pre-collision assist, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and a reversing camera. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control and other advanced features. All models had AWD and a terrain management system with traction control. Safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time.