2021 Subaru Crosstrek 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 in height. This additional length was primarily at the rear, enhancing cargo space and providing a more stable ride with a 134.1-inch wheelbase. 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 finishes varying by trim. The exterior was equipped with features like LED headlights, roof rails, and a power panoramic moonroof, contributing to its upscale look. 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 Subaru Crosstrek was a crossover that borrowed rugged looks and all-wheel drive from the Impreza hatchback. It featured black body cladding, model-specific 17-inch wheels, and a taller ride height, offering 8.7 inches of ground clearance. These changes gave the Crosstrek an SUV-like character, enhanced by vibrant color options like Plasma Yellow Pearl. Built on the Subaru Global Platform, it shared design elements with other Subaru models, providing a refined driving experience. The interior was functional but plain, with some questionable design choices like clashing color accents. Despite this, the Crosstrek offered practical features like water-repellant upholstery, making it suitable for outdoor adventures.

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 in rear-wheel or four-wheel drive. The Escalade ESV's V8 engine provided ample power but lacked low-end torque for high-speed passing. Weighing between 5,785 and 6,182 pounds, it was a hefty vehicle, impacting its towing performance. Fuel economy was estimated at 17 to 23 mpg combined, with rear-wheel-drive models being more efficient. During testing, the Escalade ESV averaged around 18 mpg in mixed driving conditions.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek introduced a new 2.5-liter boxer-four engine for Sport and Limited trims, delivering 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. Base and Premium trims retained the 2.0-liter engine with 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. A plug-in hybrid option was also available. The boxer engine's low profile improved handling, although the raised ride height negated some benefits. A six-speed manual transmission was standard on lower trims, while a CVT was optional and standard on higher trims. All models featured standard all-wheel drive with torque vectoring and X-Mode for off-road conditions. The Crosstrek's handling was predictable, with noticeable body roll due to its higher center of gravity. The new engine offered modest performance gains, but acceleration remained adequate with CVT-induced droning.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was designed for comfort and cargo capacity, featuring leatherette seating surfaces with available leather upholstery. Standard features included 12-way power-adjustable front seats, heated seats, a heated steering wheel, tri-zone climate control, and a hands-free power liftgate. Upgrades included 16-way power-adjustable seats with massage, a panoramic sunroof, and soft-close doors. The Escalade ESV offered generous legroom in the first two rows, with the third row being less accommodating for adults. Cargo space was impressive, with 126.6 cubic feet behind the first row, 81.5 cubic feet behind the second, and 42.9 cubic feet behind the third. However, the power-adjustable third row could be cumbersome to fold, and the hands-free liftgate was inconsistent in operation. The vehicle also featured an adaptive air suspension for easier entry and exit.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek shared interior dimensions with the Impreza hatchback, offering competitive passenger space but limited cargo capacity. It provided 20.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 55.3 cubic feet with them folded. The Crosstrek included a rear-seat reminder system and a front cubby with USB and auxiliary ports, though rear-seat passengers lacked USB access. Storage space was minimal, but bottle holders in the doors were a practical touch. The driving position was higher than the Impreza's, offering good outward visibility, though it didn't provide the commanding view of traditional SUVs.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was a technological marvel, 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 highlight was a 38-inch curved OLED screen, providing crisp graphics and intuitive controls. Cadillac's Super Cruise, an advanced driving assist system, allowed hands-free driving on select highways, with features like automatic lane change. However, it occasionally struggled with lane changes and required driver intervention when it failed. Despite these issues, Super Cruise was a valuable feature for highway driving.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek utilized Subaru's Starlink infotainment system, with a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. Higher trims offered an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation. The system included a secondary screen for additional information, though it seemed redundant. The touchscreen was user-friendly, with analog knobs and buttons for essential functions. EyeSight driver-assistance features were controlled via steering wheel buttons, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV came standard with front automatic braking, park assist, pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, and forward-collision assist. Optional features included adaptive park assist, a head-up display, lane-departure warning, blind-spot alert, and night vision. The NHTSA awarded it a four-star rating, with a three-star rollover score, indicating a higher risk of rollover collisions.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with top marks in side crash tests. The IIHS awarded the 2020 model a "Top Safety Pick" rating, applicable to 2021 models with optional EyeSight features. EyeSight included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. The system's cameras were well-protected but could be obstructed by wipers or sunlight.