2021 Jeep Renegade 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 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 it a more balanced appearance. The Escalade ESV was available in various trims, each with distinct styling elements, such as chrome accents on Luxury trims and blacked-out features on Sport trims. All versions rode on 22-inch wheels, with variations in finishes and spoke designs. The exterior was equipped with luxury features like LED headlights, power-extending assist steps, and a panoramic moonroof, while the interior, though spacious, was criticized for its use of hard plastics and lack of unique dashboard trimmings.

The 2021 Jeep Renegade, introduced in 2015, shared its underpinnings with the Jeep Compass but drew design inspiration from the iconic Wrangler. It featured a boxy profile, circular headlights, and a seven-slat grille. The Renegade's interior was modern and functional, with an upright center stack reminiscent of the Wrangler. It offered various trims and special editions, including Sport, Jeepster, Latitude, Upland, 80th Anniversary, Islander, Limited, and Trailhawk. Standard features included push-button start, dual-zone climate control, and a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims added features like leather upholstery, heated seats, and advanced infotainment systems. The Renegade's design provided ample headroom and storage solutions, making it a practical choice for urban driving.

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 460 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and available in rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) configurations. The Escalade ESV's V8 engine provided sufficient power but lacked low-end torque for high-speed passing. The vehicle's weight ranged from 5,785 to 6,182 pounds, affecting its performance when towing. Fuel economy was estimated at 18 mpg for RWD models in combined driving conditions.

The 2021 Jeep Renegade featured a base 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 180 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque, and an upgraded turbocharged 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine with 177 horsepower and 210 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive (FWD) or optional 4WD. The turbocharged engine offered better torque and refinement, while the automatic transmission occasionally struggled with smooth shifts. The Renegade's ride quality was solid, with good cornering stability and maneuverability in tight spaces. The Trailhawk trim, with its off-road suspension and terrain management system, provided impressive off-road capability.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was designed for comfort and cargo capacity, offering leatherette seating surfaces with available leather upholstery. Standard features included 12-way power-adjustable front seats, heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and tri-zone climate control. The ESV provided 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. The hands-free power liftgate was a convenient feature, though it sometimes required manual intervention. The Escalade ESV also offered a rear window that opened for additional storage options.

The 2021 Jeep Renegade provided 50.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 18.5 cubic feet with the seats in use. Its tall, boxy design allowed for ample headroom in both rows, with good legroom in the front seats. The Renegade featured practical storage solutions, including small cubbies and trays, and the front passenger seat could fold forward for added space. These features made the Renegade a versatile choice for carrying cargo and passengers.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was equipped with advanced technology, including a standard 19-speaker AKG sound system, with an optional 36-speaker AKG Studio Reference audio system. It featured wireless charging, NFC phone pairing, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and seven USB ports. The Escalade ESV's standout feature was its 38-inch curved OLED screen, providing crisp graphics and intuitive menu navigation. Cadillac's Super Cruise, an advanced driving assist system, was available, offering hands-free driving on highways. While Super Cruise generally performed well, it occasionally struggled in certain conditions, such as construction zones or sudden changes in lighting.

The 2021 Jeep Renegade came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen, with an optional 8.4-inch screen on higher trims. Both screens ran the user-friendly Uconnect infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system's logical menu layout and easy-to-read graphics made it accessible for users. A Kenwood premium audio system was available as an option, enhancing the Renegade's audio experience.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV came standard with a suite of safety features, including front automatic braking, park assist, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and lane-keep assist. Additional technologies, such as adaptive park assist, a head-up display, and night vision, were available. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the Escalade ESV a four-star rating, with a three-star rating in the rollover test due to its top-heavy design.

The 2021 Jeep Renegade made several previously optional safety features standard, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and parking sensors were available as options. The NHTSA gave the Renegade a four-star rating, reflecting its solid safety performance.