2021 Dodge Durango 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 and providing a more stable ride due to its 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 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 was evident. Despite its high price point, the dashboard area lacked distinctive features. The vehicle offered a range of packages to enhance both exterior and interior features, but the overall interior design fell short of expectations for a luxury SUV in its price range.

The 2021 Dodge Durango maintained its muscular stance and athletic styling, aligning with Dodge's family of vehicles. The Durango SRT Hellcat model, in particular, showcased a cold-air scoop, twin-pipe exhaust, LED headlamps, and a rear spoiler. The SUV offered a variety of wheel options and came in 11 exterior colors with six interior color schemes. The cabin featured a new instrument panel and either an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen with the Uconnect 5 infotainment system. As buyers moved up the trim levels, the Durango became more premium, offering options like leather and suede upholstery, contrast stitching, and Demonic Red-colored seat belts. The updates to the dashboard gave it a modern appearance, aligning it with Dodge's muscle cars.

The Durango's versatility was evident in its range of models, catering to different preferences and needs. It offered a variety of grades with track-ready equipment, fine appointments, and unique packaging, making it a standout in the SUV market.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV offered two engine options: a 6.2-liter V8 and a 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel inline-six. The V8 engine, standard across all trim levels, delivered 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, while the diesel engine provided 277 horsepower and the same 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). 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, posed a challenge for the engine when towing. The Escalade ESV's fuel economy was not rated by the EPA, but it averaged around 18 mpg during testing.

The 2021 Dodge Durango offered four engine options: a 3.6-liter V6, a 5.7-liter HEMI V8, a 392 HEMI V8, and a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8. All engines were paired with eight-speed automatic transmissions, with different versions for each engine. The V6 engine, standard in the SXT, GT, and Citadel models, produced 293 to 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The R/T model featured a 5.7-liter V8 with 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. The SRT 392 model boasted a 392 HEMI V8 with 475 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. The SRT Hellcat model's supercharged 6.2-liter V8 delivered an impressive 710 horsepower and 645 pound-feet of torque. The Durango's steering was precise, and the vehicle handled well, though its age showed in the chassis. The Durango R/T's Tow N Go Package allowed for a towing capacity of 8,700 pounds, and the SRT models offered performance pages for track days.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was designed as a comfortable and plush people and cargo hauler. It featured standard leatherette seating surfaces, with leather upholstery available. The vehicle offered 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. The vehicle's cargo space was impressive, 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 hands-free power liftgate and adaptive air suspension added convenience, though the liftgate's functionality was inconsistent.

The 2021 Dodge Durango excelled as a family hauler, offering comfortable seating, good storage space, and family entertainment options. It came standard with seating for five and could accommodate up to seven across three rows. The front and second-row seats provided ample space, while the optional third row was more spacious than many competitors. The Durango offered 21 seat options, allowing buyers to customize their interior. The SUV's cargo space was average for its class, but it functioned as expected. The Durango's fit and finish had improved significantly, standing out from previous Dodge models.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was a technological marvel, featuring a standard 19-speaker AKG sound system with an optional 36-speaker AKG Studio Reference audio system. It offered wireless charging, NFC phone pairing, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and seven USB ports. The Escalade ESV's 38-inch OLED screen housed three displays, providing driver information and infotainment. The screen's crisp graphics and responsive touchscreen were highlights. Cadillac's Super Cruise, an advanced driving assist system, was available, allowing hands-free driving on certain roadways. While Super Cruise worked well, it occasionally struggled in specific conditions, requiring driver intervention.

The 2021 Dodge Durango featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen on the SXT and GT models, with higher trims receiving a 10.1-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect 5 system. The Uconnect 5 system was faster and more personalized, offering connected services, Amazon Alexa connectivity, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system's navigation was clear and responsive, though a head-up display would enhance usability. The Durango's family entertainment system included a Blu-ray and DVD player with two high-resolution screens. The gauge cluster's design made it challenging to read the speedometer accurately, but the TomTom navigation system was a standout feature.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV came standard with front automatic braking, front and rear park assist, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. Buyers could add features like adaptive park assist, a head-up display, lane-keep assist, and night vision. The NHTSA gave the Escalade ESV a four-star rating, with a three-star rollover rating due to its top-heavy design.

The 2021 Dodge Durango's safety features were limited compared to rivals. It came standard with a rearview camera and passive safety features. Buyers could add adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The NHTSA gave the Durango a five-star side crash-test rating and a four-star rollover rating, but front crash testing ratings were not available.