2021 Honda CR-V 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. 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 versions rode on 22-inch wheels, with finishes varying by trim. The vehicle's exterior was further enhanced by features like LED headlights, roof rails, and a power panoramic moonroof.

Inside, the Escalade ESV aimed for luxury but fell short in some areas. While it offered leatherette seating and optional leather upholstery, the interior was criticized for its use of hard plastics and lack of unique design elements. Despite its high price point, the dashboard area lacked special features. The vehicle did offer a range of packages to enhance both exterior and interior features, but the overall interior design was less impressive compared to its exterior.

The 2021 Honda CR-V, on the other hand, had a design that blended in with other compact crossovers, with few distinguishing features. Its styling was similar to competitors, with a few unique details like the grille opening and some chrome accents. The CR-V was available in eight colors, though many were shades of gray, black, or white. More vibrant colors were limited to higher trims. The interior offered black, gray, and ivory cloth or leather, with wood panels and chrome available on higher trims. The seats had a modern look with angular details, but overall, the CR-V's design was more about function than form.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV offered two engine options: a 6.2-liter V8 delivering 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, and a 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 V8 provided sufficient power but lacked low-end torque for high-speed passing. The Escalade ESV's weight ranged from 5,785 to 6,182 pounds, affecting its performance when towing. Fuel economy was estimated at 17 to 23 mpg combined, with rear-wheel drive versions being more efficient.

The 2021 Honda CR-V featured a 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine across all trims, with acceleration to 60 mph in about 7.8 seconds. It wasn't the fastest in its class but was competitive. The CR-V used a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which provided smooth acceleration but lacked engagement. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive as an option. The CR-V's suspension setup was typical for its class, offering decent handling and ride quality.

The Escalade ESV was designed for comfort and cargo capacity, with leatherette seating and optional leather upholstery. It featured 12-way power-adjustable front seats, heated seats, and a heated steering wheel. Upgrades included 16-way power-adjustable seats with massage, a panoramic sunroof, and soft-close doors. The ESV offered ample legroom in the first two rows, with the third row being less comfortable for adults. 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 a convenient feature, though it didn't always work reliably.

The Honda CR-V prioritized function, offering 102.9 cubic feet of passenger volume and 75.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. The tailgate varied by trim, with the Touring trim offering a hands-free power tailgate. Roof rails were standard only on the top Touring trim. The CR-V's interior was designed to comfortably fit five people and their gear, making it a practical choice for families.

The Escalade ESV was packed with 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. The highlight was a 38-inch 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 certain highways. However, it occasionally struggled in certain conditions and required driver intervention.

The Honda CR-V's base LX trim had a basic 5-inch screen, while other trims featured a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The audio system varied by trim, with the Touring trim offering a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. Charging ports were plentiful, with USB ports in the front and second row. The Touring trim also included a wireless phone charger.

The Escalade ESV came standard with front automatic braking, park assist, pedestrian detection, and lane-keep assist. Additional features included adaptive park assist, a head-up display, and night vision. The NHTSA gave it a four-star rating, with a lower score in the rollover test.

The Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. It featured the Honda Sensing system, with standard safety features like a rearview camera, collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The only feature not standard on the base trim was blind spot monitoring.