2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid 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 trim levels, while Sport models featured blacked-out accents. All versions rode on 22-inch wheels, with variations in finishes and spokes depending on the trim. The vehicle came equipped with standard luxury features like LED headlights, roof rails, and power-extending assist steps, with options for a panoramic moonroof and other upgrades. However, the interior fell short of expectations, with hard plastics and a lack of unique dashboard trimmings, which was disappointing for a vehicle priced near or above $90,000.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid retained the familiar look of its gas-only counterparts, with subtle distinctions like "Hybrid" badges and blue Honda logos. It featured sophisticated LED fog lights and a unique rear bumper design. Inside, the CR-V Hybrid offered different trim and instrumentation to display battery status and power distribution. The steering wheel paddles managed regenerative braking rather than the transmission. Available in EX, EX-L, and Touring trims, all models came with standard all-wheel drive. The CR-V Hybrid's pricing ranged from $30,560 to $36,350, with the Touring trim offering additional features like larger wheels, navigation, and a premium sound system. The interior was well-appointed, with ivory leather and a two-tone contrast, though the fake wood trim was less impressive. The test vehicle, priced at $37,920, included a Platinum White Pearl paint option, adding a touch of elegance to its appearance.

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 producing 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of 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 V8 engine provided sufficient power, though it could have benefited from more low-end torque for passing at higher speeds. The Escalade ESV's weight ranged from 5,785 to 6,182 pounds, depending on the trim level, which could challenge the engine when towing. While the EPA hadn't rated the Escalade ESV for fuel economy, the traditional Escalade achieved an estimated 17 to 23 mpg combined. During testing, the RWD Escalade ESV averaged around 18 mpg, surpassing expectations.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured Honda's two-motor hybrid technology, combining a 2.0-liter gasoline engine with an electric assist motor and a generator/starter motor. This setup produced a total system output of 212 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque. The CR-V Hybrid offered three driving modes—EV Drive, Hybrid Drive, and Engine Drive—automatically selecting the most suitable one. Additionally, drivers could choose from Econ, Sport, and EV modes. The hybrid system added 194 pounds to the vehicle's weight, improving weight distribution and maintaining the standard CR-V's 8.2 inches of ground clearance. The CR-V Hybrid delivered a smooth and enjoyable driving experience, though it fell short of its EPA rating of 38 mpg, achieving 33.7 mpg during testing. While it didn't match the efficiency of competitors like the RAV4 Hybrid, it still offered a pleasant ride.

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 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 other premium features. The Escalade ESV provided ample legroom in the first two rows, while the third row was suitable for occasional adult use. Cargo space was generous, 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 power-adjustable third row could be folded using a switch in the cargo area, though it occasionally required manual adjustment. The hands-free power liftgate worked inconsistently, and the rear window could be opened for additional storage options. An adaptive air suspension facilitated entry and exit, while upscale features like a center console cooler added to the luxury experience.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid excelled in passenger and cargo space, offering supportive front seats with 12-way power adjustment for the driver. Heated front seats were standard, and the available leather upholstery was of high quality. The rear seat provided ample legroom, similar to the Accord sedan, with air conditioning vents and quick-charge USB ports. Interior storage was impressive, though the Touring trim's wireless smartphone charger occupied significant space on the center console. The CR-V Hybrid's cargo space measured 33.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat, slightly reduced due to the battery pack, but still accommodating four full-sized suitcases. Maximum cargo space was 68.7 cubic feet, less than the standard CR-V Touring and the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. Despite these limitations, the CR-V Hybrid offered practicality and comfort for passengers and cargo alike.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV stood out for its advanced technology, featuring a standard 19-speaker AKG sound system with an optional 36-speaker AKG Studio Reference audio system. Wireless charging, NFC phone pairing, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and seven USB ports were standard. The Escalade ESV boasted a curved 38-inch OLED screen, housing three displays for driver information and infotainment. The OLED technology provided deep blacks and crisp graphics, enhancing the cabin's ambiance. Cadillac's Super Cruise, an advanced driving assist system, allowed hands-free driving on select highways, with features like automatic lane change. While Super Cruise generally performed well, it occasionally struggled in certain conditions, requiring driver intervention. Despite its limitations, Super Cruise was a valuable feature for highway driving.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid's infotainment system, last redesigned in 2017, appeared modern but lacked performance. The seven-inch touchscreen was smaller than competitors, and the absence of a tuning knob affected usability. The system was slow to start, and voice recognition was limited, making wired Apple CarPlay or Android Auto preferable. The navigation map was cluttered, and HondaLink connected services were minimal. The Touring trim included wireless smartphone charging, though it occupied space on the center console. The nine-speaker premium audio system delivered good sound quality, and the infotainment system supported text messaging, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Pandora internet radio.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV came equipped with standard safety features, including front automatic braking, park assist, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and lane-keep assist. Additional technologies were available, such as adaptive park assist, a head-up display, rear camera mirror, blind-spot alert, and night vision. The Escalade ESV received a four-star rating from the NHTSA, with a three-star rating in the rollover test, indicating a higher risk of rollover collisions.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving-assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. The CR-V Hybrid also included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. These systems operated smoothly and consistently, though the CR-V lacked some advanced features found in competitors. The CR-V Hybrid earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, ensuring a high level of safety.