2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV vs 2021 Nissan Kicks

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, with a slightly lower height. This extension primarily enhanced cargo space, while the increased wheelbase of 134.1 inches improved stability and design proportions, giving it a more balanced appearance. The Escalade ESV boasted a luxurious exterior with chrome styling on certain trims and blacked-out accents on others, all riding on 22-inch wheels. Despite its upscale look, the interior fell short of expectations, with hard plastics and a lack of unique dashboard features, which was disappointing for a vehicle priced near or above $90,000.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks underwent significant exterior changes, aligning its design with other Nissan models like the Armada and Rogue. It featured a bold V-motion design, thinner headlights, and a new rear bumper, enhancing its proportions. The Kicks offered a variety of paint options, including two-tone combinations, which added to its stylish appeal. The SR trim level came with LED headlights, fog lights, and sporty accents, while the interior maintained high-quality materials and new seat designs. The Kicks provided a comfortable and stylish ride, with a focus on practicality and customization options, making it a standout in the subcompact class.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV offered two engine options: a standard 6.2-liter V8 delivering 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, available in rear-wheel or four-wheel drive. The V8 engine provided sufficient power but lacked low-end torque for high-speed passing. The Escalade ESV's fuel economy was estimated at around 18 mpg combined, with rear-wheel drive versions being more efficient.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks came with a single powertrain option: a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing 122 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. The Kicks offered nimble handling, aided by electric power-assisted steering and a front independent strut suspension. Despite its low power, the Kicks maintained good nature on icy roads, with minimal engine noise in the cabin. It featured standard 16-inch steel wheels on the base model, with 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels available on higher trims. The Kicks excelled in fuel efficiency, with an EPA rating of 31 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was designed for comfort and cargo capacity, offering leatherette seating surfaces, power-adjustable front seats, and heated seats in the first two rows. It provided ample legroom in the first two rows, with a spacious third row. The ESV boasted 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. However, the hands-free power liftgate was inconsistent, and the third-row folding mechanism required manual adjustments.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks made efficient use of its compact size, with easy-to-reach controls and good small-item storage. It featured a D-shaped steering wheel, adjustable front seats, and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. The Kicks offered best-in-class front seat legroom, though hip room was limited for larger drivers. The available tonneau cover provided hidden storage in the rear cargo area, enhancing practicality.

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 a 38-inch OLED screen housing three displays. The Escalade offered Super Cruise, an advanced driving assist system, allowing hands-free driving on certain highways. However, Super Cruise occasionally struggled with lane changes and construction zones, requiring driver intervention.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks offered a competitive array of tech features, including a 7-inch infotainment touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Bose Personal Plus sound system in the SR Premium Package. The Kicks provided a surround-view monitor, WiFi hotspot, and NissanConnect services, enhancing convenience and connectivity. The Bose sound system delivered an immersive audio experience, with adjustable settings for personalized sound.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV came standard with front automatic braking, park assist, pedestrian detection, and lane-keep assist. Additional safety features included adaptive park assist, a head-up display, and night vision. The Escalade ESV received a four-star rating from the NHTSA, with a three-star rollover rating due to its top-heavy design.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks featured Nissan Safety Shield 360, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot warning. It came with 10 airbags, a driver alertness monitor, and rear door alert on higher trims. The 2020 Kicks received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with improvements expected in the 2021 model due to updated headlights.