2021 Nissan Murano 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 at 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 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 in terms of luxury, with hard plastics and a lack of unique dashboard trimmings, which was disappointing for a vehicle priced near or above $90,000.

The 2021 Nissan Murano, once a cutting-edge design, had become more mainstream with its L-shaped LED headlights and contoured front end. Its interior was conservative, focusing on comfort for commutes and road trips. The Murano's cabin was user-friendly, with controls intuitively placed. It offered four trims: S, SV, SL, and Platinum, each adding more features. The base S trim included essentials like 18-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, and an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims added luxury features like leather upholstery, heated seats, and a Bose premium stereo system. The Platinum trim topped the range with a panoramic moonroof and premium leather.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV offered two engine choices: 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 the same torque. Both engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and available in rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). The V8 provided ample 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 RWD versions being more efficient.

The 2021 Nissan Murano featured a single engine option: a 3.5-liter V6 delivering 260 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). It came standard with front-wheel drive (FWD) and offered all-wheel drive (AWD) as an option. The V6 provided strong low-speed acceleration, but the CVT dulled its power at higher speeds. The Murano excelled in comfort, offering a smooth ride and refined handling. Its towing capacity was limited to 1,500 pounds, lower than many midsize and compact SUVs.

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 ample legroom in the first two rows, with the third row being less accommodating for adults. 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. The hands-free power liftgate was inconsistent, and the rear window could open for additional storage options.

The 2021 Nissan Murano offered up to 67 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 32.1 cubic feet with them in use. While not the most spacious in its class, it compensated with user-friendly features like a traditional shifter design and a center console with trays and cubbies. The Murano prioritized two rows of seating, providing ample headroom and legroom. The second-row seats even had partial reclining functionality, enhancing passenger comfort.

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 seven USB ports. The highlight was a 38-inch curved OLED screen, offering unparalleled graphics quality. Cadillac's Super Cruise, an advanced driving assist system, was available, allowing hands-free driving on certain highways. While generally effective, Super Cruise occasionally struggled with lane changes and construction zones, requiring driver intervention.

The 2021 Nissan Murano came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring a sensible menu layout with hard buttons and dials. It included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with available upgrades like an 11-speaker Bose stereo system and navigation. The Murano's infotainment system was user-friendly, making it easy to access connected smartphone apps.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV came equipped with standard safety features like front automatic braking, park assist, pedestrian detection, and lane-keep assist. Additional technologies were available, including adaptive park assist, a head-up display, and night vision. The NHTSA gave the Escalade ESV a four-star rating, with a three-star rollover test result, indicating a higher risk of rollover collisions.

The 2021 Nissan Murano featured Nissan Safety Shield 360, including reverse automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane departure warning. It also offered forward automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and driver drowsiness monitoring. Optional features included a surround-view parking monitor and adaptive cruise control.