2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV vs 2022 Hyundai Tucson

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 wheelbase was also lengthened to 134.1 inches, improving stability and design proportions. The Escalade ESV boasted a luxurious appearance with chrome styling on various trim levels and blacked-out accents on Sport models. All versions rode on 22-inch wheels, with variations in finishes and spokes depending on the trim. The vehicle's exterior was further enhanced by features like LED headlights, roof rails, and power-extending assist steps, contributing to its luxurious look.

Inside, the Escalade ESV's interior was less impressive, particularly in lighter color schemes, where the use of General Motors switches and hard plastics detracted from its luxury appeal. Despite its high price point, the dashboard lacked distinctive trimmings. However, the vehicle offered a range of packages to enhance both exterior and interior features, such as the Illumination and Onyx Packages. Overall, while the Escalade ESV presented a posh exterior, its interior fell short of expectations for a vehicle in its price range.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson rode on a new platform and was offered in the U.S. as a long-wheelbase model with two rows of seating and expanded cargo space. Its front design featured Hyundai's new parametric grille, concealing LED daytime running lights and Bi-LED headlights, creating a unique shape reminiscent of the Aztec Spirit Bird. The side profile borrowed design elements from the Hyundai Elantra, with a silver D-pillar creating a floating roof effect. At the rear, toothy taillights illuminated by LEDs added to its distinctive look.

The Tucson's wheel options varied by trim, with 17- or 19-inch alloys available. Higher trims featured premium fascias, skid plates, and a panoramic sunroof. Standard features included roof rails, body-color side mirrors, and solar glass. The interior was well-appointed, offering stain- and odor-resistant cloth seats, with sport combination and leather-trimmed options on higher trims. The cabin's horizontal lines and uncluttered design contributed to a sense of spaciousness, making it competitive with other compact SUVs in its class.

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, standard across all trims, delivered 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, while the diesel 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 weight ranged from 5,785 to 6,182 pounds, depending on the trim, and it averaged around 18 mpg in combined driving conditions.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson came with two powertrain options: a 2.5-liter direct-injected four-cylinder engine and a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine. The ICE engine produced 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, while the hybrid offered 226 combined horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid powertrain was more powerful than competitors like the Ford Escape Hybrid and Honda CR-V Hybrid. The Tucson's fuel efficiency varied, with the ICE engine achieving up to 29 mpg combined, while the hybrid reached 37 mpg combined. The Tucson also offered a plug-in hybrid variant with an estimated 261 horsepower and 224 pound-feet of torque.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was designed for comfort and cargo capacity, featuring 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 offered ample legroom in the first two rows, with a third row 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, although it sometimes required manual adjustment. The hands-free power liftgate worked inconsistently, and the vehicle featured an adaptive air suspension for easier entry and exit.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson's interior was well-appointed, offering a six-way power-adjustable driver's seat as standard, with an eight-way version available on higher trims. The Tucson's new platform provided more space for passengers and cargo, with rear seats offering two inches more legroom than the Toyota RAV4. The cabin comfortably accommodated a family of four, with a 74.8 cubic-foot cargo area. The rear featured a 60-40 split-folding bench seat and a dual-level cargo floor on ICE models. A hands-free liftgate was available on mid-grade models and up.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV featured advanced technology, including a standard 19-speaker AKG sound system, with an optional 36-speaker AKG Studio Reference audio system. It came with wireless charging, NFC phone pairing, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and seven USB ports. The Escalade ESV's standout feature was its 38-inch OLED screen, providing crisp graphics and intuitive menu layers. Cadillac's Super Cruise, an advanced driving assist system, was available, allowing hands-free driving on select highways. However, it occasionally struggled with lane changes and required driver intervention in certain situations.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson offered a strong set of standard tech features, including an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a six-speaker audio system. Higher trims featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen, although it required wired connections for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Tucson's infotainment system was responsive, but the lack of physical buttons made it challenging to use while driving. The vehicle also offered a fully digital instrument cluster on higher trims.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV came with standard safety features such as front automatic braking, front and rear park assist, and lane-keep assist. Additional technologies included adaptive park assist, a head-up display, and advanced adaptive cruise control. The Escalade ESV received a four-star rating from the NHTSA, with a three-star rating in the rollover test.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson featured the Hyundai SmartSense Safety Feature suite, including forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keep assist, and automatic high beams. Buyers could add features like blind-spot warning, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera system. Hyundai offered a comprehensive warranty package, including a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty.