2022 Subaru Outback vs 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was an extended version of the standard Escalade, featuring a complete redesign for that 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 back, 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 was available in various trims, each with distinct styling elements, such as chrome accents on Luxury trims and blacked-out features on Sport trims. All versions rode on 22-inch wheels, with variations in finishes and spoke designs. The exterior was equipped with luxury features like LED headlights, power-extending assist steps, and a panoramic moonroof, while the interior, despite its high price, was criticized for its use of hard plastics and lack of unique design elements.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was a rugged variant of the popular Outback, offering a higher ride height of 9.5 inches and more aggressive all-terrain tires. It featured unique design elements like a distinctive grille, black 17-inch wheels, and Anodized Copper accents. The interior was dominated by dark gray and black tones, with StarTex water-repellant upholstery and Anodized Copper stitching. While the cabin lacked ventilated seats, it offered heated ones and a range of practical features like waterproof rear seatbacks and a cargo tray. The Outback Wilderness was positioned between the Onyx XT and Limited XT in terms of pricing, with a focus on off-road capability and a unique style that set it apart from standard Outback models.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV offered two engine options: 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) configurations. The Escalade ESV's weight ranged from 5,785 to 6,182 pounds, depending on the trim level. While the V8 engine provided sufficient power, it lacked low-end torque for high-speed passing. The Escalade ESV's fuel economy was not rated by the EPA, but it averaged around 18 mpg during testing, which was better than expected.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. Weighing 3,896 pounds, it had a towing capacity of 3,500 lbs. The EPA estimated its fuel efficiency at 24 mpg combined, but real-world testing on a mountainous route yielded 21.3 mpg. The Outback Wilderness featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with eight programmed ratios and paddle shifters, though it was criticized for its droning and soft simulated gear changes. The Wilderness trim stood out with its 9.5 inches of ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and enhanced approach, breakover, and departure angles. It also included a dual function X-Mode traction system and hill descent control, making it the most capable Outback for off-road adventures.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was designed as a luxurious people and cargo hauler, offering leatherette seating surfaces with available leather upholstery. Standard features included 12-way power-adjustable front seats, heated first- and second-row seats, and a hands-free power liftgate. The ESV provided ample legroom in the first two rows, while the third row was less comfortable 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, though it sometimes required manual adjustments. The hands-free power liftgate was convenient but occasionally unreliable. The Escalade ESV also featured an adaptive air suspension for easier entry and exit and offered upscale options like a center console cooler.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured dark gray StarTex upholstery, a water-repellant simulated leather that prevented moisture absorption. While effective in cold weather, it could be uncomfortable in hot conditions. The Outback Wilderness offered heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and power-adjustable front seats. Rear seat space was generous, with air conditioning vents and USB charging ports. The cargo area provided 32.5 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 75.7 cubic feet with the rear seat folded flat. The Outback Wilderness also had a robust roof rack with a 700-pound static load rating, suitable for rooftop camping.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was equipped with advanced technology, including a standard 19-speaker AKG sound system, with an optional 36-speaker AKG Studio Reference audio system. It featured wireless charging, NFC phone pairing, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and seven USB ports. The highlight was a curved 38-inch OLED screen, comprising three screens for driver information and infotainment. The OLED technology provided deep blacks and crisp graphics, enhancing nighttime driving. 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 required driver intervention in certain conditions.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment and climate control system, with physical knobs for volume and tuning. While the voice recognition technology required specific prompts, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto offered superior voice assistant functionality. The Outback Wilderness lacked a premium sound system, which was available in other trims. However, it included PIN code entry technology, allowing drivers to leave the key fob inside the vehicle during outdoor activities.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV came standard with front automatic braking, park assist, pedestrian detection, safety seat alert, lane-keep assist, and forward-collision assist. Additional safety features included 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 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured EyeSight advanced driving assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. It also had steering-responsive headlights, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic warning. The Outback Wilderness's EyeSight technology was effective, maintaining safe distances and lane centering. While crash-test results for the 2022 model were unavailable, the 2021 Outback received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA.