2022 Kia Sportage 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 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. The Escalade ESV boasted a luxurious appearance with chrome styling on various trim levels, while Sport models featured blacked-out accents. All versions rode on 22-inch wheels, with finishes varying by trim. The vehicle's grille design changed with each trim level, adding to its distinct look. Standard features included LED headlights, taillamps, and a deep-tinted, solar-absorbing glass, contributing to its luxurious appeal. Optional features like a power panoramic moonroof and heated mirrors were available in upgraded models. Despite its high price, the interior was criticized for its use of hard plastics and lack of unique dashboard trimmings.

The 2022 Kia Sportage, on the other hand, had a design that was both stylish and functional, despite some criticism of its tiger-nose grille. The SUV featured design elements reminiscent of luxury brands, such as the Porsche Macan and Volkswagen. The SX Turbo trim stood out with its 19-inch wheels and planted stance. Inside, the Sportage adopted Germanic design cues, with a black dashboard, metallic accents, and plain white markings on a black background. The SX Turbo trim added metal pedal covers and offered a choice of interior colors, enhancing its upscale feel. The interior was user-friendly, with buttons and knobs for easy control of the stereo, cabin temperature, and infotainment system. The transmission shifter's solid operation added to the sense of quality. Overall, the Sportage's design was praised for its style and functionality, making it a strong contender in the compact SUV market.

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 engine producing 277 horsepower and the same torque. Both engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Escalade ESV was available in rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) configurations, with a mechanical limited-slip differential standard and an electronic version available in higher trims. The V8 engine provided sufficient power but lacked low-end torque for high-speed passing. The Escalade ESV's weight ranged from 5,785 to 6,182 pounds, depending on the trim level. Fuel economy was not officially rated by the EPA, but the traditional Escalade achieved an estimated 17 to 23 mpg combined. During testing, the RWD Escalade ESV averaged around 18 mpg.

The 2022 Kia Sportage featured a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque, offering a competitive but unremarkable performance. The Sportage SX Turbo trim, however, came with a more powerful 240 horsepower engine (237 hp with AWD) and 260 lb-ft of torque, providing ample power for a compact crossover. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, with Kia's Dynamax all-wheel-drive system available as an option. The SX Turbo's acceleration was quick, with maximum torque available from 1,450 to 3,500 rpm. The Sportage's suspension provided a smooth and compliant ride, with the SX Turbo featuring upgraded brakes and exclusive 19-inch wheels. While the Sportage offered an athletic and sporty driving experience, it lacked the refinement of some competitors like the Mazda CX-5 Turbo.

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, a heated steering wheel, and tri-zone climate control. Buyers could upgrade to 16-way power-adjustable front seats with massage functionality and a panoramic sunroof. The Escalade ESV provided ample legroom in the first two rows, with the third row offering decent space 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 worked inconsistently, but the rear window could open for additional storage options. An adaptive air suspension made entry and exit easier, and upscale features like a center console cooler were available.

The 2022 Kia Sportage, though smaller, offered a surprisingly roomy passenger compartment. The SX Turbo trim featured perforated leather upholstery with contrast stitching and piping, with ten-way power adjustment for the driver's seat and eight-way for the front passenger. The front seats were heated and ventilated, and a heated flat-bottom steering wheel was standard. Rear seat legroom was generous, with air conditioning vents and a USB charging port for passengers. Interior storage was ample, but maximum cargo volume was limited to 60.1 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded, and 30.7 cubic feet behind the back seat. The Sportage's smart liftgate technology allowed for hands-free operation, though it could be turned off if not needed.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was a technological marvel, 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, providing crisp graphics and a serene cabin during nighttime driving. Cadillac's Super Cruise advanced driving assist system was available, allowing for hands-free driving on certain highways. While Super Cruise worked well, it occasionally struggled in bright sunlight or poorly-lit tunnels. The lane-change technology was effective but sometimes slow in heavy traffic. Despite occasional failures, Super Cruise was highly valued for highway driving.

The 2022 Kia Sportage came with a standard 8-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Most trims included UVO Link connected services and satellite radio, while the SX Turbo featured wireless smartphone charging and an 8-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with knobs for stereo volume and radio tuning. However, the UVO Link system was less sophisticated, lacking a WiFi hotspot and offering wired smartphone mirroring. Despite these limitations, the system was easy to use and navigate.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV came equipped with a range of standard safety features, including front automatic braking, front and rear park assist, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. Additional technologies such as adaptive park assist, a head-up display, and advanced adaptive cruise control were available. The NHTSA awarded the Escalade ESV a four-star rating, with a three-star rating in the rollover test due to its top-heavy design.

The 2022 Kia Sportage offered standard safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The SX Turbo trim included adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. The Sportage received favorable crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, with the SX Turbo earning an Acceptable headlight rating, qualifying it for an IIHS Top Safety Pick.