2022 Genesis GV70 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 than the regular Escalade, measuring 226.9 inches compared to 211.9 inches, with a slightly lower height of 76.4 inches. This additional length was primarily at the rear, enhancing cargo space and providing a more stable ride due to its extended 134.1-inch wheelbase. The Escalade ESV was designed to maintain a balanced and proportionate look, avoiding the bulky appearance often associated with large SUVs. It featured chrome styling on Luxury trims and blacked-out accents on Sport trims, all riding on 22-inch wheels with varying finishes. The vehicle's exterior was equipped with luxury features like LED headlights, power-extending assist steps, and a panoramic moonroof, while the interior, though spacious, was criticized for its use of hard plastics and lack of unique design elements.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 inherited some styling cues from other Genesis models but maintained a distinct appearance. It featured quad LED strips for headlights and taillights, a large shield-shaped grille, and a sloping roofline that gave it a fastback-like silhouette. The GV70 combined the visual bulk of an SUV with sleek, car-like elements, resulting in a rugged yet elegant look. The Sport Prestige models added unique styling features, including a model-specific front fascia with large vents, 21-inch wheels with a web pattern, and dark chrome trim. The interior had an elliptical theme inspired by an airplane wing, with minimalistic design elements and a rotary gear selector. The GV70 offered a variety of interior color options and luxurious materials, such as Nappa leather upholstery with suede inserts, although base models featured leatherette seats.

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 engine delivering 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of 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 V8 engine provided sufficient power but lacked low-end torque for high-speed passing. The vehicle's weight ranged from 5,785 to 6,182 pounds, depending on the trim level, which could affect performance when towing. The Escalade ESV's fuel economy was not rated by the EPA, but it was expected to be similar to the traditional Escalade's 17 to 23 mpg combined. During testing, the RWD Escalade ESV averaged around 18 mpg.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 came with two engine options: a base 2.5-liter turbo-four engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 generating 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and came with standard all-wheel drive (AWD). The GV70 featured a rear electronic limited-slip differential and launch control, emphasizing its sporty character. The Sport+ drive mode enhanced throttle response and kept the engine in its power band for quick overtaking. However, the GV70's chassis felt heavy and lacked the sharpness of competitors like the Acura RDX and BMW X3. The steering was adequate but not precise enough for spirited driving. The GV70 excelled in highway cruising but had a firm ride with 21-inch wheels, lacking the solidity expected from a luxury vehicle.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was designed as a comfortable and spacious people and cargo hauler. It featured standard leatherette seating surfaces, with leather upholstery available as an option. The interior 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 offered ample legroom in the first two rows, while the third row was suitable for occasional adult use. The vehicle provided 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. The power-adjustable third row could be folded using a switch in the cargo area, although it could get stuck on the second-row seats. The hands-free power liftgate worked inconsistently, and the rear window could be opened for additional storage options. An adaptive air suspension made entry and exit easier and helped avoid obstacles.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered mid-pack interior space for its segment. Despite its car-like roofline, it provided similar front-seat headroom to the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class and back-seat headroom to the BMW X3. Cargo space measured 28.9 cubic feet with the rear seats in place and 56.9 cubic feet with the seats folded, placing it in the middle of the segment. The daring interior design compromised storage space, with a slim center console and thin door pockets. However, a covered storage cubby with USB ports was included for phones, and rear-seat passengers had their own climate controls. The Sport Prestige test car featured heavily bolstered front seats, which were great for spirited driving but might feel confining for some. The front seats also offered heating, ventilation, massage, and posture-assist functions, although some controls were buried in touchscreen menus.

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 for an immersive sound experience. It featured wireless charging, NFC phone pairing, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and seven USB ports. The Escalade ESV's standout feature was its curved 38-inch OLED screen, which housed three screens displaying driver information and infotainment. The OLED technology provided deep blacks for a serene cabin during nighttime driving. The infotainment system was responsive, with intuitive menu layers. Cadillac's Super Cruise, an advanced driving assist system, was available, allowing hands-free driving on certain highways. Super Cruise included lane-keeping, lane-centering, and adaptive cruise control, although it occasionally struggled in certain conditions. The lane-change technology worked well but could be slow in heavy traffic. Super Cruise required driver intervention if it failed, with alerts to regain control.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered a comprehensive tech package, including a standard 14.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The infotainment system featured a tile-based layout and crisp graphics, with a glass rotary controller for easy navigation. Higher trim levels offered a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a 3D effect and a 12-inch head-up display. The GV70 included a digital-key feature, allowing drivers to use a smartphone instead of a key fob, and a fingerprint scanner for starting the car. Genesis also offered a radar-based rear-seat monitor to prevent leaving children or pets unattended. The GV70's 360-degree camera system could be activated remotely through an app, providing a view of the vehicle's surroundings. Genesis Connected Services, included free for three years, bundled driver profiles, last-mile guidance navigation, and a valet mode.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV came standard with front automatic braking, front and rear park assist, automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian detection, rear 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, lane-keep assist with lane-departure warning, side blind-spot alert, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-change alert, night vision, advanced adaptive cruise control, enhanced automatic emergency braking, reverse automatic braking, and automatic seatbelt tightening. The NHTSA gave the Escalade ESV a four-star rating out of five, with a three-star rating in the rollover test, indicating a higher risk of rollover collisions.

The 2022 Genesis GV70, being a new model, did not have crash-test ratings from the IIHS or NHTSA. However, it came standard with a range of safety features, including lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, blind-spot and forward collision-avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic alert, a driver-attention monitor, and Highway Driving Assist with automated lane centering. The GV70 also featured eight standard airbags, including a front-center airbag. Optional driver-assist features included Highway Driving Assist 2 with lane-change functionality and navigation-based adaptive cruise control. Highway Driving Assist provided smooth control inputs but struggled with certain curves, limiting its utility in some regions.