2022 GMC Terrain 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 and providing a more stable ride due to a longer wheelbase of 134.1 inches. The Escalade ESV was designed to maintain a sleek, upscale appearance, with chrome styling on Luxury trims and blacked-out accents on Sport trims. All versions rode on 22-inch wheels, with variations in finish and spoke design depending on the trim level. The exterior was further enhanced with features like LED headlights, power-extending assist steps, and a panoramic moonroof option. However, the interior, while spacious, was criticized for its use of hard plastics and lack of unique design elements, which detracted from its luxury appeal.

The 2022 GMC Terrain, on the other hand, received updates to its front styling, wheel designs, taillights, and interior trim. The introduction of the AT4 trim level brought a bolder grille design, black 17-inch alloy wheels, and sport-terrain tires, along with a steel skid plate for off-road protection. The test model featured a black leather interior with contrast stitching, and was equipped with several packages, including the Tech Package and Infotainment Package II, raising its MSRP to $41,810. While the Terrain was GMC's entry-level model, it offered a range of comfort features and storage solutions, though the quality of materials and execution of details reflected its position in the lineup. The interior was roomy, with power-adjustable front seats, heated front seats, and dual-zone climate control. However, some design choices, like the narrow storage tray, were seen as oversights.

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 with either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. The V8 engine provided sufficient power, though it could have benefited from more low-end torque for passing at higher speeds. The Escalade ESV's weight ranged from 5,785 to 6,182 pounds, depending on the trim level, which could impact performance when towing. Fuel economy was estimated at 18 mpg during testing, better than anticipated for such a large vehicle.

In contrast, the 2022 GMC Terrain was powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 170 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque. The engine's power was accessible between 2,000 and 4,000 rpm, though there was a delay off the line. The nine-speed automatic transmission helped maintain the Terrain's performance within the torque band. The Terrain's towing capacity was limited to 1,500 pounds, a reduction from the previous model's 3,500 pounds. The AT4 trim offered a good ride and decent handling on pavement, with 7.9 inches of ground clearance. However, the Terrain struggled off-road, with the front end scraping on uneven surfaces. Fuel economy was rated at 26 mpg, with the test model achieving 26.2 mpg.

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, with the third row offering decent space for adults. Cargo capacity was impressive, 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. However, the power-adjustable third row could be cumbersome to fold, and the hands-free liftgate was not always reliable. The Escalade ESV also featured an adaptive air suspension for easier entry and exit, and a center console cooler option.

The 2022 GMC Terrain offered a spacious interior for a compact crossover, with power-adjustable front seats, heated front seats, and dual-zone automatic climate control. The AT4 trim featured perforated leather upholstery with contrast stitching, providing an upscale feel. The back seat was roomy, with plenty of legroom and foot room, and included a rear USB charging port. The Terrain's cargo space measured 29.6 cubic feet behind the back seat, expanding to 63.3 cubic feet with the rear seat folded. The front passenger seat could also be folded down for longer items. Despite some design oversights, the Terrain offered numerous storage solutions throughout the cabin.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was equipped with 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, housing three displays for driver information and infotainment. The system was praised for its crisp graphics and responsive touchscreen. Cadillac's Super Cruise advanced driving assist system was available, allowing hands-free driving on certain highways. However, it occasionally struggled with lane changes and required driver intervention when it failed.

The 2022 GMC Terrain offered two infotainment systems, with a 7-inch touchscreen standard on SLE trim and an 8-inch touchscreen on SLT, AT4, and Denali trims. Both systems included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The larger screen offered connected navigation and a Bose premium sound system. The voice recognition system was highly praised for its accuracy and responsiveness. The Terrain also featured a head-up display, park assist sensors, and a surround-view camera system. The Tire Fill Alert system and remote engine starting were additional conveniences.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV came standard with front automatic braking, park assist, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and lane-keep assist. Optional features included adaptive park assist, a head-up display, rear camera mirror, blind-spot alert, and night vision. The NHTSA gave the Escalade ESV a four-star rating, with a three-star rating in the rollover test.

The 2022 GMC Terrain included the GMC Pro Safety Package as standard, with forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The GMC Pro Safety Plus Package added adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The IIHS awarded the Terrain mostly "Good" crash-test scores, with a "Marginal" rating in a new side-impact test. The NHTSA had not evaluated the Terrain's crashworthiness at the time of review.