2022 Hyundai Santa Fe 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 rear, enhancing cargo space and providing a more stable ride with a 134.1-inch wheelbase. 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 exterior was further enhanced by features like LED headlights, a power panoramic moonroof, and illuminating door handles, contributing to its upscale look.

Inside, the Escalade ESV offered a mix of luxury and practicality, though it fell short in some areas. While the interior was spacious, with ample legroom and cargo capacity, the use of hard plastics and generic controls detracted from its premium feel. The dashboard lacked distinctive features expected in a vehicle priced near or above $90,000. Despite these shortcomings, the Escalade ESV provided a comfortable ride with features like heated seats, a power liftgate, and an adaptive air suspension, making it a capable people and cargo hauler.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT, on the other hand, was less impressive with its new XRT treatment, which lacked significant off-road enhancements. The XRT was one of five gasoline trim levels, positioned between the SE/SEL and the turbocharged Limited/Calligraphy trims. Priced starting at $34,095, it included features from the SEL trim and Convenience Package, with options for FWD or AWD. The test vehicle, in Portofino Gray with a black cloth interior, offered minimal visual contrast, resembling a monochrome image. Despite this, the interior was thoughtfully designed, with patterns and brightwork enhancing the cabin's appeal.

The Santa Fe XRT's interior was practical and comfortable, with stain-resistant fabric and an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat. Rear-seat accommodations were excellent, providing ample space for a family of four, with features like rear air conditioning vents and USB charging ports. The Smart Tailgate was a standout feature, allowing hands-free access to the cargo area, though it occasionally opened unintentionally. With 36.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 72.1 cubic feet with the seats folded, the Santa Fe offered adequate storage for various needs.

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 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, and buyers could choose between RWD and 4WD. The V8 engine provided sufficient power, though it lacked low-end torque for passing at higher speeds. The Escalade ESV's weight, ranging from 5,785 to 6,182 pounds, contributed to its performance challenges, especially when towing. Fuel economy was not officially rated by the EPA, but the RWD tester averaged around 18 mpg during testing.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT was equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. While not particularly powerful, it was adequate for everyday driving, allowing the Santa Fe to reach freeway speeds and cruise comfortably. An eight-speed automatic transmission handled shifting, with Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow driving modes available. The XRT's engine struggled on hills and during rapid acceleration, but the ride quality was generally good, with excellent suspension isolation and a quiet cabin. The test vehicle averaged 22.3 mpg, slightly below the EPA rating of 24 mpg.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was designed for comfort and practicality, with leatherette seating surfaces and 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 generous legroom in the first two rows, with the third row providing adequate space for adults on shorter trips. Cargo capacity was a highlight, 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 occasionally required manual adjustment.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT featured a dual-zone automatic climate control system with a Clean Air ionizer, ensuring comfort for all passengers. The interior was practical, with stain-resistant fabric and an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat. Rear-seat accommodations were excellent, with ample space for a family of four and features like rear air conditioning vents and USB charging ports. The Smart Tailgate allowed hands-free access to the cargo area, though it occasionally opened unintentionally. The Santa Fe offered 36.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 72.1 cubic feet with the seats folded, providing adequate storage for various needs.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was a technological powerhouse, featuring a standard 19-speaker AKG sound system with an optional 36-speaker AKG Studio Reference audio system. The vehicle boasted a curved 38-inch OLED screen, housing three displays for driver information and infotainment. The system was responsive, with intuitive menu layers and crisp graphics. Cadillac's Super Cruise, an advanced driving assist system, was available, allowing hands-free driving on select highways. While Super Cruise generally performed well, it occasionally struggled in certain conditions, requiring driver intervention.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and Bluelink connected services. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with large knobs for easy adjustments and clean on-screen graphics. While the XRT lacked the upgraded infotainment system available on higher trims, it offered digital key technology for Android devices and a Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system to enhance convenience and safety.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV came standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including front automatic braking, front and rear park assist, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. Additional technologies were available, such as adaptive park assist, a head-up display, and night vision. The Escalade ESV received a four-star rating from the NHTSA, with a three-star rollover test score due to its top-heavy design.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT was equipped with Hyundai SmartSense, a collection of driver-assist and collision-avoidance systems. Standard features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Santa Fe also featured Junction Turning Detection and Safe Exit Assist for added safety. The SUV earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, with a four-star rollover resistance score.