2022 Lexus NX 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. 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's design was characterized by its big SUV look, with chrome styling on Luxury trims and blacked-out accents on Sport trims. All versions rode on 22-inch wheels, with variations in finishes and spoke numbers depending on the trim. The exterior was further enhanced with features like LED headlights, a panoramic moonroof, and power-folding mirrors, while the interior, despite its luxury aspirations, fell short in terms of material quality, especially in lighter color schemes.

The 2022 Lexus NX, redesigned and available in four model series, offered a more modern and minimalist design compared to its predecessor. It was longer, wider, and taller, providing more passenger and cargo space. The NX was unmistakably a Lexus with its spindle grille and new block lettering on the tailgate. The interior featured NuLuxe simulated leather, with real leather and open-pore wood trim in the Luxury model. The F Sport trim stood out with sport-bolstered seats and unique interior elements. The NX's interior design was simplified, with most functions integrated into a large touchscreen, which could be challenging to use quickly. Despite some ergonomic issues, the NX's quality levels were generally high, though some controls felt less refined compared to competitors.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV offered two engine choices: 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 buyers could choose between rear-wheel drive (RWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD). The Escalade ESV's weight ranged from 5,785 to 6,182 pounds, depending on the trim, which could challenge the engine's performance at higher speeds, especially when towing. Fuel economy was not officially rated for the ESV, but the traditional Escalade achieved between 17 and 23 mpg combined. During testing, the RWD Escalade ESV averaged around 18 mpg.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered two electrified versions: the NX 350h hybrid with 239 horsepower and an EPA-estimated 39 mpg, and the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid with 302 horsepower and a 36-mile electric range. The NX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive (AWD). The NX 250 had a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, with front-wheel drive (FWD) and optional AWD. The NX 350 F Sport offered additional driving modes and an adaptive variable sports suspension. The F Sport felt more dynamic on winding roads, while the Luxury trim provided a softer ride. Lexus estimated 25 mpg for the NX 350, with observed fuel economy slightly lower during spirited driving.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was designed for comfort and cargo capacity, with standard leatherette seating and available leather upholstery. It featured 12-way power-adjustable front seats, heated seats in the first two rows, and a heated steering wheel. The ESV offered 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, though it sometimes required manual adjustment. The hands-free power liftgate was innovative but not always reliable. The ESV also featured an adaptive air suspension for easier entry and exit and a rear window that opened for additional storage options.

The 2022 Lexus NX provided more interior room, though it felt cozy from the driver's seat. It offered heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and better bolstering in the F Sport trim. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed ample space, with rear air conditioning vents and USB ports. The NX's panoramic sunroof extended over the back seat, enhancing the sense of space. The Luxury trim included a Thematic Ambient Illumination system with various themes. Cargo space increased by 14% to 22.7 cubic feet behind the back seat, expandable to 46.9 cubic feet with the seats folded.

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. It included wireless charging, NFC phone pairing, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and seven USB ports. The Escalade ESV's standout feature was its 38-inch curved OLED screen, providing crisp graphics and intuitive menu navigation. Cadillac's Super Cruise, an advanced driving assist system, was available, allowing hands-free driving on certain highways. While Super Cruise generally worked well, it occasionally struggled in bright sunlight or newly constructed areas, and lane-change technology could be slow in heavy traffic.

The 2022 Lexus NX made significant technological advancements with the new Lexus Interface infotainment system. It featured large touchscreen displays, natural voice recognition, and cloud-based features. A 9.8-inch touchscreen was standard, with a 14-inch screen available. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Voice Assistant technology, and various connected service subscription plans. A 10-speaker sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson system optional. The new Voice Assistant and Intelligent Assistant systems responded to natural commands, and the NX offered a digital key feature. However, the 14-inch touchscreen collected fingerprints and reflections, and there was no tuning knob.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV came standard with front automatic braking, park assist, emergency braking, pedestrian detection, safety seat alert, lane-keep assist, and forward-collision assist. Additional technologies included adaptive park assist, a head-up display, rear camera mirror, lane-departure warning, blind-spot alert, rear cross-traffic alert, night vision, adaptive cruise control, enhanced emergency braking, reverse automatic braking, and automatic seatbelt tightening. The NHTSA gave the Escalade ESV a four-star rating, with a three-star rating in the rollover test.

The 2022 Lexus NX featured the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, Oncoming Pedestrian Detection, and Curve Speed Management. The Emergency Driving Stop System brought the NX to a stop if the driver was unresponsive. The NX also had blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, Safe Exit Assist, and adaptive front lighting. Premium trim added rear pedestrian detection, semi-autonomous parking assist, and rear cross-traffic braking. A Vision Package offered panoramic view monitoring, front cross-traffic alert, and lane-change assistance.