2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV vs 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was an extended version of the standard Escalade, featuring a complete redesign for the 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. The wheelbase was also extended to 134.1 inches, improving stability and design proportions, giving it the appearance of a substantial SUV. The Escalade ESV boasted a luxurious exterior with chrome styling on various trims, while Sport models featured blacked-out accents. All versions rode on 22-inch wheels, with finishes varying by trim. The grille design also changed with each trim level, adding to its luxurious appeal. Standard features included LED headlights, taillamps, and a power-extending assist step, while optional packages offered further enhancements.

Inside, the Escalade ESV's interior was less impressive, especially in lighter color schemes, where the use of hard plastics detracted from its luxury status. Despite its high price point, the dashboard area lacked distinctive features. The vehicle offered a range of packages to enhance both exterior and interior features, but the overall interior design fell short of expectations for a vehicle in its price range.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport was crafted by removing the third row from the standard Atlas model, lowering the roofline by 2.3 inches, and shortening the length by 5.2 inches. Despite these changes, it retained the same wheelbase, ensuring a spacious interior for five passengers. The Cross Sport's design resulted in a bold, sporty appearance, particularly in the SEL Premium R-Line trim with its 21-inch machined-finish wheels. However, other wheel options were less appealing, with the base SE trim's 18-inch wheels appearing too small. The Atlas Cross Sport offered six paint colors, with some requiring an additional cost. The interior featured a combination of Dark Burgundy and Titan Black, with other options available. While the interior looked upscale, the use of hard, glossy plastics diminished the overall quality impression. Storage areas lacked lining, leading to potential rattles and noises during driving. Despite these drawbacks, the Atlas Cross Sport was considered a good value for its price.

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 available in rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) configurations. The V8 engine provided sufficient power but lacked 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. Fuel economy was not rated by the EPA for the ESV, but the traditional Escalade achieved an estimated 17 to 23 mpg combined. During testing, the RWD Escalade ESV averaged around 18 mpg.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two engine choices: a standard turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and an optional 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. The V6 engine had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, while the turbo-four was limited to 2,000 pounds. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive (FWD) as standard and VW's 4Motion all-wheel drive (AWD) system available. The V6 engine provided a more satisfying driving experience, although it was aging and lacked refinement. The Atlas Cross Sport's ride quality varied, with a harsh feel at lower speeds and a soft, compliant ride at higher speeds. The V6 engine averaged 19.2 mpg during testing, slightly less efficient than the larger Atlas model.

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. 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, with the third row providing 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, and the rear window could be opened for additional storage options. An adaptive air suspension made entry and exit easier and assisted in avoiding obstacles.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport shared its wheelbase and interior dimensions with the larger seven-passenger model, providing ample space for five adults. The test vehicle featured 10-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, heated rear outboard seats, and a dual-zone automatic climate control system. A panoramic sunroof added to the spacious feel, and rear side-window sunshades helped block sunlight. The interior offered plenty of storage space, although many areas lacked lining, leading to potential rattles. The cargo area provided ample load-floor space, with deep wells for additional storage. Despite the shorter length and lower roofline, the Atlas Cross Sport accommodated full-size suitcases and other items with ease.

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. It featured wireless charging, NFC phone pairing, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and seven USB ports. The Escalade ESV boasted a curved 38-inch OLED screen, providing crisp graphics and intuitive menu navigation. Cadillac's Super Cruise advanced driving assist system was available, allowing hands-free driving on certain highways. While Super Cruise generally performed well, it occasionally struggled in certain conditions, such as construction zones or sudden changes in lighting. The lane-change technology worked as advertised but could be slow in heavy traffic. Super Cruise required driver intervention if it failed, with alerts provided through visual, audible, and tactile signals.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport featured the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, with an 8-inch display in the base SE trim and a 10.25-inch version in higher trims. The infotainment system included Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and USB-C ports. Higher trims offered an upgraded 8-inch touchscreen with proximity sensing, wireless smartphone integration, SiriusXM with 360L, and wireless charging. The infotainment system provided access to Car-Net connected services, with various subscription plans available. While the technology offered numerous features, the user experience could be frustrating, particularly with voice recognition and touchscreen interaction. The SEL Premium R-Line test vehicle included a 12-speaker Fender premium sound system, delivering excellent audio quality.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV came standard with front automatic braking, front and rear park assist, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, safety seat alert, lane-keep assist, and forward-collision assist. Additional safety features were available, including adaptive park assist, a head-up display, rear camera mirror, lane-departure warning, blind-spot alert, rear cross-traffic alert, night vision, and advanced adaptive cruise control. The Escalade ESV received a four-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), with a three-star rating in the rollover test.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered a range of safety features, with more advanced options available in higher trims. Standard features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and an automatic post-collision braking system. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and IQ Drive, which included Travel Assist and Emergency Assist. The Atlas Cross Sport's safety systems generally performed well, although some features, such as Lane Assist, occasionally misinterpreted road markings. The Atlas Cross Sport received favorable crash-test ratings, though not the highest accolades from safety organizations.