2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV vs 2022 Honda Passport

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, with a slightly lower height. This additional length was primarily at the back, 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 luxurious appearance, with chrome styling on certain trims and blacked-out accents on others. All versions rode on 22-inch wheels, with variations in finishes and spoke numbers depending on the trim. The vehicle also boasted standard luxury features like LED headlights, power-extending assist steps, and a deep-tinted glass, with options for a panoramic moonroof and other upgrades.

In contrast, the 2022 Honda Passport shared its platform with the Honda Ridgeline, Odyssey, and Pilot, resembling the Ridgeline in styling. It was a shorter version of the Pilot, lacking a third-row seat but offering a rugged look with a new nose design. The Passport was available in three trims: EX-L, TrailSport, and Elite, each with new wheel designs. The TrailSport trim aimed to appeal to off-road enthusiasts, featuring standard all-wheel drive, 8.1 inches of ground clearance, and traction management modes. The interior was spacious, with quality materials and thoughtful design elements like orange contrast stitching and ambient lighting in the TrailSport trim. Prices ranged from $37,870 to $45,430, with the TrailSport model offering unique design modifications for a more adventurous appearance.

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 in rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). The Escalade ESV's weight ranged from 5,785 to 6,182 pounds, and while the V8 provided sufficient power, it could have benefited from more low-end torque for passing at higher speeds. The EPA estimated the traditional Escalade's fuel economy at 17 to 23 mpg combined, with the RWD Escalade ESV averaging around 18 mpg during testing.

The 2022 Honda Passport retained its 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. It was available in front-wheel drive (FWD) for the EX-L trim and all-wheel drive (AWD) for the TrailSport and Elite trims. The Passport's V6 was smooth and responsive, with the EPA rating it at 22 mpg combined for FWD and 21 mpg for AWD. The TrailSport model averaged 21.3 mpg during testing. The Passport's i-VTM4 AWD system provided mechanical torque vectoring, enhancing its off-road capability. While the Passport excelled on roads with its firm ride and athletic handling, its brakes could heat up and vibrate on mountain descents, which was a concern given its 5,000-pound towing capacity.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was designed for comfort and cargo capacity, offering leatherette seating surfaces with 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 provided ample legroom in the first two rows, with the third row being less suitable for adults. Cargo space was generous, with 126.6 cubic feet behind the first row, 81.5 cubic feet behind the second, and 42.9 cubic feet behind the third. 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 worked inconsistently, and the rear window could open for additional storage options. An adaptive air suspension facilitated entry and exit, and upscale features like a center console cooler were available.

The 2022 Honda Passport offered easy access with large doors and a low step-in height. The front seats were large and comfortable, with leather upholstery and heated front seats standard. The Elite trim added ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The triple-zone automatic climate control system was standard, with rear passengers in the Elite enjoying separate controls. The rear seating area was spacious, with large windows providing an open feel. The Passport featured ample storage, including a massive center console bin and door panel shelving. Cargo space was generous, with 41.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 77.7 cubic feet with the seat folded down. The Passport's utility and comfort made it a practical choice for everyday use.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was a technological standout, featuring a standard 19-speaker AKG sound system with an optional 36-speaker upgrade. It included wireless charging, NFC phone pairing, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and seven USB ports. The Escalade ESV's 38-inch OLED screen housed three displays for driver information and infotainment, offering unparalleled graphics quality. Cadillac's Super Cruise advanced driving assist system was available, allowing hands-free driving on designated highways. While Super Cruise generally worked well, it occasionally struggled in certain conditions and required driver intervention. Despite its quirks, Super Cruise was a valuable feature for highway driving.

The 2022 Honda Passport's infotainment system met basic modern standards, with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and satellite radio. The TrailSport trim added a navigation system, while the Elite featured a 10-speaker premium sound system and HondaLink connected services. The system included shortcut buttons and a volume knob but lacked a tuning knob. Apple CarPlay was preferred for navigation due to the Passport's clunky system. Wireless smartphone charging was standard, but the Passport was not technologically advanced, which might appeal to some buyers.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV came standard with a suite of safety features, including front automatic braking, park assist, pedestrian detection, and lane-keep assist. Additional technologies were available, such as adaptive park assist, a head-up display, and night vision. The NHTSA gave the Escalade ESV a four-star rating, with a three-star rollover test result, indicating a higher risk of rollover collisions.

The 2022 Honda Passport featured the Honda Sensing suite, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. It also had blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a rear-seat reminder system. While effective, the lane-departure warning and lane-centering assist functions were intrusive, leading drivers to disable them. The adaptive cruise control was not smooth in heavy traffic. The Passport received five-star NHTSA ratings in most categories, with a four-star rating for front passenger protection and rollover resistance. The IIHS gave it top ratings, except for an Acceptable rating in a small overlap collision.