2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 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, and slightly lower at 76.4 inches. This additional length was primarily at the back, 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 vehicle's exterior was equipped with features like LED headlights, a power-extending assist step, and a panoramic moonroof, 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 in the first two rows, the third row was less accommodating for adults. The cargo space was impressive, with 126.6 cubic feet behind the first row, 81.5 cubic feet behind the second, and 42.9 cubic feet behind the third. However, the interior design lacked the refinement expected at its price point, with hard plastics and a lack of unique dashboard trimmings. Despite these shortcomings, the Escalade ESV provided a comfortable ride with features like heated seats and a hands-free power liftgate, although the latter was not always reliable.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a two-row version of the previous year's Grand Cherokee L, maintaining Jeep's design traditions while offering a sportier and more compact option. It was available in various trims, including Laredo, Altitude, Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve, with prices ranging from $37,390 to $63,365. The Grand Cherokee's design paid homage to the classic 1963 Wagoneer, featuring a forward-leaning grille, lowered beltline, and tapered rear roof pillars. Inside, the Grand Cherokee offered a comfortable and quality interior, with higher trims providing luxurious features like quilted leather seats, a McIntosh audio system, and a panoramic sunroof.

The Grand Cherokee excelled in off-road capabilities, particularly in the Trailhawk trim, which featured Quadra-Drive II, an electronic locking rear differential, and a Quadra-Lift air suspension. The SUV's performance was impressive, with a choice of V6 or V8 engines, and a new plug-in hybrid powertrain arriving later in the model year. The Grand Cherokee's ride quality was excellent, with nimble handling and a specific driving character that balanced compliance and refinement. The interior space was accommodating, with 37.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat and 70.8 cubic feet with the seat folded down.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV offered two engine options: a 6.2-liter V8 delivering 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel inline-six with 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of 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 performance was robust, though the V8 could have benefited from more low-end torque for passing at higher speeds. The vehicle's weight, ranging from 5,785 to 6,182 pounds, impacted its agility, especially when towing. Fuel economy estimates were not available for the ESV, but the traditional Escalade achieved 17 to 23 mpg combined, with RWD versions being more efficient.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a choice between a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, and a 5.7-liter V8 engine with 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. The V8 was available only with 4WD and higher trims, increasing towing capacity to 7,200 pounds. The Grand Cherokee featured three different 4WD systems: Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II, each offering varying levels of off-road capability. The SUV's fuel economy ranged from 17 mpg with the V8 and 4WD to 21 mpg with the V6. The Trailhawk trim excelled in off-road performance, with features like an electronic locking rear differential, Quadra-Lift air suspension, and Selec-Terrain driving modes. The Grand Cherokee's ride quality was excellent, with nimble handling and a specific driving character that balanced compliance and refinement.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was designed for comfort and practicality, offering leatherette seating surfaces as standard and leather upholstery as an option. The interior featured 12-way power-adjustable front seats, heated first- and second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel. Buyers could upgrade to 16-way power-adjustable front seats with massage functionality and a panoramic sunroof. The Escalade ESV provided ample legroom in the first two rows, while the third row was less accommodating 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 hands-free power liftgate was a convenient feature, though it was not always reliable.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a comfortable interior for the driver and front passenger, with higher trims providing heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and front seat massagers. The Grand Cherokee's redesign improved visibility, with better sightlines and camera technologies enhancing driver confidence. Rear-seat room was tight for adults with long legs, and the plastic front seatback trim added durability but was uncomfortable for knees and shins. The two-row Grand Cherokee offered 37.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat and 70.8 cubic feet with the seat folded down, making it accommodating for luggage and gear.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was a tech powerhouse, featuring a standard 19-speaker AKG sound system with an optional 36-speaker AKG Studio Reference audio system. The vehicle came with wireless charging, NFC phone pairing, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and seven USB ports. The Escalade ESV's standout feature was its curved 38-inch OLED screen, which housed three screens displaying driver information and infotainment. The OLED technology provided deep blacks and crisp graphics, enhancing the cabin's ambiance. Cadillac's Super Cruise, an advanced driving assist system, was available, allowing hands-free driving on certain highways. While Super Cruise worked well, it occasionally struggled in bright sunlight or poorly-lit tunnels, and lane-change technology was not always quick.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was equipped with a comprehensive suite of technology, including a head-up display, Night Vision system, and a camera-based rearview mirror. The vehicle featured Jeep's next-generation Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering improved responsiveness and over-the-air updates. Most trims came with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, with a 10.1-inch screen available as an upgrade. The Grand Cherokee offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. The optional front passenger interactive display allowed the passenger to assist the driver and provided entertainment options. The Grand Cherokee's technology package was impressive, offering a range of features for information and entertainment.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV came standard with a suite of safety features, including front automatic braking, front and rear park assist, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. Buyers could add advanced technologies like adaptive park assist, a head-up display, and night vision. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the Escalade ESV a four-star rating, with a three-star rating in the rollover test due to its top-heavy design.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was fortified with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and a safety cage composed of aluminum and high-strength steel. The vehicle featured Intersection Collision Assist, Active Driving Assist, and a hands-free version of Active Driving Assist was expected in 2022. The Grand Cherokee's safety package was comprehensive, offering a range of features for driving assistance and collision avoidance.