2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe 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. The wheelbase was also extended to 134.1 inches, improving stability and design proportions, giving it a more balanced appearance. The Escalade ESV boasted a luxurious exterior with chrome styling on certain trims and blacked-out accents on others, all riding on 22-inch wheels. The grille design varied across trim levels, adding to its distinct look. Standard features included LED headlights, roof rails, and power-extending assist steps, while optional packages offered further customization.

Inside, the Escalade ESV aimed for luxury but fell short in some areas. While it offered leatherette seating and various power-adjustable features, the interior was criticized for its use of hard plastics and lack of unique design elements, especially given its high price point. The dashboard lacked the special touches expected in a vehicle of its class, and the overall interior design did not match the exterior's opulence.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe was a plug-in hybrid SUV that combined Jeep's iconic design elements with modern technology. It featured the brand's signature seven-slot grille with active shutters for improved aerodynamics. The Grand Cherokee 4xe was available only as a two-row, five-passenger SUV, with trim levels including the base 4xe, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve. The High Altitude package added extra style to the Summit trims. The Overland trim, tested in silver with a black roof, offered a comfortable and upscale interior with leather seats, wood and metal accents, and bronze contrast stitching. However, the interior also had a significant amount of hard plastic, which raised concerns about durability and noise over time.

The Grand Cherokee 4xe's interior was spacious, with ample head and legroom for passengers. The air suspension allowed for easy loading and unloading, and the vehicle's heated steering wheel was a welcome feature in colder climates. Overall, the Grand Cherokee 4xe provided a comfortable and capable family vehicle with a focus on modern technology and design.

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 available in rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) configurations. The V8 engine provided sufficient power but lacked low-end torque for high-speed passing. The Escalade ESV's fuel economy was not officially rated by the EPA, but it averaged around 18 mpg during testing.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe featured a plug-in hybrid powertrain with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine and a 400-volt, 17-kWh battery pack. This setup delivered 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, surpassing the company's 5.7-liter V8. The Grand Cherokee 4xe offered a total driving range of 470 miles and an impressive 56 MPGe. It featured E Select powertrain modes, including Hybrid, Electric, and eSave, allowing drivers to optimize efficiency. The vehicle's regenerative braking system and electronic front-axle disconnect further enhanced fuel economy. The Grand Cherokee 4xe's off-road capabilities were supported by Jeep's Select-Terrain traction system and Quadra-Lift suspension, providing up to 10.9 inches of ground clearance.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was designed for comfort and cargo capacity, offering leatherette seating surfaces and optional leather upholstery. Standard features included 12-way power-adjustable front seats, heated seats, and a hands-free power liftgate. The Escalade ESV provided ample legroom in the first two rows, with a spacious third row. 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 vehicle's adaptive air suspension made entry and exit easier, while the hands-free power liftgate had mixed reliability.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, while not offering a third row, provided plenty of space for passengers and cargo. Folding the second row expanded cargo space from 37.7 cubic feet to 70.8 cubic feet. The air suspension allowed for quick adjustments, aiding in loading and unloading. The Grand Cherokee 4xe's interior was comfortable for a family of four, with ample head and legroom.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV featured advanced technology, including a standard 19-speaker AKG sound system and an optional 36-speaker AKG Studio Reference audio system. The vehicle's 38-inch OLED screen housed three displays for driver information and infotainment, offering crisp graphics and intuitive menus. Cadillac's Super Cruise advanced driving assist system was available, allowing for hands-free driving on certain highways. However, Super Cruise had limitations, such as occasional failures and slow lane-change responses.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe boasted the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering customization options and a user-friendly interface. The vehicle included multiple screens, such as a 10.25-inch front-passenger display and a digital driver information display. The Grand Cherokee 4xe's 19-speaker McIntosh stereo was highly praised but only available on higher trims. Optional rear-seat entertainment screens and a wireless charging pad added to the vehicle's tech offerings.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV came standard with front automatic braking, park assist, pedestrian detection, and lane-keep assist. Additional safety features included adaptive park assist, a head-up display, and night vision. The NHTSA gave the Escalade ESV a four-star rating, with a three-star rating in the rollover test.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe offered standard safety features such as automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. Optional features included intersection-collision assist, night vision, and a 360-degree surround-view camera. A hands-off driver assistance suite was announced but not available at launch. Neither the IIHS nor the NHTSA had crash-tested the Grand Cherokee 4xe.