2022 Subaru Forester 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, 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 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 variations in finishes and spokes depending on the trim. The vehicle's exterior was further enhanced by features like LED headlights, roof rails, and power-extending assist steps, contributing to its luxurious look. However, the interior, despite its spaciousness, was criticized for its use of hard plastics and lack of unique design elements, which detracted from its overall poshness.

The 2022 Subaru Forester, particularly in its Wilderness trim, was designed for practicality and ruggedness. It came in several trim levels, with prices starting at $25,195 for the base model and reaching $35,295 for the Touring trim. The Wilderness model, tested in the Cascade Mountains, featured a white exterior, dark gray interior with water-repellant StarTex simulated leather, and a base price of $33,945. It included options like a navigation system and Harman Kardon sound system, bringing the total to $36,014. The Forester's design emphasized function over form, with a focus on utility and practicality. Its interior combined hard plastics and soft surfaces, offering quality construction but appearing somewhat dated. The 8-inch Starlink infotainment system was user-friendly, though the presence of three display screens was less than ideal. The Wilderness trim's rugged appearance, with oversized cladding and matte-black hood decal, was not universally appealing, but the Forester's overall build quality and practicality were commendable.

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 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 V8 engine provided sufficient power, though it 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, posed challenges for the engine when towing. Fuel economy was not officially 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, surpassing expectations.

The 2022 Subaru Forester continued with its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. All Foresters featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive (AWD). The Wilderness model's CVT design provided a 25% increase in initial torque supply, doubling its towing capacity to 3,000 pounds. The EPA estimated the Forester Wilderness's fuel economy at 26 mpg combined, with real-world testing yielding 25.9 mpg. The Forester's engine was adequate at sea level but felt sluggish at higher altitudes. The CVT's eight programmed ratios and SI-Drive's Sport mode improved the driving experience, though a turbocharger would have been beneficial. The Forester's dual-function X-Mode system offered various settings for different terrains, enhancing its off-road capabilities. The Wilderness trim's longer springs and shocks improved ground clearance and approach angles, making it a compelling choice for off-road enthusiasts.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was designed as a luxurious people and cargo hauler, offering leatherette seating surfaces with available leather upholstery. Standard features 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 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 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 occasionally required manual adjustment. The hands-free power liftgate worked inconsistently, and the rear window could be opened for additional storage options. An adaptive air suspension facilitated entry and exit, while upscale features like a center console cooler added to the vehicle's appeal.

The 2022 Subaru Forester prioritized functionality, with easy entry and exit due to tall seating hip points. The Wilderness trim featured water-resistant StarTex upholstery, all-weather floor mats, and a rubber cargo mat, making it suitable for outdoor adventures. The Forester's interior offered comfort and practicality, with high seating positions providing excellent visibility. Rear air conditioning vents and quick-charge ports enhanced passenger comfort, while storage options included door panel bottle holders and seatback pockets. Cargo space measured 28.9 cubic feet without the panoramic sunroof and 26.9 cubic feet with it, with a squared-off cargo area and new ceiling-mounted cargo hooks. Folding the rear seats expanded cargo capacity to 74.2 cubic feet, making the Forester one of the roomiest compact SUVs. The Wilderness trim's full-size spare tire and upgraded roof rails with integrated tie-downs added to its versatility.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV stood out for its advanced technology, featuring a standard 19-speaker AKG sound system with an optional 36-speaker AKG Studio Reference audio system. Wireless charging, NFC phone pairing, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and seven USB ports were standard. The Escalade ESV's 38-inch curved 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. Super Cruise's lane-keeping, lane-centering, and adaptive cruise control functions worked well, though occasional issues arose in construction zones or under certain lighting conditions. The system's lane-change technology was effective but sometimes slow to respond. Despite occasional failures requiring driver intervention, Super Cruise was highly valued for highway driving.

The 2022 Subaru Forester offered a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and Starlink connected services. Premium trim added a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, while Wilderness, Limited, and Touring trims featured an 8-inch screen with navigation and a Harman Kardon sound system. The Wilderness trim's 180-degree forward-view camera was useful for off-roading. The test vehicle's Harman Kardon audio system delivered clear sound, though the navigation system lacked a breadcrumb function. The Forester's voice recognition system was inconsistent. The PIN Code Access feature allowed keyless entry, appealing to outdoor enthusiasts. Overall, the Forester's technology offerings were practical and user-friendly.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV came equipped with standard safety features such as front automatic braking, park assist, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and lane-keep assist. Additional technologies included adaptive park assist, a head-up display, rear camera mirror, blind-spot alert, and night vision. 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 due to its top-heavy design.

The 2022 Subaru Forester introduced the next-generation EyeSight 4.0 safety system, offering improved accuracy and smoother operation. EyeSight 4.0 included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. The Forester's safety features also included a rear-seat reminder system, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear automatic braking. The Touring trim featured DriverFocus, a facial recognition technology for monitoring drowsiness and distraction. The Forester earned a 5-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA, with a 4-star rating for rollover resistance. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) had not rated the 2022 model, but it was expected to retain the 2021 model's "Top Safety Pick+" rating.