2022 Toyota Highlander 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 vehicle came with standard luxury features like LED headlights, roof rails, and power-extending assist steps, with options for a panoramic moonroof and other upgrades.

Inside, the Escalade ESV's interior was less impressive, especially in lighter color schemes where the use of hard plastics was evident. Despite its high price point, the dashboard lacked distinctive features. However, it offered a range of standard and optional features, including leather upholstery, power-adjustable seats, and advanced climate control. The 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 row. The hands-free power liftgate was a mixed bag, working only half the time, but the adaptive air suspension and rear window opening added convenience.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander had a modern and somewhat aggressive front-end design, with flared fender arches and a distinctive third-row window. Despite its spacious interior, the design made it appear smaller. The Highlander offered ample cabin space and clever storage solutions. The XSE trim stood out with its bold red leather interior, unique exterior styling, and sport-tuned suspension. The Highlander was available in multiple trims, each offering a range of features from basic to luxurious, including power-adjustable seats, climate control, and advanced infotainment systems.

The Highlander's interior was practical and versatile, with deep cargo pockets, multiple storage compartments, and cupholders throughout. The second-row captain's chairs provided easy access to the third row, which was more suitable for short trips. Cargo space was generous, with up to 84.3 cubic feet available with the seats folded. The power liftgate and hands-free option on higher trims added convenience. Overall, the Highlander offered a well-rounded package with a focus on practicality and comfort.

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). The V8 engine provided sufficient power but lacked low-end torque for high-speed passing. The Escalade ESV's weight ranged from 5,785 to 6,182 pounds, affecting its performance when towing. Fuel economy was estimated at 17 to 23 mpg combined, with RWD versions being more efficient.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander came equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission with front-wheel drive (FWD) as standard and all-wheel drive (AWD) as an option. The Highlander offered drive modes for different conditions and paddle shifters on certain trims. The V6 engine provided good pickup at highway speeds, though it was less lively from a standstill. The Highlander's handling was commendable, with a sport-tuned suspension on the XSE trim reducing body roll. It could tow up to 5,000 pounds, with a max payload of 1,685 pounds in FWD L and LE trims.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was designed for comfort and luxury, 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 interior provided ample legroom in the first two rows, with the third row being less comfortable 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 row. 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 was inconsistent, but the adaptive air suspension and rear window opening added convenience.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander offered up to 84.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the second- and third-row seats folded. With the second-row seats in use, there was 48.4 cubic feet of cargo space, and 16 cubic feet behind the third row. The Highlander's interior was practical, with deep cargo pockets, multiple storage compartments, and cupholders throughout. The second-row captain's chairs provided easy access to the third row, which was more suitable for short trips. The power liftgate and hands-free option on higher trims added convenience. Overall, the Highlander offered a well-rounded package with a focus on practicality and comfort.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV featured advanced technology, including a standard 19-speaker AKG sound system with an optional 36-speaker upgrade. It offered wireless charging, NFC phone pairing, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and seven USB ports. The highlight was a curved 38-inch OLED screen, providing crisp graphics and intuitive menu layers. 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 with lane changes and construction zones, requiring driver intervention.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander came standard with a WiFi hotspot, five USB ports, and an 8-inch touchscreen supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with hard buttons complementing the touchscreen. A wireless charging pad and USB ports were available in the center tray. Higher trims offered a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen and an 11-speaker JBL premium stereo system. The Highlander's technology package was practical and straightforward, catering to everyday needs.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV came standard with front automatic braking, park assist, pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, and forward-collision assist. Optional features included adaptive park assist, a head-up display, rear camera mirror, blind-spot alert, and night vision. The NHTSA gave the Escalade ESV a four-star rating, with a three-star rating in the rollover test, indicating a higher risk of rollover collisions.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander featured the Toyota Safety Sense suite, including forward collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and traffic-sign recognition. Higher trims offered blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, and adaptive headlights. The lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist systems were active but sometimes intrusive. Overall, the Highlander provided a comprehensive safety package.