2022 Ford Bronco 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 at 226.9 inches compared to the regular Escalade's 211.9 inches, with a slightly lower height of 76.4 inches. This additional length was primarily at the rear, enhancing cargo space and providing a more stable ride due to its 134.1-inch wheelbase. The Escalade ESV's design was characterized by its luxurious appearance, with chrome styling on the Luxury trims and blacked-out accents on the Sport trims. All versions rode on 22-inch wheels, with variations in finishes and spoke designs depending on the trim level. The vehicle came equipped with standard features like LED headlights, power-extending assist steps, and a deep-tinted, solar-absorbing glass, contributing to its luxurious look.

The interior of the Escalade ESV, however, was less impressive, especially in lighter color schemes where the use of hard plastics was evident. Despite its high price point, the dashboard area lacked distinctive features. The vehicle offered a range of packages to enhance both exterior and interior features, but the overall interior design fell short of expectations for a luxury SUV. While the Escalade ESV provided a comfortable ride with ample legroom in the first two rows, the third row was less accommodating for adults. The cargo space was generous, with 126.6 cubic feet behind the first row, but the power-adjustable third row could be cumbersome to operate. The hands-free power liftgate was innovative but not always reliable, and the adaptive air suspension added convenience for entry and exit.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV offered two engine options: a standard 6.2-liter V8 delivering 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, and an optional 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel inline-six engine producing 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, though it could have benefited from more low-end torque for passing at higher speeds. The Escalade ESV's weight, ranging from 5,785 to 6,182 pounds, posed a challenge 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 in mixed driving conditions.

The 2022 Ford Bronco featured a base turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, and an optional turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 engine producing 330 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. The four-cylinder engine was available with a seven-speed manual transmission, while the V6 came with a mandatory 10-speed automatic. All Broncos were equipped with four-wheel drive and an electronic two-speed transfer case. The Bronco's off-road prowess was evident across its lineup, with models like the Wildtrak and Everglades excelling in challenging terrains. The Everglades model, tested on Drummond Island, showcased its capabilities with deep water crossings and steep rock climbs. On-road performance was also commendable, with the Bronco offering a smoother ride and better handling than its rival, the Jeep Wrangler. Wind noise was a minor issue, but overall, the Bronco impressed with its versatility and comfort.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was designed as a luxurious people and cargo hauler, offering standard leatherette seating surfaces with optional leather upholstery. It 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 suitable 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 cumbersome to operate, and the hands-free power liftgate was not always reliable. The adaptive air suspension facilitated entry and exit, and the vehicle offered upscale features like a center console cooler.

The 2022 Ford Bronco's boxy design contributed to its spacious interior, providing ample headroom and legroom for passengers. The two-door model offered 22.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, while the four-door model increased capacity to 35.6 cubic feet. The rear seats did not fold flat, creating a step-up that complicated loading larger items. The Bronco featured clever storage solutions, including a large armrest bin, netted door pockets, and accessory rails atop the dash. The vehicle's utility was enhanced by external hard mounting points and removable fender flares. The Bronco's design allowed for easy customization and off-road capability, with features like hidden anchors and cleats for cargo straps.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was equipped with advanced technology, including a standard 19-speaker AKG sound system and an optional 36-speaker AKG Studio Reference audio system. It featured wireless charging, NFC phone pairing, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and seven USB ports. The Escalade ESV's standout feature was its 38-inch curved OLED screen, which housed three screens displaying driver information and infotainment. The screen's crisp graphics and responsive touchscreen enhanced the driving experience. Cadillac's Super Cruise, an advanced driving assist system, was available, allowing for hands-free driving on designated highways. While Super Cruise generally performed well, it occasionally struggled in certain conditions, such as bright sunlight or recent road construction. The system's lane-change technology was effective but sometimes slow to respond in heavy traffic.

The 2022 Ford Bronco incorporated technology to enhance its off-road capabilities while keeping the driver engaged. The G.O.A.T. modes provided off-road confidence for novice drivers, while seasoned off-roaders could manually select their preferred setups. The forward-looking trail camera was a valuable feature, offering a clear view of the terrain ahead. The Bronco's Sync 4 infotainment system was responsive and loaded with helpful off-road apps. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, complementing the available wireless charging pad. The Bronco's technology features were designed to enhance its versatility and appeal to a wide range of drivers.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV came standard with front automatic braking, front and rear park assist, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. Additional safety features included adaptive park assist, a head-up display, lane-keep assist, and advanced adaptive cruise control. The Escalade ESV received a four-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), with a three-star rating for rollover protection.

The 2022 Ford Bronco offered standard safety features such as hill-start assist, hill descent control, and trailer sway control. Optional safety features included frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. The NHTSA awarded the four-door Bronco four stars for frontal crash protection, while both the two- and four-door models received three stars for rollover protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rated the Bronco "Good" in frontal, side, and roof strength tests.