2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid vs 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was an extended version of the redesigned Escalade, boasting a longer body at 226.9 inches compared to the standard model's 211.9 inches. This extension primarily enhanced cargo space, while a lengthened wheelbase of 134.1 inches improved stability and design proportions, giving it a more balanced SUV appearance. The Escalade ESV featured a variety of trim levels, each with distinct styling elements such as chrome or blacked-out accents, and all models rode on 22-inch wheels. Despite its luxurious exterior, the interior fell short of expectations, with hard plastics and a lack of unique dashboard trimmings, which was disappointing for a vehicle priced near or above $90,000.

The 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid underwent a significant design overhaul, adopting a more SUV-like front fascia with a larger grille and distinctive daytime running lights. While the styling changes were mostly concentrated at the front, the rear also saw updates like a repositioned license plate housing and "Star Map" taillights on the SX Prestige trim. Despite these efforts, the Carnival Hybrid retained its van-like appearance. The interior carried over from the 2024 model, offering a premium feel with high-quality materials and a distinctive cross-hatch pattern for the Bose audio system's speaker grilles. The cabin was mostly free of shiny plastic trim, providing a pleasing experience.

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 with 277 horsepower and the same 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 Escalade ESV's V8 engine provided sufficient power but lacked low-end torque for high-speed passing. The vehicle's weight, ranging from 5,785 to 6,182 pounds, contributed to this challenge. Fuel economy was not officially rated, but the RWD version averaged around 18 mpg during testing.

The 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid featured a powertrain similar to the Kia Sorento Hybrid, combining a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an electric motor for a total output of 242 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. This setup was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive (FWD). The hybrid's acceleration felt similar to the non-hybrid V6 model, though less linear, with noticeable electric motor torque off the line. The Carnival Hybrid's 2,500-pound towing capacity was 1,000 pounds less than the V6 model. Regenerative braking offered three levels, and the vehicle's steering and suspension provided a comfortable and quiet ride.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was designed for comfort and cargo capacity, 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 ESV provided ample legroom in the first two rows, with 126.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the first row, 81.5 cubic feet behind the second, and 42.9 cubic feet behind the third. 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 innovative but occasionally unreliable.

The 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid offered standard eight-passenger seating with sliding and removable second-row seats, and fold-flat third-row seats. Optional VIP Lounge Seats provided a luxurious experience but were less practical for accessing the third row. The Carnival Hybrid's interior dimensions matched the non-hybrid model, with 40.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and 145.1 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. The center console and dashboard layout were functional, with easy-to-find buttons for drive modes and seat heating. The rotary shifter replaced the gear lever in hybrid models.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was equipped with a 19-speaker AKG sound system, upgradeable to a 36-speaker AKG Studio Reference audio system. Standard features included wireless charging, NFC phone pairing, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and seven USB ports. The Escalade ESV's standout feature was its 38-inch OLED screen, providing crisp graphics and intuitive menu navigation. Super Cruise, an advanced driving assist system, was available, allowing hands-free driving on certain highways. While generally reliable, Super Cruise occasionally struggled with lane changes and required driver intervention in certain conditions.

The 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. SX and SX Prestige models included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and Bluetooth connectivity. The infotainment system supported over-the-air updates and offered a voice-recognition system. Standard tech features included a Wi-Fi hotspot, USB ports in all rows, and power outlets. Notable options included an 11-inch head-up display, digital key functionality, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The Carnival Hybrid also offered a rear-seat entertainment system with dual 14.6-inch HD monitors.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV came standard with front automatic braking, park assist, pedestrian detection, safety seat alert, lane-keep assist, and forward-collision assist. Additional safety features included adaptive park assist, a head-up display, rear camera mirror, lane-departure warning, blind-spot alert, rear cross-traffic alert, night vision, and advanced adaptive cruise control. The Escalade ESV received a four-star rating from the NHTSA, with a three-star rating in the rollover test.

The 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid's safety ratings were not available at the time of publication, but the 2024 model received mixed ratings from the IIHS. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. SX and SX Prestige models added junction crossing and lane-change assist functions, Highway Driving Assist 2, a 360-degree camera system, and a blind-spot camera system.