2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV vs 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid

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 the appearance of a substantial SUV. The Escalade ESV boasted a luxurious exterior with chrome styling on various trim levels, while Sport models featured blacked-out accents. All versions rode on 22-inch wheels, with finishes varying by trim. The vehicle's grille design changed with each trim, adding to its distinct look. Standard features included roof rails, LED headlights, and a power-extending assist step, while optional packages offered further enhancements.

Inside, the Escalade ESV's interior was less impressive, particularly in lighter color schemes, where the use of hard plastics was evident. The dashboard lacked unique trimmings, which was disappointing for a vehicle priced near or above $90,000. Despite this, the Escalade ESV remained a good-looking and posh vehicle, offering a range of packages to enhance both exterior and interior features.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid presented a bold reinterpretation of its design, which could polarize opinions. Its grille, with a flat, faceless look, spanned the entire front end, dividing opinions. The vehicle's personality changed significantly with color and trim, with body-colored vertical strakes at each edge. In lighter colors, these strakes could appear jarring, while darker shades offered a more harmonious look. The X-Line and X-Pro models replaced these strakes with rectangular grille blocks and featured distinctive amber accent lights. The side profile showcased unique faceted and angular fender sculpting, with black plastic tabs atop each wheel well. The rear view adopted a different style, with rounded corners and vertical taillights, reminiscent of a Range Rover.

Inside, the Telluride's interior was less controversial, featuring a simple horizontal dashboard layout with a modern, buttonless appearance. The Hybrid SX Prestige trim, equipped with the optional SX Prestige Executive package, offered a luxurious two-tone palette. The seats were covered in synthetic leather and suede, with flat and firm cushions that could be uncomfortable on longer drives. Surrounding materials were of excellent quality, with various trim surfaces available, including engineered wood and carbon. The Telluride's interior was well-received, offering a comfortable and modern experience.

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 producing 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Buyers could choose between rear-wheel drive (RWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) for all trim levels. The V8 engine provided sufficient power but lacked low-end torque for passing at higher speeds. The Escalade ESV's weight ranged from 5,785 to 6,182 pounds, depending on the trim level. Fuel economy was not 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.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid featured a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 274 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Hybrid model added electric motors and a 1.65-kWh battery pack, increasing output to 329 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. It was mated to a six-speed transmission and was not available in the off-road-capable X-Pro trims. The Telluride Hybrid offered a quiet and smooth ride, with seamless transitions between electric and gas power. The X-Pro Prestige trim provided a comfortable ride, even with a lifted off-road suspension. The Hybrid SX Prestige had a stiffer ride with its 20-inch wheels. The Telluride was composed and controllable on winding roads, with a soft brake pedal effort that required some adjustment.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was designed as a comfortable people and cargo hauler, offering leatherette seating surfaces as standard and leather upholstery as an option. Standard features included 12-way power-adjustable front seats, heated first- and second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel. The ESV provided ample legroom in the first two rows, with the third row offering decent space 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. The hands-free power liftgate worked inconsistently, and the rear window could be opened for additional storage options. An adaptive air suspension made entry and exit easier.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid offered ample space for adults in all three rows, though the rearmost row was better suited for smaller passengers. The second row featured power-adjustable seats with heating and ventilation in the Hybrid SX Prestige trim. The middle-row seats had significant travel, allowing for more cargo or third-row legroom. The Telluride could hold up to 22.3 cubic feet of cargo behind the third row, with a total capacity of 89.3 cubic feet when the second-row seatbacks were folded. The Hybrid models lost only about one cubic foot of cargo space. The Telluride could tow up to 5,000 pounds, or 4,500 pounds for the Hybrid. The interior offered various storage options, including a large center bin and deployable cupholders.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV featured 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 boasted a curved 38-inch OLED screen, providing crisp graphics and intuitive menu layers. Cadillac's Super Cruise advanced driving assist system was available, allowing hands-free driving on certain roadways. Super Cruise included lane-keeping, lane-centering, and adaptive cruise control, though it occasionally struggled in certain conditions. The lane-change technology worked well but could be slow in heavy traffic. Super Cruise required driver intervention if it failed, with alerts to regain control.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid came with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a 5-inch touchscreen for climate controls. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual wireless phone chargers, and a native navigation system. The system was easy to use, though it occasionally required a hard tap to register. The climate control screen was difficult to use while driving, but physical temperature control buttons were available. The Telluride offered customizable infotainment screen themes and a 14-speaker Meridian premium audio system in the SX trim and above.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV came standard with front automatic braking, front and rear park assist, automatic emergency braking, and various other safety features. Buyers could add technologies such as adaptive park assist, a head-up display, and advanced adaptive cruise control. The NHTSA gave the Escalade ESV a four-star rating, with a three-star rating in the rollover test.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid included standard advanced safety features such as frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims offered additional features like a surround-view camera system and automatic reverse braking. The Telluride's driver attention monitor occasionally triggered false alerts at night, and the blind-spot cameras were considered distracting.