2021 Cadillac Escalade vs 2020 Honda CR-V

The 2020 Honda CR-V, part of Honda's fifth generation of compact crossovers, had a design that was both familiar and enjoyable. Its exterior styling was characterized by soft, curvy lines that gave it a car-like appearance, closely resembling Honda's sedan lineup. The CR-V's design leaned more towards a station wagon than an SUV, setting a standard for modern family transportation. However, the interior told a different story, with a mix of textures and materials that didn't always harmonize. While higher trims featured upscale touches like wood-look trim and leather upholstery, these clashed with some lower-quality plastics, reminding drivers that even the pricier CR-V versions were upgrades of a commodity car rather than true premium products.

In contrast, the 2021 Cadillac Escalade showcased a design heavily influenced by Cadillac's recent concept vehicles, particularly the Escala. The redesigned Escalade featured a bold front end, standard 22-inch wheels, and crisp creases along its sides, maintaining a familiar rear look with tall OLED taillights. The Escalade's interior was a significant improvement over its predecessor, offering a more spacious and luxurious cabin. The new independent rear suspension allowed for a lower floor, enhancing passenger comfort and cargo capacity. Front-seat occupants enjoyed high-tech controls and quality materials, while the second and third rows provided ample space and comfort, making the Escalade a more practical choice for carrying passengers.

The 2020 Honda CR-V was equipped with a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine across all trims, producing 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), this powertrain offered a well-matched driving experience. Despite the CVT's reputation for sluggishness, Honda's engineers managed to deliver a responsive and fuel-efficient system. The CR-V's car-like demeanor extended to its road manners, with nimble handling and a firm yet comfortable chassis. Its lightweight design contributed to excellent fuel efficiency, with FWD models rated at 7.7 litres per 100 kilometres combined and AWD models at 8.1.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade offered a choice between a standard 6.2-litre V8 engine and a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel inline six-cylinder engine. The V8 delivered 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, providing impressive acceleration through a 10-speed automatic transmission. The V8's fuel efficiency was enhanced by features like Dynamic Fuel Management and an automatic stop/start system, achieving a combined rating of 14.8 litres per 100 kilometres. The turbo-diesel option produced 277 horsepower and the same torque as the V8, with a combined fuel consumption of 10.6 litres per 100 kilometres. The Escalade's ride and handling were significantly improved, thanks to a new independent rear suspension, Magnetic Ride Control, and 4-Corner Air Ride suspension, offering a smooth and controlled driving experience.

The 2020 Honda CR-V excelled in interior space and practicality, offering a roomy cabin comparable to the Volkswagen Tiguan. Its excellent seating position and low cowl provided good visibility, while clever storage solutions, like a deep centre console and two-position load floor, enhanced usability. The CR-V's cargo space was generous, with up to 1,110 litres available, making it easy to accommodate various needs.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade boasted a larger and more functional cabin, thanks to its new independent rear suspension and extended wheelbase. Front-seat occupants enjoyed high-tech controls and comfortable seating, while the second and third rows offered improved legroom and support. The Escalade's cargo capacity was impressive, with 722 litres behind the third row and up to 3,426 litres with all seats folded. The extended-length Escalade ESV provided even more space, making it an ideal choice for those needing maximum cargo volume.

The 2020 Honda CR-V's infotainment system showed its age, with a standard 7-inch touchscreen that felt small compared to competitors. The system lacked hard buttons, making it challenging to operate, and while Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, they felt tacked on. However, the CR-V offered plenty of USB ports and a wireless phone charger in higher trims.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade featured a cutting-edge 38-inch curved OLED display, offering stunning visuals and high pixel density. While the system was user-friendly, some improvements were needed, such as easier access to different display modes. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though some connectivity issues were noted. The Escalade's voice recognition technology had room for improvement, but the AR navigation and AKG sound systems were impressive, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2020 Honda CR-V came standard with the "Honda Sensing" suite, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. It earned a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, with some caveats for lower trims. A recall for a rear subframe issue affected a small number of vehicles.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade's safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. Premium Luxury and Sport trims added blind-spot warning and lane-keeping assistance. The Escalade's advanced driving assistance systems worked smoothly, though a couple of false alarms were noted during testing. The upcoming Super Cruise technology promised hands-free driving on limited-access highways.