2020 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2021 Cadillac Escalade

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser had a design that was understated yet functional, with subtle styling features that became apparent after spending time behind the wheel. Its hood was dished in the center, improving forward sight lines for better navigation of obstacles. The fenders bulged slightly to accommodate wheel travel and visually indicated the vehicle's width. The Heritage Edition added a touch of retro flair with blackened trim, a unique grille, and bronze BBS wheels. Inside, the Land Cruiser approached luxury with black perforated leather-trimmed seating and a functional, if somewhat plain, dashboard. The center stack housed a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system surrounded by numerous controls, while the instrument panel featured traditional analog gauges.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade drew inspiration from the Escala concept, evident in its redesigned front end. It maintained a familiar silhouette with crisp creases and vertical OLED taillights. The Escalade sat on standard 22-inch wheels, offering a range of trims from the base model to the luxurious Platinum. Our test vehicle, a Premium Luxury trim, featured Shadow Metallic paint, a 36-speaker AKG sound system, and a host of advanced tech packages. The interior boasted Parchment leather with Tamo Ash wood, though the plastic lower dashboard and door panels were less impressive given the price. Despite this, the Escalade's cabin was a significant step up from its predecessors, offering a more justified price premium.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was powered by a 5.7-liter V8 engine, producing 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD, achieving an EPA-estimated 13 mpg city, 17 mpg highway, and 14 mpg combined. The Land Cruiser's off-road capabilities were enhanced by its Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System and Multi-Terrain Select control knob, allowing drivers to adjust settings for various terrains. With an approach angle of 32 degrees, a departure angle of 24 degrees, and a breakover angle of 21 degrees, the Land Cruiser was well-equipped for overland adventures. Its serene driving experience made it a comfortable cruiser for long journeys.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade offered a choice between a 6.2-liter V8 engine and a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel inline-six. The V8 delivered 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Escalade's ride and handling were significantly improved with a new independent rear suspension, Magnetic Ride Control 4.0, and 4-Corner Air Ride suspension. These features minimized unwanted ride motions, providing a smooth and controlled driving experience. The Escalade's V8 achieved an EPA-estimated 16 mpg combined, while the turbo-diesel promised better fuel economy. The Escalade excelled on freeways, offering a quiet and comfortable ride, with the upcoming Super Cruise technology promising hands-free driving on select highways.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser's dual personality was evident in its design, with standard skid plates, tow hooks, and mudguards for off-road adventures. The standard model featured a three-row configuration, accommodating up to eight passengers, while the Heritage Edition offered a two-row setup. The interior boasted four-zone climate control, numerous cup holders, and a cooling box in the center console. The Land Cruiser's split tailgate design was both practical and charming, making it ideal for picnics. It could tow up to 8,100 pounds, with an integrated towing receiver hitch and wiring harness.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade's cabin was more spacious and comfortable, thanks to its new independent rear suspension and longer wheelbase. Front-seat occupants enjoyed heated and ventilated seats, with massaging seats available on Platinum trims. The second-row captain's chairs were heated and offered improved leg support, while the third-row seat provided ample space for adults. The Escalade's cargo capacity was impressive, with 25.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expandable to 109.1 cubic feet with all seats folded. The extended-length Escalade ESV offered even more cargo space, making it a versatile choice for families.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser featured a Qi-compatible charging station and Toyota Premium Audio with Integrated Navigation. The sound system included 14 JBL speakers, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a CD player. However, it lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which were standard in many competitors. The 9-inch touchscreen interface was functional but felt small compared to newer models. The Enhanced Multi-Terrain Monitor camera system was a useful addition for off-road and daily driving.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade boasted a 38-inch curved OLED display, offering greater pixel density than a 4K TV. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though some users experienced connectivity issues. The Escalade's voice recognition technology had room for improvement, with some inaccuracies in interpreting commands. The AR navigation system was a standout feature, providing real-time directional guidance. The standard 19-speaker AKG sound system was impressive, with an optional 36-speaker AKG Reference system available. A full-color head-up display was standard on most trims, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but its robust body structure and curb weight provided a sense of security. It came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense P, including features like pre-collision system, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Land Cruiser also featured 10 airbags, active headrests, and a tire-pressure monitoring system, among other safety features.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade's safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. The Safety Alert Seat provided haptic feedback to alert drivers of potential hazards. Premium Luxury and Sport trims added blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The optional Driver Assist Tech Package enhanced safety with adaptive cruise control and rear emergency braking. The Escalade's size and weight contributed to its safety profile, though some false alarms were noted during testing.