2021 Cadillac Escalade vs 2021 Audi Q5

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade showcased a design heavily influenced by the Escala concept, particularly evident in its front fascia. However, from the side and rear, it retained a familiar look, featuring standard 22-inch wheels, crisp creases, and tall OLED taillights. The Escalade was available in various trims, starting from the Luxury model priced just over $90,000 CAD, with higher trims like the Premium Luxury and Sport priced at $99,898 CAD. The Premium Luxury Platinum and Sport Platinum trims offered maximum luxury at $118,398 CAD. The test vehicle, a Premium Luxury trim, included features like a 36-speaker AKG sound system and a Driver Assist Tech Package, bringing its price to $119,988 CAD. Despite its high price, the Escalade was considered a significant improvement over its predecessors, offering a luxurious interior with various leather and wood trim options, although some plastic elements were noted.

The 2021 Audi Q5 was a sharp-looking crossover SUV that carried Audi's design language while maintaining its unique character. It featured an expressive front with LED headlights and a large Singleframe grille, complemented by crisp body lines and bold taillights. The Q5 PHEV variant included S-Line trim pieces and enhancements, offering standard 19-inch wheels with an option for 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Q5 boasted a modern and uncluttered design, with smartly grouped controls and high-quality materials like real wood and metal. The 10.1-inch touchscreen was strategically placed for easy access, and the second row offered standard leather upholstery, ensuring a classy and comfortable interior.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade offered a choice between a standard 6.2-litre V8 engine and a no-cost 3.0-litre turbo-diesel inline six-cylinder engine. The V8, producing 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, providing robust acceleration. It featured technologies like Dynamic Fuel Management and an automatic stop/start system to enhance fuel efficiency, achieving 14.8 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. The turbo-diesel engine, with 277 horsepower and the same torque as the V8, offered a combined fuel consumption of 10.6 litres per 100 kilometres. 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, ensuring a smooth and controlled ride. However, the brake pedal modulation could have been better.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV combined a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, delivering a total output of 362 horsepower and 373 lb-ft of torque. This setup allowed the Q5 PHEV to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds. The PHEV offered impressive fuel efficiency, with a combined rating of 4.7 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres and 8.8 litres per 100 kilometres in gasoline-only mode. The battery could be recharged overnight with a Level 1 charger or in 2.4 hours with a Level 2 charger. The Q5 PHEV featured a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission with Quattro AWD, offering various driving modes for electric-only, hybrid, or gasoline-only driving. The Q5's handling was sporty yet comfortable, with minimal body roll and powerful braking.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade's new independent rear suspension allowed for a lower floor, resulting in a more spacious and comfortable cabin. Front-seat occupants enjoyed standard heated seats, with ventilated and massaging seats available in higher trims. The second row featured heated captain's chairs or an optional bench seat, while the third row offered improved legroom and comfort. Cargo capacity was impressive, with 722 litres behind the third row, expandable to 3,426 litres with all seats folded. The extended-length Escalade ESV provided even more cargo space, with up to 4,044 litres available.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV offered smart packaging, with the battery pack located under the luggage compartment floor, preserving cargo space. It provided 710 litres of cargo space behind the second row, expandable to 1,503 litres with the seats folded. The second row offered reasonable legroom and ample headroom and shoulder room, accommodating two adults comfortably. The front seats were supportive and adjustable, with heating and optional ventilation. The interior featured practical storage solutions, including cupholders, cubbies, and a centre-console storage bin.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade featured a 38-inch curved OLED display for instrumentation and infotainment, offering high pixel density and vibrant colours. The system included a 14.2-inch instrumentation screen with Gauge, AR Camera, and Map displays, though switching between them required navigating through menus. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, but some users experienced connectivity issues. The Escalade's voice recognition technology had limitations, and physical controls were often preferred. The AR navigation system and 19-speaker AKG sound system were highlights, with an optional 36-speaker AKG Reference system available.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV came with Audi's MMI 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a Virtual Cockpit Plus 12.3-inch HD instrument cluster, offering three customizable views. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto, with a Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system featuring 19 speakers. The Q5's technology package provided a high level of customization and user-friendly controls.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade's safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. It also offered a Safety Alert Seat, Teen Driver technology, parking assist sensors, and a surround-view camera system. Premium trims added blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The optional Driver Assist Tech Package included adaptive cruise control and other advanced features, though some false alarms were noted during testing. The upcoming Super Cruise technology promised hands-free driving on select highways.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but the gasoline model received high ratings. Safety features included six airbags, ABS with brake assist, electronic stability control, and a rearview camera. Available driver-assistance features included Audi Pre Sense front, adaptive cruise control, and lane assist.