2021 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2021 Cadillac Escalade

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade showcased a design evolution influenced by the Escala concept, particularly evident in its front fascia. However, from the side and rear, the Escalade maintained its traditional styling cues, featuring crisp creases and tall OLED taillights. It was the first time the Escalade sat on standard 22-inch wheels, giving it a commanding presence. The interior of the Escalade was a blend of luxury and practicality, with various trims offering leather upholstery and wood trims. The Premium Luxury trim, tested with Shadow Metallic paint and a 36-speaker AKG sound system, highlighted the Escalade's upscale appeal, though some interior materials fell short of expectations given the price.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a mid-generation refresh, resulting in a more muscular exterior with new LED headlights and a hexagonal grille. The rear featured a full-width LED taillamp, maintaining some of the original design's sophistication. Inside, the Pacifica balanced practicality and luxury, especially in the Pinnacle trim, which offered quilted Nappa leather seats and a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The Pacifica's interior was designed for family life, with features like Stow 'n Go seating and ample storage. The Pinnacle trim added premium touches, making it a standout in the minivan segment.

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, producing 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, providing robust acceleration. It featured Dynamic Fuel Management and an automatic stop/start system for improved efficiency, achieving 14.8 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. The turbo-diesel, with 277 horsepower and the same torque as the V8, offered a more fuel-efficient option at 10.6 litres per 100 kilometres combined. The Escalade's ride quality was enhanced by a new independent rear suspension, Magnetic Ride Control 4.0, and 4-Corner Air Ride suspension, delivering a smooth and controlled experience.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was powered by a 3.6-litre V6 engine with 287 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. A hybrid variant combined the V6 with a dual-motor electrically variable transmission, achieving 260 horsepower. The hybrid offered an all-electric range of over 50 kilometres and a total range of 784 kilometres, with a fuel consumption of 2.9 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres. The traditional V6 Pacifica achieved 10.6 litres per 100 kilometres combined, while the AWD version consumed 12.0 litres per 100 kilometres. The AWD system, new to the Pacifica lineup, activated on-demand for improved traction.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade's interior was significantly improved, thanks to a new independent rear suspension that allowed for a lower floor and increased interior volume. Front-seat occupants enjoyed standard heated seats, with ventilated and massaging options available. The second-row offered heated captain's chairs or a bench seat, while the third-row provided ample 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 offered even more space, with up to 4,044 litres of cargo volume.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family life in mind, featuring spacious front seats and a practical cabin layout. The minivan offered Stow 'n Go seating, allowing the second and third rows to fold into the floor for maximum cargo space. The Pacifica provided 3,979 litres of total storage, making it a leader in its class. Standard features included power-sliding doors, three-zone climate control, and a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat. The Pinnacle trim added luxury touches like quilted Nappa leather and a FamCam interior monitoring system.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade boasted a 38-inch curved OLED display, offering high pixel density and vibrant colours. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though some user experience improvements were needed. The AR navigation system provided directional turn arrows on the instrumentation screen, while a 19-speaker AKG sound system was standard. The optional 36-speaker AKG Reference system delivered exceptional audio quality. A full-colour head-up display was standard on most trims, providing essential driving information.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, known for its modern design and responsiveness. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The second-row entertainment system offered games and multiple connectivity options. The Pinnacle trim included a 20-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and the FamCam interior camera. However, the Pacifica lacked a head-up display, which could have enhanced the driving experience.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade came equipped with a range of safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. The Safety Alert Seat provided tactile feedback to the driver, while Teen Driver technology and a surround-view camera system were standard. Premium Luxury and Sport trims added blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The optional Driver Assist Tech Package included adaptive cruise control and rear emergency braking. The Escalade's size and weight contributed to its safety, though some false alarms were noted during testing.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered up to 116 safety features, with many standard on the Touring-L grade and above. These included automatic pedestrian emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and forward collision warning with active braking. Adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and a surround-view camera were available on higher trims. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not yet rated the model.