2021 Cadillac Escalade vs 2021 Honda Odyssey

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 crisp creases and tall OLED taillights. The Escalade sat on standard 22-inch wheels for the first time, offering a commanding presence. Pricing started at just over $90,000 Canadian for the base Luxury trim, with higher trims like the Premium Luxury and Sport priced at $99,898. The Premium Luxury Platinum and Sport Platinum trims, offering maximum luxury, were priced at $118,398. Our test vehicle, a Premium Luxury trim with 4WD, was equipped with numerous features, including a 36-speaker AKG sound system and a Driver Assist Tech Package, bringing the total to $119,988 Canadian.

Inside, the Escalade's cabin was a step above its predecessors, with various leather and wood trim options. The Premium Luxury test vehicle featured Parchment leather with Tamo Ash wood, though the light-coloured carpets showed signs of wear. Despite the high price, some plastic elements in the interior were hard to overlook. Overall, the Escalade justified its premium price better than previous models, offering a luxurious and technologically advanced experience.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey maintained a familiar design with subtle updates, including a new grille, front bumper, and standard LED headlights. The Touring trim introduced a new 19-inch wheel design. These changes modernized the Odyssey's appearance. Buyers could choose from four trims, with pricing ranging from $44,645 to $55,845, including destination charges. Our test vehicle, a Lunar Silver Metallic model with U.S.-exclusive Elite trim, featured perforated leather upholstery and ambient lighting, enhancing its upscale feel. The Odyssey's interior improvements included new seating materials and tri-colour floor mats.

The Odyssey Touring trim, with its 19-inch alloy wheels and refined interior, aimed to position itself as a premium minivan. While it lacked the luxury of the Escalade, it offered practicality and comfort for families. The Odyssey's design updates and interior enhancements made it a strong contender in the minivan segment, appealing to those seeking a reliable and well-equipped family vehicle.

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, delivering impressive acceleration. It featured Dynamic Fuel Management technology, allowing it to operate on fewer cylinders for improved fuel efficiency. The V8's fuel consumption was rated at 14.8 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, which matched our test results. 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, thanks to a new independent rear suspension and Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 adaptive dampers. The 4-Corner Air Ride suspension further enhanced ride quality, minimizing unwanted motions. The Escalade excelled on highways, offering a smooth and quiet ride, and its maneuverability was impressive for its size. However, the brake pedal could have offered better modulation.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey retained its 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 280 horsepower, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It featured variable cylinder management for improved fuel efficiency, with a combined consumption of 10.6 litres per 100 kilometres. Our test loop averaged 10.8 L/100 km. The Odyssey lacked all-wheel drive, which was a disadvantage in snowy conditions.

The Odyssey's ride and handling were enjoyable, with well-weighted steering and firm but comfortable suspension. The Touring trim's 19-inch wheels contributed to its handling prowess. However, the brakes showed signs of fade during extended use, indicating a need for improvement. Overall, the Odyssey provided a smooth and efficient driving experience, suitable for family travel.

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 comfortable, power-adjustable seats, with heated and ventilated options available. The second-row captain's chairs were heated and offered improved leg support. The third-row seat was now more accommodating for adults, with increased legroom and comfort.

Cargo capacity was impressive, with 722 litres behind the third row, expandable to 2,064 litres with the third row folded, and 3,426 litres with the second row flattened. The extended-length Escalade ESV offered even more cargo space, with 1,214, 2,307, and 4,044 litres behind the third, second, and first rows, respectively.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered a practical and spacious interior, with logical controls and ample storage. The driver's seat was comfortable, with a 12-way power adjustment, while heated front seats and mirrors were standard. The second-row Magic Slide seats provided versatile seating configurations, and the third-row seats accommodated both children and adults comfortably.

Cargo space was generous, with 929 litres behind the third row, expandable to 2,452 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 3,984 litres. However, removing the second-row seats was necessary to achieve maximum cargo volume, which could be cumbersome. Overall, the Odyssey's interior was well-suited for family use, offering practicality and comfort.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade featured a cutting-edge 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 was impressive, with directional arrows superimposed on the camera view. The 19-speaker AKG sound system was standard, with an optional 36-speaker AKG Reference system providing exceptional audio quality.

The Escalade's technology was impressive, though some voice recognition issues were noted. The AR navigation and sound system enhancements added to the overall experience, making it a technologically advanced luxury SUV.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. The Touring trim added a navigation system, CabinWatch interior camera, and CabinTalk PA system. The rear-seat entertainment system included a 10.2-inch screen and Blu-Ray player.

While the Odyssey's technology was comprehensive, the lack of a tuning knob and limited voice recognition capabilities were drawbacks. The rear-seat entertainment system was not touchscreen, which disappointed some users. Overall, the Odyssey offered a range of tech features suitable for family use.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade's safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. The Safety Alert Seat provided haptic feedback for 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 included advanced features like adaptive cruise control and rear emergency braking.

The Escalade's safety systems generally worked well, though a couple of false alarms were noted during testing. The upcoming Super Cruise technology promised hands-free driving on select highways, enhancing the Escalade's safety and convenience.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey featured Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems, as standard. It included adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, pedestrian braking, and road-sign recognition. The Touring trim added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning.

The Odyssey's safety systems were effective, though some aspects, like adaptive cruise control, could be smoother. The Odyssey earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, making it a safe choice for families.