2021 Cadillac Escalade vs 2022 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 Premium Luxury and Sport priced at $99,898. The Premium Luxury Platinum and Sport Platinum trims offered maximum luxury at $118,398. Our test vehicle, a Premium Luxury trim with 4WD, included features like a 36-speaker AKG sound system and a Driver Assist Tech Package, bringing the total to $119,988 Canadian. The Escalade's interior was a step above its platform mates, the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon, with options for leather and various wood trims, though some plastic elements were less impressive given the price.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey, while not as stylish as the Kia Carnival, still offered a sense of style with its kinked sliding doors and hockey-stick character lines. The Touring trim we tested featured dark grey 19-inch alloy wheels. The Odyssey lineup included EX-L Navi and EX-L Res trims, with prices ranging from $48,305 to $54,805 Canadian. Our Touring model was priced at $56,806 Canadian. Inside, the Odyssey boasted quality leather upholstery and a classic open-concept design with ample storage space. The centre stack, though cluttered, was intuitive, with commonly used functions easily accessible. The Odyssey provided an expansive view through its large windshield, enhancing the driving experience.

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 robust acceleration. It featured Dynamic Fuel Management technology, allowing it to operate on as few as two cylinders to improve fuel efficiency. The turbo-diesel engine, with 277 horsepower and the same torque as the V8, offered a combined fuel consumption estimate 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 4.0 adaptive dampers, and 4-Corner Air Ride suspension. These enhancements provided a smooth and controlled ride, with minimal body motions. The Escalade excelled on freeways, offering a quiet and comfortable experience.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission with pushbutton controls. Unlike some competitors, the Odyssey did not offer all-wheel drive or an electrified powertrain. Its fuel consumption estimate was 10.6 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. The Odyssey's driving character was enjoyable, with responsive handling and quick acceleration. However, repeated use of the brakes on downhill grades led to pedal vibration and an audible grumble. The Odyssey's adaptive cruise control and Honda Sensing technologies were effective, but the brakes needed improvement for mountain driving.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade's interior was larger and more functional, thanks to a new independent rear suspension design that lowered the floor. This, combined with a longer wheelbase, resulted in increased passenger room and cargo capacity. Front-seat occupants enjoyed heated and ventilated seats, with massaging seats available in Platinum trim. The second-row captain's chairs were heated and offered improved leg support. The third-row seat was more spacious, accommodating adults comfortably. Cargo capacity was impressive, with 722 litres behind the third row, 2,064 litres with the third row folded, and 3,426 litres with the second row down. The extended-length Escalade ESV offered even more cargo space.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey provided easy access with wide-opening doors and a lower ride height. Inside, the Touring trim featured quality leather, supportive front seats with power adjustment, and a tri-zone climate control system. Storage options were abundant, with numerous compartments and a centre console tray. The second-row seats offered ample legroom and could be configured for different needs. The Magic Slide seats allowed for flexible arrangements, enhancing safety and convenience. The third-row seat was comfortable for adults, with good leg support. Cargo space was generous, with 929 litres behind the third row and 2,452 litres with the third row folded. Removing the second-row seats provided a maximum cargo volume of 3,973 litres.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade featured a cutting-edge OLED display spanning 38 inches, 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 standard, providing turn-by-turn directions with superimposed arrows. A 19-speaker AKG sound system was standard, with an optional 36-speaker AKG Reference system. The Escalade also offered a full-colour head-up display and a surround-view camera system.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey Touring trim included an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. CabinWatch and CabinTalk technologies allowed the driver to monitor and communicate with rear passengers. The rear entertainment system featured a 10.2-inch screen with media playback options. The Touring trim also included an 11-speaker premium audio system and a wireless charging pad. However, the Odyssey's infotainment system was considered outdated compared to competitors.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade's safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. It also had a Safety Alert Seat, Teen Driver technology, and a surround-view camera system. 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 higher-speed emergency braking. The Escalade's size and weight provided inherent safety advantages.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey came standard with Honda Sensing, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. It also featured automatic high-beam headlights and a rear-seat reminder system. The Odyssey Touring added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. However, Honda Sensing lacked refinement, with occasional false warnings and abrupt responses. The Odyssey received a five-star safety rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS.