2021 Cadillac Escalade vs 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5

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, it retained a familiar aesthetic, 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, came equipped with features like 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 testament to luxury, with various leather and wood trim options. The Premium Luxury model featured Parchment leather with Tamo Ash wood, though the light-coloured carpets showed signs of wear early on. Despite the high price tag, some interior plastics were hard to overlook. Nevertheless, the Escalade's interior was a significant step up from its platform siblings, the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon, offering a more justified price premium.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 marked a new era for Hyundai's electrified mobility, distinct from the original Ioniq. It was the first model under the new Ioniq brand, focusing solely on EVs. The Ioniq 5's exterior design was a blend of minimalism and intricate details, featuring the Parametric Pixel design reminiscent of retro gaming aesthetics. The lighting elements, including headlights and taillights, were a standout feature, utilizing pixelated designs. The Ioniq 5's aerodynamic alloy wheels and silver-contrast plastic bits added to its unique look.

Inside, the Ioniq 5 embraced a "Living Space" theme, offering a mellow and comfortable environment. The interior featured sustainable materials, with stain-resistant cloth seats and recycled fibres used throughout. The Relaxation mode for the driver's seat provided a zero-gravity resting position, enhancing comfort. The Ioniq 5's cabin was designed for relaxation, with a focus on reducing noise, vibration, and harshness. Acoustic tires and sound-deadening materials contributed to a quiet ride, even with the large greenhouse and panoramic sunroof.

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, with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, delivered impressive acceleration through a 10-speed automatic transmission. It featured Dynamic Fuel Management technology, allowing it to operate on as few as two cylinders for improved fuel efficiency. The turbo-diesel engine produced 277 horsepower and the same torque as the V8, with better fuel economy at 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 adaptive dampers, and 4-Corner Air Ride suspension. These enhancements provided a smoother and more controlled ride, especially in Sport mode. The Escalade excelled on highways, offering a quiet and comfortable experience, with the upcoming Super Cruise technology promising hands-free driving on limited-access highways.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 came in two drive configurations, two trims, and three powertrains. The base model featured a single 125-kW rear-mounted electric motor with 168 horsepower and a range of 354 kilometres. The Preferred long-range variant offered a larger 168-kW rear motor with 225 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, achieving a range of 488 kilometres. The AWD version had a dual-motor system with 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, but the range dropped to 414 km.

The Ioniq 5's performance was typical for a midsize crossover, with RWD providing better dynamics. It featured four drive modes, including Sport, which added excitement but reduced range. The Ioniq 5's paddle shifters adjusted regenerative braking levels, offering an engaging driving experience. The vehicle's quiet cabin was achieved through acoustic tires and sound-deadening materials, ensuring a serene ride.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade's interior was significantly improved, thanks to a new independent rear suspension design that lowered the floor and increased interior volume. Front-seat occupants enjoyed standard heated seats, with ventilated and massaging options available in higher trims. The second-row captain's chairs were heated and offered generous leg support, while the third-row seat provided ample space for adults. 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 cargo space.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 utilized the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), maximizing interior space and utility. With a longer wheelbase than the Palisade, the Ioniq 5 offered a roomy cabin with 3,786 litres of interior volume. The "Living Space" theme was evident, with soft touchpoints and a moveable centre console. The flat floor and retro front bench seat allowed for easy entry and exit. The leatherette seats were comfortable and supportive, catering to various driver sizes.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade featured a 38-inch curved OLED display for instrumentation and infotainment, offering greater pixel density than a 4K TV. While the technology was impressive, some user experience improvements were needed. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, but voice recognition had limitations. The AR navigation system and AKG sound systems were highlights, with the 36-speaker AKG Reference system providing exceptional audio quality.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 boasted next-generation technology, including ultra-fast charging capabilities and vehicle-to-load functionality. It supported 800-volt charging infrastructures and could charge other devices. The Ioniq 5 featured a redesigned Blue Link app, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and over-the-air updates. The 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment system were elegant and intuitive, with an anti-glare coating for clear visibility.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade's safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. The Safety Alert Seat and Teen Driver technology added to its safety credentials. Premium Luxury and Sport trims offered additional safety systems, with the optional Driver Assist Tech Package enhancing safety further. The upcoming Super Cruise technology promised hands-free driving on highways.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was equipped with Hyundai SmartSense, offering a comprehensive suite of ADAS features. Highway Drive Assist I provided semi-autonomous driving with machine-learning adaptive cruise control. The head-up display with augmented reality overlays was a new feature, though it could be distracting. While official safety ratings were not yet available, Hyundai's track record suggested high marks for the Ioniq 5.