2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer 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, it retained a familiar aesthetic, featuring crisp creases and tall OLED taillights. The Escalade sat on standard 22-inch wheels, a first for the model, and offered a range of trims from the base Luxury to the opulent Premium Luxury Platinum and Sport Platinum. The interior of the Escalade was a blend of luxury and practicality, with options for leather upholstery and various wood trims. The Premium Luxury trim, tested with Shadow Metallic paint and a host of features, highlighted the Escalade's upscale appeal, though some interior materials fell short of expectations given the price.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer, while sharing its frame with the standard Wagoneer, distinguished itself with a black roof, unique hood, and grille design. It featured traditional SUV styling with a tall hood and broad shoulders. The Grand Wagoneer boasted a luxurious interior with high-quality materials, including Nappa leather and optional Palermo leather. It offered 24-way power front seats with memory and massage functions, heated first- and second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Grand Wagoneer's cabin was quiet and comfortable, with a focus on convenience and premium features, setting it apart from the standard Wagoneer.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade offered a choice between a standard 6.2-litre V8 engine and an optional 3.0-litre turbo-diesel inline six-cylinder engine. The V8 delivered 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, providing robust acceleration. It featured Dynamic Fuel Management technology for improved efficiency, achieving a combined fuel consumption of 14.8 litres per 100 kilometres. The turbo-diesel, with 277 horsepower and the same torque as the V8, promised better fuel economy at 10.6 litres per 100 kilometres. The Escalade's ride quality was enhanced by a new independent rear suspension, Magnetic Ride Control 4.0, and 4-Corner Air Ride suspension, offering a smooth and controlled driving experience.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer came equipped with a 6.4-litre Hemi V8 engine, producing 471 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque. It featured cylinder deactivation for better fuel efficiency and was mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Grand Wagoneer accelerated from zero to 100 kilometres per hour in approximately six seconds. It included a standard Quadra-Drive II four-wheel-drive system with a two-speed transfer case and electronic limited-slip differential. The Quadra-Lift air suspension system allowed for adjustable ride height, enhancing off-road capability and highway efficiency. Despite its power, the Grand Wagoneer was best suited for a leisurely pace, as its ride could become bouncy at higher speeds.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade benefited from a larger and more functional cabin, thanks to its independent rear suspension and extended wheelbase. It offered significant improvements in passenger comfort and cargo capacity. The front seats featured standard heated and available ventilated and massaging options. The second-row captain's chairs were heated and provided better leg support, while the third-row seat offered 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 provided even more cargo space.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer accommodated seven passengers with standard second-row captain's chairs or eight with an optional bench seat. It offered more third-row headroom and second-row legroom than its competitors, though front-row space was more limited. Cargo capacity was generous, with 775 litres behind the third row and 2,667 litres with all seats folded. The Grand Wagoneer had a maximum towing capacity of 4,472 kilograms, slightly less than the standard Wagoneer due to its additional weight. It featured a standard sunroof, four-zone climate control, and ample storage bins, though forward visibility was somewhat restricted.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade featured a cutting-edge 38-inch curved OLED display for instrumentation and infotainment, offering superior pixel density and colour range. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 19-speaker AKG sound system, and an optional 36-speaker AKG Reference system. The Escalade's AR navigation system provided turn-by-turn directions with augmented reality, and a full-colour head-up display was standard on most trims. However, some user experience improvements were needed, such as easier access to display modes and more accurate voice recognition.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer boasted a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, dual touchscreens, and a McIntosh audio system. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and simultaneous Bluetooth pairing for two phones. The Grand Wagoneer featured a second-row touchscreen for climate control and an optional rear-seat entertainment system. It used the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with an Android-based operating system and OTA updates. While the system offered extensive functionality, some screens were slow to respond, and the instrument cluster graphics were plain.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. It featured a Safety Alert Seat, Teen Driver technology, and a surround-view camera system. Premium trims added blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keeping assistance. An optional Driver Assist Tech Package included advanced features like adaptive cruise control and rear emergency braking. However, there were instances of false alarms during testing, highlighting areas for improvement.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer offered standard safety features such as a 360-degree camera system, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included intersection collision assist, night vision, and traffic-sign recognition. The Active Lane Management System combined adaptive cruise control with lane centring, with plans for a hands-free version in the future. Crash-test ratings were not yet available, but the Grand Wagoneer was equipped with a robust array of safety technologies.