2022 Jeep Wrangler 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 in its history, and offered a range of trims from the base Luxury to the opulent Premium Luxury Platinum and Sport Platinum. The interior of the Premium Luxury trim test vehicle was adorned with Parchment leather and Tamo Ash wood, though the light-coloured carpets showed signs of wear early on. Despite its high price, some interior materials, like the plastic lower dashboard, were less than luxurious.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler offered a rugged and practical design, with options for two-door or four-door body styles. Buyers could choose from various powertrains, including a turbocharged four-cylinder, gasoline V6, turbodiesel V6, gas V8, or the 4xe plug-in hybrid. The Wrangler came in four core trims: Sport, Sport S, Sahara, and Rubicon, with numerous special editions available. Our test vehicle, the High Tide model, was based on the four-door Sport S trim and featured a body-colour hardtop with a Sunrider Fliptop, LED exterior lighting, and a Gorilla Glass windshield. The Wrangler's interior was basic but functional, with durable cloth upholstery and a driving position that required some acclimation. Visibility was a mixed bag, with some areas offering excellent views and others compromised by design elements.

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 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 and an automatic engine stop/start system to enhance fuel efficiency, achieving 14.8 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. The turbo-diesel option produced 277 horsepower and the same torque as the V8, with 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 air suspension. These features minimized unwanted ride motions, making the Escalade remarkably maneuverable for its size.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler, equipped with a 3.6-litre V6 engine and eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, produced 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and the optional Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system. The Wrangler's fuel consumption was higher than expected, averaging 14.0 litres per 100 kilometres over a week of driving. Known for its unique driving experience, the Wrangler offered an immersive and engaging ride, with its open-top design allowing drivers to connect with their surroundings. However, it also came with well-known traits like loud cabin noise, vague steering, and a rough ride, which contributed to its charm for off-road enthusiasts.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade boasted a larger and more functional cabin, thanks to its new independent rear suspension and extended wheelbase. 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 improved 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, making it a versatile choice for families.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler's interior was rugged and practical, with comfortable seats and durable cloth upholstery. However, getting in and out of the vehicle was challenging, especially with a raised suspension. The driving position was close to the steering wheel and dashboard, requiring some adjustment. Visibility varied, with some areas offering excellent views and others obstructed by design elements. Rear-seat passengers faced similar entry and exit difficulties but found comfortable accommodations once inside. Cargo space was decent, with 898 litres behind the rear seat and 2,050 litres with the rear seat folded.

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 a standout feature, providing turn-by-turn directions with augmented reality overlays. A 19-speaker AKG premium sound system was standard, with an optional 36-speaker AKG Reference system available. The Escalade also offered a full-colour head-up display and microphones for amplifying conversation throughout the cabin.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler's infotainment system was more basic, with a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The optional Uconnect 8.4 system offered additional features like satellite radio and a navigation system. Our test vehicle included remote engine starting, satellite radio, and a passive keyless entry system. The Cold Weather Group added heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, enhancing comfort during open-air driving.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade's safety features included 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 rear-seat reminder added extra layers of safety. Premium Luxury and Sport trims offered additional safety features like blind-spot warning and lane-keeping assistance. The optional Driver Assist Tech Package included adaptive cruise control and higher-speed forward emergency braking. However, there were instances of false alarms during testing.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler's safety features included the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group, which added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. However, the Wrangler's crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a three-star rating for rollover resistance from the NHTSA and Marginal ratings from the IIHS. The Wrangler's safety features were optional, and its design required extra caution when driving.