2021 Ford Bronco Sport vs 2022 Cadillac Escalade

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was introduced as a smaller sibling to the much-anticipated Bronco, capturing the rugged spirit of its predecessor while offering a more urban-friendly design. It featured a modern retro aesthetic reminiscent of Land Rover, with short front and rear overhangs for improved off-road capability. The Bronco Sport's design was both functional and stylish, with bold "BRONCO" lettering on the grille and tailgate, and a modest Ford badge on the exterior. The SUV's wheels varied by trim, with options for both on-road and off-road performance. Inside, the Bronco Sport offered a rugged yet refined interior, with a focus on practicality and comfort, including an 8-inch infotainment screen and a rotary gear selector.

In contrast, the 2022 Cadillac Escalade made a bold statement with its unapologetically large size and distinctive styling. Its front end, reminiscent of a diesel locomotive, featured a massive grille and vertical running lights. The Escalade's design emphasized its bulk, with 22-inch wheels that appeared small against its vast body. The SUV offered different trim options, with bright or darkened exterior elements depending on the model. Built on a body-on-frame architecture shared with other GM full-size SUVs, the Escalade prioritized luxury and space. Its interior boasted leather upholstery, wood trim, and a panoramic sunroof, though it lacked a cohesive design theme. Despite its luxurious features, the Escalade's ride was less refined compared to some competitors.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport offered two engine options, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The Base, Big Bend, and Outer Banks trims featured a 1.5-litre EcoBoost turbocharged three-cylinder engine, delivering 181 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque. The Badlands model came with a more powerful 2.0-litre EcoBoost turbo four-cylinder engine, producing 245 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. The Bronco Sport excelled off-road, thanks to its short wheelbase, independent suspension, and generous ground clearance. It also featured a terrain management system with up to seven G.O.A.T. modes, enhancing its versatility on various terrains. While the 1.5-litre engine was adequate for daily driving, the 2.0-litre engine better matched the Bronco Sport's adventurous character.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade offered two powertrain choices: a standard 6.2-litre gasoline V8 with 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, and an optional 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six diesel engine with 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive in Canada. The diesel engine impressed with its smooth power delivery and low torque peak, making it suitable for various driving situations. The Escalade's towing capacity was slightly higher with the gasoline engine, reaching up to 3,629 kilograms with the standard-wheelbase body style and an optional trailering package. However, the Escalade's ride was less comfortable compared to unibody SUVs, and it lacked the off-road capability of some GM cousins.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport catered to active buyers with its clever features and ample cargo space. It could accommodate two 27.5-inch-wheel mountain bikes in the cargo area, and Ford offered a range of accessories for transporting outdoor gear. The roof could support up to 68 kilograms, and the Bronco Sport's towing capacity varied between 907 and 997 kilograms, depending on the engine. The interior featured practical storage solutions, though taller drivers might find visibility challenging due to the roof overhang and hood bulges.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade shared its platform with other GM full-size SUVs, resulting in a spacious cabin. It offered the most first-row and third-row legroom among full-size luxury SUVs, with flexible seating options. The Escalade excelled in cargo capacity, providing up to 3,426 litres with all rear seats folded. However, the raised centre console limited storage space, and the seats felt similar to those in GM's other SUVs. Cadillac did include thoughtful details like dedicated buttons for seat heating and ventilation.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with SYNC 3, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It offered a subscription-based 4G LTE WiFi hotspot and an available Bang & Olufsen sound system. The Bronco Sport's terrain management system included multiple G.O.A.T. modes, enhancing its off-road capabilities. Intelligent access with push-button start was available on higher trims, along with a digital instrument panel.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade boasted a 38-inch curved OLED display, comprising three screens for a comprehensive infotainment experience. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The display integrated seamlessly into the dashboard, with functional icons and physical toggles for climate control. The Escalade's tech features included a 360-degree camera system, rearview camera mirror, and optional night vision and augmented-reality navigation. However, the infotainment system lacked natural language voice recognition, and the rotary controller felt like an afterthought.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport came standard with the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of safety features, including pre-collision assist, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control and other advanced features. The Bronco Sport received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, making it a reliable choice for safety-conscious buyers.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade offered a range of driver-assistance technologies, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. Higher trims included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The optional Super Cruise system provided hands-free driving on pre-mapped highways, enhancing the Escalade's safety features. However, safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available for this model year.