2021 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2022 Cadillac Escalade

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was crafted as a distinct electric vehicle, diverging from the traditional styling of Volkswagen's gasoline models. It showcased a streamlined profile with wheels positioned at the corners, moving away from the rugged appearance of models like the Tiguan and Atlas. The ID.4 was part of Volkswagen's EV-specific MEB platform, following the ID.3 hatchback. While it offered a crossover feel compared to other EVs, its design didn't quite align with the typical SUV aesthetic, a common trait among many electric crossovers. Inside, the ID.4 combined Volkswagen's minimalist design with a tech-forward approach, featuring piano black and matte plastic elements. The base model included a leather-wrapped steering wheel and cloth seats, with leatherette upholstery available in the Statement Package.

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 tall hood, vertical running lights, and horizontal headlights. The Escalade's design emphasized its bulk, with 22-inch wheels appearing small against its vast sheet metal. It offered different trim pieces for "sport" and "luxury" models, with the Luxury and Premium Luxury trims featuring bright exterior elements, while the Sport trim had darkened accents. The Escalade shared its body-on-frame architecture with other GM full-size SUVs and trucks, providing a spacious interior with leather upholstery, wood trim, and a panoramic sunroof. However, its interior design lacked a cohesive theme, and some materials appeared less luxurious.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was available in two powertrain configurations. The base rear-wheel drive (RWD) version featured a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, powered by an 82-kilowatt-hour battery pack. An all-wheel-drive (AWD) version added a second electric motor for a total output of 295 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque. The ID.4 prioritized comfort over sportiness, with a smooth ride and balanced handling. However, it lacked aggressive regenerative braking, relying more on friction brakes for a familiar driving experience.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade offered two powertrain choices. The standard 6.2-litre gasoline V8 delivered 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, while the optional 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six diesel engine produced 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel-drive in Canada. The Escalade's diesel engine provided smooth power delivery, but its ride felt unsettled, with vibrations transmitted through the cabin. While it had a towing capacity of up to 3,629 kilograms, it fell short of competitors like the Lincoln Navigator.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more front and rear headroom than competitor EVs, though its legroom was average. It provided 858 litres of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 1,818 litres with them folded. However, it lacked a "frunk" for extra storage. The interior felt spacious, with good forward visibility but limited rearward visibility due to thick rear pillars. The ID.4 featured a unique twist-grip gear selector and standard heated steering wheel and front seats for efficient cabin heating.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade shared its body shell and chassis with other GM full-size SUVs, resulting in a cavernous cabin. It offered the most first-row and third-row legroom among full-size luxury SUVs, with standard second-row captain’s chairs and a power split-folding third-row bench seat. The Escalade excelled in cargo space, with up to 3,426 litres available. However, the raised centre console provided limited storage space, and the seats felt similar to those in its GM cousins. Cadillac included dedicated buttons for seat heating and ventilation, enhancing functionality.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 featured a standard 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 5.3-inch display screen served as the instrument cluster, with haptic touchpads replacing traditional switchgear. While the setup looked modern, it was challenging to use due to the lack of tactile feedback. The ID.4 included a natural-language voice-control system and the ID.Light feature, which communicated information through a light strip. The touchscreen was well-positioned, with smart graphics and easy-to-navigate menus.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade boasted a 38-inch curved OLED display, comprising three screens. It included a 14.2-inch digital instrument cluster, a 16.9-inch touchscreen, and a 7.2-inch screen for trip-computer functions. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot were standard. The display integrated seamlessly into the dashboard, with functional icon arrangements. However, the carousel format for changing radio stations was awkward, and the rotary controller felt like an afterthought. The Escalade's OLED screens provided excellent resolution for the 360-degree camera system, and it offered advanced features like night vision and augmented-reality navigation.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA for RWD versions. It offered a range of driver aids, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The ID.4 also featured Travel Assist and Emergency Assist, enhancing highway driving and safety.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade included standard driver-assistance technology such as cruise control, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. Higher trims offered blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Super Cruise, a sophisticated driver-assist system, was available on most trims, providing hands-free driving on pre-mapped highways. However, safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available for this model year.