Cadillac Escalade ESV vs Mazda CX-50

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was an extended version of the standard Escalade, featuring a complete redesign for that model year. It was notably longer, measuring 226.9 inches compared to the Escalade's 211.9 inches, and slightly lower at 76.4 inches. This additional length was primarily at the rear, enhancing cargo space. The wheelbase was also extended to 134.1 inches, improving stability and design proportions, giving it a more balanced appearance. The Escalade ESV boasted a luxurious exterior with chrome styling on certain trims and blacked-out accents on others, all riding on 22-inch wheels with varying finishes. The grille design varied across trim levels, adding to its distinct look. Standard features included roof rails, LED headlights, and a power-extending assist step, while optional packages offered further enhancements.

Inside, the Escalade ESV's interior was less impressive, especially in lighter color schemes where the use of General Motors' standard switches and knobs was evident. Hard plastics were prevalent, lacking the refinement seen in competitors like Mercedes-Benz. Despite its high price point, the dashboard area lacked unique trimmings. However, the vehicle offered a range of standard and optional features, including leather upholstery, power-adjustable seats, and a panoramic sunroof, aiming to provide a comfortable and plush experience for passengers.

The 2026 Mazda CX-50 offered a range of models, including the 2.5 S, 2.5 Turbo, and Hybrid, with various trim levels. Prices ranged from $31,495 to $44,495. The CX-50 had a wide and squat design, resembling a lifted wagon more than an SUV, with 8.6 inches of ground clearance. Its sporty styling, flared fenders, and appealing paint colors, including the new Cypress green, added to its visual appeal. The interior featured white leather seats and 20-inch silver wheels, providing a sharp contrast against the black dashboard and door panels. The cabin had an upscale look with quality materials, although the gloss-black plastic on the center console was prone to dust and scratches.

The CX-50's interior was equipped with partially digital gauges and a Mazda Connect infotainment system, which required a learning curve for new users. The system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the native voice assistant was less reliable. The vehicle also featured a head-up display, a surround-view camera system, and a front camera view for parking assistance. The CX-50's steering was crisp and responsive, with a firm suspension that provided a good sense of the road, although it could be stiff over speed bumps. The Meridian Edition was best suited for off-roading, but the CX-50 excelled in on-road driving and inclement weather conditions.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was available with a choice of two engines: a 6.2-liter V8 delivering 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, or a 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel inline-six producing 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and offered in rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) configurations. The V8 engine provided sufficient power, although it could have benefited from more low-end torque for passing at higher speeds. The Escalade ESV's weight ranged from 5,785 to 6,182 pounds, depending on the trim level. Fuel economy was not officially rated by the EPA, but the RWD version averaged around 18 mpg during testing.

The 2026 Mazda CX-50 featured a 2.5-liter gasoline four-cylinder engine with options for turbocharging or a hybrid system. The base 2.5 S produced 187 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and offering Normal, Sport, and Off-Road driving modes. It had an EPA fuel economy rating of 26 mpg combined and a towing capacity of up to 2,000 pounds. The turbocharged version delivered 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular gas, or 256 hp and 320 lb-ft on premium fuel, with a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. The CX-50 Hybrid, with a total output of 219 hp, offered better fuel economy at 38 mpg combined but had limited mid-range passing power. The CX-50's steering was responsive, and the suspension provided excellent body control, although the ride was firm. The Meridian Edition was equipped for off-roading but was better suited for on-road driving.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was designed as a comfortable and plush people and cargo hauler. It featured leatherette seating surfaces with available leather upholstery, 12-way power-adjustable front seats, heated first- and second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel. The interior offered good legroom in the first two rows, while the third row was suitable for occasional adult use. The ESV provided 126.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the first row, 81.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and 42.9 cubic feet behind the third row. The power-adjustable third row could be folded using a switch in the cargo area, although it could get stuck on the second-row seat. The hands-free power liftgate worked inconsistently, and the rear window could be opened for additional storage options. An adaptive air suspension made entry and exit easier and assisted in avoiding obstacles.

The 2026 Mazda CX-50 offered easier entry and exit compared to a sedan, although it sat lower than many crossovers. Visibility was adequate, aided by large side mirrors. The front seats were firm, with power-adjustable options, heating, ventilation, and memory settings. Dual-zone climate control was standard, but the air conditioning struggled in hot weather. Rear-seat legroom was acceptable, with generous foot room and good thigh support. Storage space was decent, but Mazda missed opportunities for improvement. The cargo area offered 31.4 cubic feet of space, expandable to 56.3 cubic feet with the rear seatbacks folded down.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was equipped with advanced technology, including a standard 19-speaker AKG sound system, with an optional 36-speaker AKG Studio Reference audio system. It featured wireless charging, NFC phone pairing, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and seven USB ports. The Escalade ESV boasted a curved 38-inch OLED screen, providing crisp graphics and intuitive menu layers. Super Cruise, an advanced driving assist system, was available, allowing hands-free driving on certain roadways. However, it occasionally struggled with lane changes and required driver intervention when it failed.

The 2026 Mazda CX-50 featured clear gauge displays and a 10.25-inch infotainment screen with sophisticated graphics. It offered touchscreen functionality for wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the native Mazda Connect system was operated via a control knob. Alexa built-in was available for voice assistance, although the Mazda Connect voice assistant was less reliable. Wireless smartphone charging was standard, and higher trim levels featured a 12-speaker Bose premium sound system. A head-up display was standard on certain models, and a surround-view camera system was available for parking assistance.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV came standard with front automatic braking, front and rear park assist, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, safety seat alert, lane-keep assist, and forward-collision assist. Additional safety features were available, including adaptive park assist, a head-up display, rear camera mirror, lane-departure warning, blind-spot alert, rear cross-traffic alert, night vision, and advanced adaptive cruise control. The NHTSA gave the Escalade ESV a four-star rating, with a three-star rating in the rollover test.

The 2026 Mazda CX-50 was equipped with the i-Activesense collection of features, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and a driver-attention monitor. Higher trim levels added parking sensors, traffic-sign recognition, and an adaptive front lighting system. The NHTSA awarded the CX-50 a five-star overall rating, while the IIHS gave it a Top Safety Pick+ award, although it received a Poor rating in a new whiplash prevention test.