2021 Cadillac Escalade vs 2020 Hyundai Palisade

Hyundai absolutely impressed with the Palisade's styling in 2020. This vehicle could easily have worn a Cadillac logo without inciting any disbelief among shoppers. In fact, it was argued that the Palisade stood out even more than Cadillac’s new XT6 3-row luxury SUV. Its bold, in-your-face styling was characterized by a massive grille and rakishly thin headlights, with an interesting design combination where the upper headlight assembly worked in tandem with larger fog lights to complete the headlight puzzle. There was a continuity of LED character lines extending from the upper headlights down through the mid-level assembly, enhancing its formidable presence.

Hyundai’s penchant for unique style choices, particularly with chrome and character lines, was evident in the Palisade. A large chrome strip ran from the base of the A-pillar up over both side door windows and finished just after the rear door, visually breaking up what might otherwise have been a very long design and keeping the SUV looking modern and busy—potentially too busy for some tastes. Yet, it remained a handsome and eye-catching SUV.

Inside, the Palisade delivered an upscale feel with an air of elegance and simplicity. At first glance, one could mistake it for a luxury brand with its fully digital instrument panel, large touchscreen flowing seamlessly across the dash, and a center console brimming with controls. Ambient lighting added a touch of personalization, but only on the top-of-the-line Limited trim. Even the base SE trim came well-equipped with acoustic-laminated glass, multiple USB ports, a digital instrument panel, and touchscreen infotainment system.

The SEL trim brought additional conveniences such as a proximity key with push-button start, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and more, making it a recommended middle-ground option for buyers wanting many of the luxury features without the Limited's price tag. The Limited trim further elevated the luxury quotient with 20-inch alloys, LED cabin accent lighting, a dual sunroof, and a smart power liftgate. Interior touches on the Limited such as leather upholstery with unique stitching patterns and high-end features like heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, and power-folding third-row seats made it a strong contender for luxury SUV seekers.

The redesigned 2021 Cadillac Escalade took cues from its predecessors, especially the Escala concept, and mirrored its impressive styling on the front. It rested on standard 22-inch wheels for the first time, showcased sharp creases on its flanks, and maintained a familiar look at the rear with tall OLED taillights standing vertically and fading into the roofline. The Escalade's price started at $76,195, and higher trims, such as the Premium Luxury and Sport, pushed the price into the premium category, especially with the Platinum trim upgrade.

Our Premium Luxury test vehicle came lavishly equipped with a 36-speaker AKG Reference premium sound system, a rear-seat entertainment system, power-retractable side steps, a Driver Assist Tech Package, and a Performance Package, culminating in a $102,310 sticker price. It brought significant improvements over the previous generation, easily justifying its price premium.

Inside, there were substantial differences from the previous model, especially in quality and high-tech controls. Leather choices ranged from standard leatherette to semi-aniline premium leather in Platinum models, along with seven different wood trims. Our test vehicle featured Parchment leather over a Jet Black base with mini-chevron perforations and Tamo Ash wood, though light-colored carpets showed wear even with fewer than 1,000 miles on the odometer. Despite some lower dashboard and door panels being plastic, the overall quality and luxury feel were notable.

The Hyundai Palisade was powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine, the sole option available, producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission operable via a push-button shifter, it delivered smooth and competent performance whether power was sent to the front wheels or through the available all-wheel drive (AWD) system. The transmission managed power effectively, and various drive modes—Sport, Comfort, Eco, Snow, and Smart—tailored driving dynamics to conditions and preferences.

Smart mode adapted to driving habits, switching to Eco mode in traffic and Sport mode during spirited driving, with real-time feedback on the instrument panel. Comfort mode exhibited a slight delay in power delivery but ensured strong acceleration. Sport mode heightened response times and improved cornering, especially on the Limited trim with its self-leveling rear suspension.

Despite its size, the Palisade maintained composed handling, even absorbing bumps on bumpy roads. Fuel economy figures were respectable, with the FWD model achieving 19 mpg city, 26 highway, 22 combined, and the AWD variant at 19/24/21. A week of mixed driving yielded 20.3 mpg.

Contrastingly, the 2021 Cadillac Escalade offered a choice between a 6.2-liter V8 engine, delivering 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, and a no-cost option 3.0-liter turbo-diesel inline six-cylinder engine. The V8 engine employed advanced technologies like direct fuel injection, automatic stop/start, and Dynamic Fuel Management for up to 16 mph in combined driving, though real-world tests yielded an average of 15.9 mpg.

While the V8 offered impressive muscle and sound, the turbo-diesel, producing 277 horsepower, matched the V8’s torque and provided it at lower revs, ensuring satisfactory performance. Fuel economy might have greatly improved with the diesel engine, though official figures were pending.

Riding on a new independent rear suspension coupled with Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) 4.0 adaptive dampers and a 4-Corner Air Ride air suspension, the Escalade offered a notably better ride than its predecessors or its GMC Yukon Denali sibling. Such technology effectively minimized unwanted ride motions, making the large SUV maneuverable and comfortable, even on crumbling city roads. Its only downside was a brake pedal needing better modulation.

Overall, the Escalade excelled on highways, providing efficiency and isolation from external noises, promising enhancements with the forthcoming Super Cruise system for autonomous driving on extensive highways.

Versatility was a highlight for the 2020 Hyundai Palisade, with impressive cargo capacities of 45.8 cubic feet with the third row down and 86.4 cubic feet with all rear seats folded flat, surpassing competitors like the Highlander and Pilot. The power-folding third-row seats added convenience although operated slowly.

Passenger comfort was commendable, with the third row deemed suitable for adults on shorter trips and better for children. The second-row captain’s chairs became prime real estate, offering ample storage and accessibility, although Honda's second-row console options surpassed it.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade benefited from a new independent rear suspension, allowing a lower floor and longer body dimensions to improve passenger and cargo space significantly. Front seats saw standard heating, available ventilation, and up to 16-way power adjustments for maximum comfort. The second row offered substantial leg support and heated captain’s chairs, enhancing comfort over previous generations.

Access to the third row was made easier with power-release second-row seats, and the additional roominess allowed adults to sit comfortably, a notable upgrade. Cargo space was extensive, with 25.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expandable to 63 cubic feet with the third row down, and a significant 109.1 cubic feet with all rear seats flat.

The Escalade ESV extended cargo capacities further to 42.9 cubic feet behind the third row and a colossal 126.6 cubic feet with all seats down, ensuring ample space for nearly any need.

Hyundai's Palisade came well-equipped with tech features, including an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on the base SE trim. Multiple USB ports and Bluetooth connectivity enhanced daily convenience. The infotainment interface was user-friendly, with tactile feedback for easy navigation.

The SEL trim’s optional Driver Guidance package introduced a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen, navigation, satellite radio, and an in-car intercom for communicating with third-row occupants, standard on the Limited trim. The Limited also featured a Harman Kardon premium audio system with 12 speakers and music restoration technology, alongside a surround-view monitor and head-up display.

The 2021 Escalade took technology to new heights with a cutting-edge 38-inch curved OLED display. Offering better pixels than a 4K TV, the display was practical and futuristic, though it could be finicky under some conditions.

Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though connectivity issues at times marred the experience. Voice recognition showed room for improvement, struggling with some basic requests. However, physical controls provided a reliable alternative for the sophisticated yet occasionally challenging touchscreen interface.

The standard AR navigation system, part of the high-tech package, offered visually integrated turn-by-turn directions, enhancing accuracy and driver confidence. The impressive AKG sound systems, available in 19- or 36-speaker configurations, transformed the Escalade into an unparalleled auditory experience, supported by innovative features like spatially-aware navigation voice instructions.

The 2020 Hyundai Palisade came highly rated with the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award. Loaded with driver-assistance technologies, it included standard forward-collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, driver-attention warnings, and parking sensors. The innovative blind-spot camera system provided real-time side-view images on the instrument panel to ensure enhanced situational awareness.

In contrast, the 2021 Cadillac Escalade started with sheer size and mass, providing inherent protection. Standard safety features were robust, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking under 50 mph, pedestrian detection, and the innovative Safety Alert Seat.

High-trim models came with expanded safety systems like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic warning, adaptive cruise control, and advanced autonomous features. However, real-world testing showed occasional glitches, such as unprompted braking incidents. Upcoming enhancements like the advanced Super Cruise aimed to refine autonomous and semi-autonomous functionalities.