2021 Toyota Land Cruiser 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 standard 22-inch wheels and OLED taillights. The Escalade's pricing started at $76,195, with various trims like the Premium Luxury and Sport offering additional features and luxury. The test vehicle, a Premium Luxury trim with four-wheel drive, was equipped with numerous high-end features, resulting in a sticker price of $102,310. The interior boasted a mix of leather and wood trims, though some plastic elements were less impressive given the price.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser, in its final year of the current form, offered a Heritage Edition to celebrate its 65th anniversary. The standard model, however, was tested, featuring Magnetic Gray paint and Terra leather upholstery. Externally, it resembled a first-generation Highlander with oversized headlights and chrome accents. Inside, the Land Cruiser combined Toyota and Lexus design elements with high-quality materials. Despite its dated technology, the interior was plush, with a traditional hand-operated parking brake and a CD player, evoking a sense of nostalgia.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade offered a choice between a standard 6.2-liter V8 engine and a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel inline six-cylinder engine. The V8, producing 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, was favored for its performance and sound, with a Performance Upgrade Package available for added power. The Escalade's ride was enhanced by a new independent rear suspension, Magnetic Ride Control, and 4-Corner Air Ride suspension, providing a smooth and controlled experience. The V8's fuel economy was rated at 16 mpg combined, with the test vehicle achieving 15.9 mpg.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser was powered by a 381-horsepower 5.7-liter V8 engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a full-time four-wheel-drive system. It delivered 401 lb-ft of torque, with 90% available at 2,200 rpm, providing strong initial thrust. The Land Cruiser's off-road capabilities were supported by features like a Torsen limited-slip differential, Multi-Terrain Select, and Crawl Control. On-road, it offered a refined ride, though steering required more effort. The Land Cruiser's fuel economy was rated at 14 mpg combined, with the test achieving 14.7 mpg.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade's interior benefited from a new independent rear suspension, allowing for a lower floor and increased passenger and cargo space. Front seats offered comfort with power adjustments, while the second-row seats provided improved leg support. The third-row seat was notably more spacious, accommodating adults comfortably. Cargo capacity was generous, with 25.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expandable to 109.1 cubic feet with seats folded. The extended-length Escalade ESV offered even more space.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser's interior, though dated, was luxurious with premium leather upholstery and heated front seats. The second-row bench was roomy, with heated cushions and a four-zone climate control system. The third-row seat could accommodate adults if the second row was adjusted, though leg support was limited. Cargo space was 16.1 cubic feet behind the third row, expandable to 82.8 cubic feet with seats folded. The split clamshell tailgate provided convenient access and seating for outdoor activities.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade featured advanced technology, including a 38-inch curved OLED display with high pixel density. The infotainment system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though some user experience improvements were needed. Voice recognition had limitations, and physical controls were often preferred. The AR navigation system and AKG sound systems were highlights, with the 36-speaker AKG Reference system providing exceptional audio quality.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser's technology was simpler, with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system lacking swipe functionality. It did not offer Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, but included Siri Eyes Free and SiriusXM. The dashboard featured large buttons and knobs for easy control. The rear-seat entertainment system was dated, with DVD playback and HDMI connections. The JBL Synthesis audio system provided good sound but was not as advanced as competitors.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade's safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. Premium Luxury and Sport trims added blind-spot warning and lane-keeping assistance. The Driver Assist Tech Package offered additional features like adaptive cruise control. The Escalade's size provided inherent safety, though some false alarms occurred during testing. Super Cruise technology was expected to enhance safety later in the model year.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser came with Toyota Safety Sense, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. It also featured blind-spot monitoring and Safety Connect services. However, it lacked more advanced driving assistance systems, which could be seen as a drawback in its price range.