Comparative Automotive Research has identified no less than 46 advantages that the Cadillac Escalade ESV AWD has over the Chevrolet Tahoe 4WD.

Engine

The standard engine in the Escalade ESV AWD 6.2L V8 is more powerful, with more horsepower than the standard engine in the Tahoe 4WD 5.3L V8, 403 HP vs. 320 HP.

With 417 lb-ft of torque, the standard engine in Escalade ESV AWD 6.2L V8 has more low-end power than the standard engine in the Tahoe 4WD 5.3L V8, which has 335 lb-ft of torque.

The Escalade ESV AWD, with it's standard engine, has a lower power-to-weight ratio than the Tahoe 4WD with it's standard engine, 14.8 to 17.2. Power-to-weight ratio illustrates the relationship between curb weight and horsepower (Curb Weight / Horsepower). As a rule, the lower the ratio, the faster the vehicle.

Reliability

The standard engine in the Escalade ESV AWD 6.2L V8 has an larger displacement than the standard engine in the Tahoe 4WD 5.3L V8, 6199 cc vs. 5328 cc. Engines with larger displacements can produce more power, with less stress, reducing wear and prolonging engine life.

Stop and go traffic, towing and driving in hot weather all cause additional stress on you engine, increasing the engine oil temperature, reducing its ability to lubricate, cool and prevent premature component fatigue. The Escalade ESV AWD combats these problems by providing a Standard engine oil cooler. Such a cooler is Optional in the Tahoe 4WD.

Basic Warranty

Cadillac's basic warranty provides better coverage than Chevrolet's. It covers everything except items subject to wear and tear (oil filters, wiper blades, etc.).

			Basic Warranty Months		Basic Warranty Miles
	Escalade ESV AWD		48		50000
	Tahoe 4WD		36		36000

Corrosion Warranty

Cadillac's corrosion warranty provides better protection than Chevrolet's. This warranty protects against rust-through (sheetmetal perforation).

			Corrosion Warranty Miles
	Escalade ESV AWD		Unlimited
	Tahoe 4WD		100000

Fuel Economy and Emissions

The Escalade ESV AWD has a larger fuel tank than the Tahoe 4WD, 31.0 gal. vs. 26.0 gal. This may give it a greater range before having to stop to refuel.

Airbags

Both the Escalade ESV AWD and the Tahoe 4WD feature Standard driver and passenger air bags.

General Safety

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, heavier vehicles are safer in collisions and less affected by crosswinds than lighter vehicles. The Escalade ESV AWD is heavier than the Tahoe 4WD, shown below by trim level and transmission type:

			Curb Weight AT
	Escalade ESV AWD		5,963 lbs.
	Tahoe 4WD		5,567 lbs.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, longer vehicles can protect you better in both single and multiple-vehicle crashes because they have longer crumple zones, which can reduce damage to the internal safety cage and spread the crash forces. The Escalade ESV AWD is longer than the Tahoe 4WD, 222.9 in. vs. 202.0 in.

The Escalade ESV AWD features the following available engine drive types, shown by trim:

			Driveline
	Escalade ESV AWD		AWD
	Chevrolet Tahoe 4WD LS		4WD-FT
	Chevrolet Tahoe 4WD LT		4WD-FT
	Chevrolet Tahoe 4WD LTZ		4WD-SEL

Wheel locks are special lug nuts that serve to deter wheel theft by requiring a 'key' for installation and removal. They are Optional equipment on the Escalade ESV AWD but are Not Available on the Tahoe 4WD (LS, LT).

Adjustable foot pedals, Standard in the Escalade ESV AWD, provide for a more comfortable reach to the pedals and allow the driver to sit at a safe distance from the steering wheel and airbag. This feature is Optional on the Tahoe 4WD LS.

Fog lights are Standard on the Escalade ESV AWD but they are Optional on the Tahoe 4WD LS. Fog lights are very effective at improving visibility in foggy and other difficult driving situations.

High intensity discharge (HID) headlights are Standard on the Escalade ESV AWD but Not Available Tahoe 4WD. HID headlights offer several advantages - increased visibility due to significantly brighter light, longer lasting/more durable bulbs and much lower energy use.

The Escalade ESV AWD has Standard perimeter lighting, improving safety by illuminating the area around the vehicle while entering and exiting at night. Perimeter lighting is Optional on the Tahoe 4WD (LS, LT).

Interior Space

The Escalade ESV AWD has more interior space than the Tahoe 4WD in the following areas:

Hip Room, Front

Head Room, 3rd row

Hip Room, 3rd row

Leg Room, 3rd row

Hip Room, Rear

Leg Room, Rear

Shoulder Room, 3rd row

Escalade ESV AWD

60.5 in.

38.1 in.

49.4 in.

34.9 in.

61.8 in.

39.5 in.

64.7 in.

Tahoe 4WD

60.3 in.

37.9 in.

49.1 in.

25.6 in.

60.6 in.

39.0 in.

61.7 in.

Cargo Space

The Escalade ESV AWD has 45.8 cu. ft. of cargo volume compared to 16.9 cu. ft. in the Tahoe 4WD. The additional cargo space means more room to store and transport packages, luggage, etc.

Front fold-down armrests provide the driver and front passenger a place to rest their forearms for added comfort and reduced driving fatigue. Front fold-down armrests are more common in the Escalade ESV AWD than the Tahoe 4WD, as shown below:

			Front Fold-Down Armrest
	Escalade ESV AWD		Standard
	Tahoe 4WD LS		Optional
	Tahoe 4WD LT		Not Available
	Tahoe 4WD LTZ		Not Available

The Escalade ESV AWD features a Standard third row folding seat for increased cargo space. A third row folding seat is Not Available in the Tahoe 4WD.

Payload and Towing

The Escalade ESV AWD has a higher towing capacity than the Tahoe 4WD, meaning it can pull a larger total weight - trailer and contents.

			Tow Capacity, Std
	Escalade ESV AWD		7,700 lbs.
	Tahoe 4WD		5,200 lbs.

To compensate for the increased load placed upon the suspension during towing, the Escalade ESV AWD has Standard automatic load-leveling, which automatically adjusts its suspension height for the best possible ride and handling.

General Suspension

The Escalade ESV AWD features a Standard adaptive variable suspension that can electronically sense and adapt to changing road surface conditions to provide optimum vehicle handling characteristics. This type of suspension is Not Available in the Tahoe 4WD (LS, LT).

Chassis

The Escalade ESV AWD's wheelbase is longer than the Tahoe 4WD's, 130.0 in. vs. 116.0 in., producing a smoother ride and more stable handling.

Wheels and Tires

The lower profile tires (aspect ratio) that come standard on the Escalade ESV AWD may provide better handling capability than those on the Tahoe 4WD. Details below:

			Tire Aspect Ratio
	Escalade ESV AWD Base		65
	Escalade ESV AWD Luxury		45
	Escalade ESV AWD Platinum Edition		45
	Escalade ESV AWD Premium		45
	Tahoe 4WD LS		70
	Tahoe 4WD LT		70
	Tahoe 4WD LTZ		55

The Escalade ESV AWD (Luxury, Platinum Edition) features Standard chrome-plated wheels, for improved looks and increased value. Chrome-plated wheels are Optional on the Tahoe 4WD.

Additional Features

A front power memory seat is a convenience feature that allows the driver to store their customized seating position then conveniently activate it when they get into the vehicle. This feature is more commonly found in the Escalade ESV AWD than the Tahoe 4WD, as shown below:

			Front Power Memory Seat
	Escalade ESV AWD		Standard
	Tahoe 4WD LS		Not Available
	Tahoe 4WD LT		Optional

Power front lumbar support gives the occupant precise control over their lower back support. Power front lumbar support is a more common feature in the Escalade ESV AWD than the Tahoe 4WD, as shown below:

			Front Power Lumbar Support
	Escalade ESV AWD		Standard
	Tahoe 4WD LS		Not Available
	Tahoe 4WD LT		Optional

A heated front seat is Standard in the Escalade ESV AWD, providing additional comfort in very cold weather. This feature is Optional in the Tahoe 4WD LS.

The Standard cooled front seats in the Escalade ESV AWD offer increased comfort on very hot days by reducing the temperature of the seating surface. Cooled front seats are Not Available in the Tahoe 4WD (LS, LT).

Leather seating is a much sought after feature for new car buyers, offering exceptional luxury and style, superior comfort, ease of maintenance and improved resale value. Leather seating is Standard in the Escalade ESV AWD but is Not Available in the Tahoe 4WD LS.

As shown below, a built-in universal remote control system is more commonly found in the Escalade ESV AWD than in the Tahoe 4WD. This system is able to learn the codes for other remote controlled devices such as garage door openers, gate openers, etc. then allow you to control them from your vehicle with the touch of one button.

			Universal Garage Door Opener
	Escalade ESV AWD		Standard
	Tahoe 4WD LS		Not Available
	Tahoe 4WD LT		Optional

A navigational aid system provides drivers with information such as maps, driving directions and location assistance. A navigation system is a more common feature in the Escalade ESV AWD than the Tahoe 4WD, as shown below.

			Navigational Aid
	Escalade ESV AWD		Standard
	Tahoe 4WD LS		Not Available
	Tahoe 4WD LT		Optional

The Escalade ESV AWD has a Standard automatic climate control system. The system controls the temperature, fan speed, and vents to maintain a consistent environment within the passenger compartment. Automatic climate control is Not Available in the Tahoe 4WD LS.

The Escalade ESV AWD features Standard genuine wood interior trim, made from real wood veneers. Real wood interior trim is Not Available in the Tahoe 4WD.

With a power sunroof, a touch of a button is all it takes to let the sun or the stars shine in. You are more likely to find a power sunroof in the Escalade ESV AWD than in the Tahoe 4WD, as shown below:

			Power Sunroof
	Escalade ESV AWD		Standard
	Tahoe 4WD LS		Not Available
	Tahoe 4WD LT		Optional
	Tahoe 4WD LTZ		Optional

A power trunk lid is a nice convenience. A power trunk lid is more commonly found on the Escalade ESV AWD than Tahoe 4WD, as shown below.

			Power Trunk Lid
	Escalade ESV AWD		Standard
	Tahoe 4WD LS		Not Available
	Tahoe 4WD LT		Optional

The Escalade ESV AWD features a Standard passenger-side exterior mirror that automatically tilts downward when the vehicle is shifted into reverse, improving the driver's rear vision. A tilt-down rearview mirror is Optional on the Tahoe 4WD (LS, LT).