Comparative Automotive Research has identified no less than 60 advantages that the Cadillac Escalade ESV AWD has over the Dodge Durango AWD.

Engine

The standard engine in the Escalade ESV AWD 6.2L V8 is more powerful, with more horsepower than the standard engine in the Durango AWD 5.7L V8, 403 HP vs. 360 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 Durango AWD 5.7L V8, which has 390 lb-ft of torque.

The Escalade ESV AWD, with it's standard engine, has a lower power-to-weight ratio than the Durango AWD (Citadel, Crew, SXT) with it's standard engine, 14.8 to 17. 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.

The Escalade ESV AWD offers a Standard oil gauge enabling the driver to monitor the engine's oil pressure. An oil gauge is Not Available in the Durango AWD.

Reliability

The standard engine in the Escalade ESV AWD 6.2L V8 has an larger displacement than the standard engine in the Durango AWD 5.7L V8, 6199 cc vs. 5654 cc. Engines with larger displacements can produce more power, with less stress, reducing wear and prolonging engine life.

Basic Warranty

Cadillac's basic warranty provides better coverage than Dodge'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
	Durango AWD		36		36000

Corrosion Warranty

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

			Corrosion Warranty Months
	Escalade ESV AWD		72
	Durango AWD		36

Fuel Economy and Emissions

The Escalade ESV AWD has a larger fuel tank than the Durango AWD, 31.0 gal. vs. 24.6 gal. This may give it a greater range before having to stop to refuel.

The Escalade ESV AWD 6.2L V8 gets more miles from a tank of fuel than the Durango AWD 5.7L V8, 434 mi. vs. 369 mi.

Airbags

Both the Escalade ESV AWD and the Durango AWD 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 Durango AWD, shown below by trim level and transmission type:

			Curb Weight AT
	Escalade ESV AWD		5,963 lbs.
	Durango AWD SXT		4,913 lbs.
	Durango AWD Crew		4,987 lbs.
	Durango AWD R/T		5,331 lbs.
	Durango AWD Citadel		5,097 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 Durango AWD, 222.9 in. vs. 199.8 in.

The Escalade ESV AWD is equipped with Standard AWD.

An anti-theft stereo is offered as a Standard feature on the Escalade ESV AWD. This provides a strong theft deterrent, as the radio is disabled and rendered useless when removed from the vehicle. This anti-theft feature is Not Available in the Durango AWD.

The Escalade ESV AWD come with an Standard vehicle theft tracking/notification system that can assist authorities to track and pin-point vehicle location in the event of theft. This type of theft tracking system is Not Available in the Durango AWD.

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 Not Available on the Durango AWD.

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

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, multiple-vehicle daytime crashes account for about half of all police-reported crashes in the United States. Numerous studies have shown that daytime running lights - low intensity lights that make vehicles more visible during daylight hours - reduce daytime accidents as much as 11%. Daytime running lights are a Standard feature on the Escalade ESV AWD but Not Available on the Durango AWD.

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 Not Available on the Durango AWD.

Interior Space

The Escalade ESV AWD has more interior space than the Durango AWD in the following areas:

Leg Room, Front

Hip Room, Front

Shoulder Room, Front

Head Room, 3rd row

Hip Room, 3rd row

Leg Room, 3rd row

Hip Room, Rear

Leg Room, Rear

Shoulder Room, Rear

Shoulder Room, 3rd row

Head Room, Front

Escalade ESV AWD

41.3 in.

60.5 in.

65.2 in.

38.1 in.

49.4 in.

34.9 in.

61.8 in.

39.5 in.

65.2 in.

64.7 in.

41.1 in.

Durango AWD

40.3 in.

57.0 in.

58.5 in.

37.8 in.

42.8 in.

31.5 in.

56.0 in.

38.6 in.

58.3 in.

50.4 in.

39.9 in.

Cargo Space

The Escalade ESV AWD has 45.8 cu. ft. of cargo volume compared to 17.2 cu. ft. in the Durango AWD. The additional cargo space means more room to store and transport packages, luggage, etc.

Standard 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 Not Available in the Durango AWD.

Standard second row fold-down armrests provide a place for the second row passengers to to rest their forearms for added comfort. Second row fold-down armrests are Not Available in the Durango AWD.

Owners of the Escalade ESV AWD have the ability to increase the vehicle's interior cargo space by way of a Standard removable (or fold-flat) third row seat. This feature is Not Available with the Durango AWD.

Payload and Towing

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

			Tow Capacity, Max		Tow Capacity, Std
	Escalade ESV AWD		7,700 lbs.		7,700 lbs.
	Durango AWD SXT		6,200 lbs.		6,200 lbs.
	Durango AWD Crew		7,200 lbs.		6,200 lbs.
	Durango AWD R/T		7,200 lbs.		7,200 lbs.
	Durango AWD Citadel		7,200 lbs.		6,200 lbs.

The Escalade ESV AWD has a higher payload capacity than the Durango AWD, meaning it can handle a greater total weight of passengers and cargo.

			Payload Capacity, Max		Payload Capacity, Std
	Escalade ESV AWD		1418 lbs.		1418 lbs.
	Durango AWD SXT		1410 lbs.		1410 lbs.
	Durango AWD R/T		1340 lbs.		1340 lbs.
	Durango AWD Citadel		1370 lbs.		1360 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 Durango AWD.

Chassis

The 'track' (distance between the wheels), of the Escalade ESV AWD is greater than that of the Durango AWD. A wider track produces better handling and a more stable ride.

			Track, Front		Track, Rear
	Escalade ESV AWD		68.2 in.		67.0 in.
	Durango AWD		63.9 in.		64.1 in.

The Escalade ESV AWD's wheelbase is longer than the Durango AWD's, 130.0 in. vs. 119.8 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 Durango AWD. Details below:

			Tire Aspect Ratio
	Escalade ESV AWD		45
	Durango AWD Citadel		50
	Durango AWD Crew		60
	Durango AWD R/T		50
	Durango AWD SXT		60

The Escalade ESV AWD (Luxury, Platinum Edition) features Standard chrome-plated wheels, for improved looks and increased value. Chrome-plated wheels are Not Available on the Durango AWD (Crew, R/T, SXT).

The Escalade ESV AWD (Base, Luxury, Platinum Edition) comes with a Standard full-size spare tire, a safer alternative to smaller temporary spares. In contrast, a full-size spare is Optional on the Durango AWD (Citadel, Crew, SXT).

Additional Features

With a Standard multi-adjustable power driver seat, the Escalade ESV AWD lets drivers customize their seating position for maximum comfort and performance. This type of seat is Optional in the Durango AWD SXT.

A multi-adjustable power passenger seat, allowing passengers to customize their seating position for maximum comfort, is more commonly found in the Escalade ESV AWD than the Durango AWD, as shown below:

			Passenger Multi-Adjustable Power Seat
	Escalade ESV AWD		Standard
	Durango AWD R/T		Optional
	Durango AWD SXT		Not Available

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 Durango AWD, as shown below:

			Front Power Memory Seat
	Escalade ESV AWD		Standard
	Durango AWD R/T		Optional
	Durango AWD SXT		Not Available

The Escalade ESV AWD features Standard power front lumbar support giving the occupant precise control over their lower back support. Power front lumbar support is Optional in the Durango AWD SXT.

A heated front seat provides additional comfort in very cold weather. As shown below, a heated front seat is a feature found more often in the in the Escalade ESV AWD than the Durango AWD.

			Front Heated Seat
	Escalade ESV AWD		Standard
	Durango AWD Crew		Optional
	Durango AWD R/T		Optional
	Durango AWD SXT		Not Available

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 Durango AWD (Crew, R/T, SXT).

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. You are more likely to find leather seating in the Escalade ESV AWD than the Durango AWD, as detailed below:

			Leather Seats
	Escalade ESV AWD		Standard
	Durango AWD Crew		Optional
	Durango AWD R/T		Optional
	Durango AWD SXT		Not Available

The Escalade ESV AWD features a Standard built-in universal remote control system that 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. This type of universal control system is Not Available in the Durango AWD SXT.

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 Durango AWD, as shown below.

			Navigational Aid
	Escalade ESV AWD		Standard
	Durango AWD Crew		Optional
	Durango AWD R/T		Optional
	Durango AWD SXT		Not Available

The Escalade ESV AWD features a Standard hands free or voice activated telephone. This feature is Not Available in the Durango AWD.

Illuminated vanity mirrors are Standard in the Escalade ESV AWD but Not Available in the Durango AWD SXT.

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

With a Standard power sunroof, a touch of a button is all Escalade ESV AWD (Luxury, Platinum Edition, Premium) owners need to let the sun or the stars shine in. In contrast, bringing in the great outdoors will be more difficult in the Durango AWD (Crew, R/T, SXT) as a power sunroof is Optional.

The Escalade ESV AWD offers a Standard power trunk lid as a convenience. A power trunk lid is Not Available on the Durango AWD SXT.

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 Not Available on the Durango AWD.