2022 Jeep Wrangler vs 2022 Cadillac Escalade

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade made a bold first impression with its massive size and commanding presence. The vehicle's design accentuated its bulk through a well-designed grille, LED daytime running lights, and scaled-up taillights reminiscent of classic Cadillacs' sky-high tailfins. The front end, with its tall hood, vertical running lights, and horizontal headlights, resembled a diesel locomotive more than a standard car, emphasizing the SUV's formidable stance. The 22-inch wheels of our test car looked almost diminutive against the expansive sheetmetal.

Following the typical Cadillac SUV pattern, the Escalade offered distinct trim pieces for "sport" and "luxury" models. The Luxury and Premium Luxury trims featured bright exterior finishes, while the Sport model showcased darkened trim, including a mesh grille. Despite sharing its underpinnings with other GM full-size SUVs and trucks, the Escalade maintained its unique identity, standing apart from its Chevrolet and GMC siblings. The interior, although luxuriously appointed with leather seats, wood trim, and a massive panoramic sunroof, lacked a cohesive design theme. The materials, while mostly high-quality, included some cheaper-looking plastic bits that detracted from the overall luxury feel.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler required shoppers to choose between the classic two-door or the more practical four-door model and further decide on engine options ranging from a turbocharged four-cylinder to a turbo diesel V6, gas V8, and even a plug-in hybrid powertrain. The Wrangler catered to off-road enthusiasts and featured four core trim levels: Sport, Sport S, Sahara, and Rubicon, each offering various special editions with different top styles and options like the Sky One-Touch Power-Top.

Our test vehicle, the new High Tide special edition, based on the Wrangler Unlimited (four-door) Sport S trim, featured unique elements like LED exterior lighting, a body-color hardtop with a Sunrider Fliptop, and a Gorilla Glass windshield. The standard Xtreme Recon package with a 1.5-inch suspension lift, 35-inch BF Goodrich tires, and rock rails set the High Tide apart. Despite the nearly $60,000 price tag, the Wrangler's interior was basic, reflecting its rugged, off-road-centric design ethos, which included practical features like drain plugs for easy hose-outs after muddy adventures.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade offered two powertrain options shared with other GM vehicles. The standard 6.2-liter gasoline V8 produced 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, while the optional Duramax 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six diesel engine generated 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and options for rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. We tested the diesel variant and found it smooth and capable despite its lesser horsepower. However, the Escalade's ride was less refined than its luxury competitors, displaying an unsettled feel and transmitting road imperfections into the cabin.

For towing, the gasoline engine led with an 8,200-pound capacity, just shy of the Lincoln Navigator's 8,700 pounds. Off-road capability was limited compared to GM cousins like the Chevy Tahoe/Suburban Z71 and GMC Yukon AT4. Luxury SUV rivals such as the Range Rover and Grand Wagoneer offered more in terms of ride comfort and off-road performance.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine with eTorque mild hybrid assistance, producing 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. A mandatory $4,000 eight-speed automatic transmission option complemented the Selec-Trac full-time 4WD, making it suitable for challenging weather conditions. The EPA estimated 21 mpg combined, but we averaged 16.8 mpg due to the Xtreme Recon Package. The Wrangler's driving experience was raw and immersive, characterized by frequent fuel stops, loud noise inside the cabin, and vague steering. Nonetheless, the Wrangler's off-road prowess and unique driving experience endeared it to many enthusiasts.

Both vehicles excelled in their respective domains of space and utility. The 2022 Cadillac Escalade, available in standard and extended ESV variants, boasted a cavernous cabin. At 211.9 inches long in standard form and 227 inches for the ESV, it offered the most first-row and third-row legroom among full-size luxury SUVs. Cargo capacity impressed with 25.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 63.0 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a generous 109.1 cubic feet with all rear seats down. However, the raised center console and some cheaper materials detracted from the overall luxurious feel.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide's raised suspension made entry and exit challenging, particularly for shorter or less agile individuals. The seating was comfortable, albeit basic, with plastic and rubber dominating the interior materials. Visibility was a mixed bag, and storage options were limited. The High Tide's cargo capacity was notably smaller, offering 31.7 cubic feet behind the second row and 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Loading involved swinging a heavy tailgate, particularly challenging with the massive 35-inch spare wheel attached.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade showcased an advanced infotainment setup with a 38-inch curved OLED screen divided into three sections: a 14.2-inch digital instrument cluster, a 16.9-inch touchscreen, and a 7.2-inch trip-computer display. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth came standard. Cadillac thoughtfully integrated these screens into the dashboard, with functional and cool-looking icon arrangements. However, some features like radio station navigation and the rotary controller felt awkward.

The Escalade's camera system stood out, offering unparalleled resolution for the 360-degree view and accessible via both the instrument cluster and the central touchscreen. Additional tech features included a head-up display, night vision, augmented reality navigation, and a 19-speaker AKG sound system, though tuning the latter proved challenging.

Conversely, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide's tech offerings were more basic. The 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto met essential needs, while optional upgrades included a larger 8.4-inch Uconnect system with satellite radio, Wi-Fi hotspot, and navigation. Our test model had remote engine start, satellite radio, and single-zone automatic climate control with enhanced air filtration, suitable for its rugged nature.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade came equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver-assist technology. Standard features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, front and rear park assist, lane-keep assist, and lane-departure warning. Higher trims offered blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while Super Cruise provided advanced semi-autonomous driving capabilities on compatible highways. Despite its impressive tech, crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS were unavailable for the Escalade.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide included optional Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group packages. The Safety Group added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors, while the Advanced Safety Group included adaptive cruise control and forward-collision warning. Despite these features, the Wrangler's safety ratings were subpar. The NHTSA gave it a mediocre three-star rating for rollover resistance, and the IIHS provided marginal ratings for specific crash tests and headlight performance.