2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2022 Cadillac Escalade

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade made a bold statement with its imposing size and distinctive design elements. Its massive grille, LED daytime running lights, and taillights were scaled to match its bulk, evoking the grandeur of classic Cadillacs. The front end, with its tall hood and vertical running lights, resembled a diesel locomotive, emphasizing the vehicle's substantial presence. The Escalade's 22-inch wheels appeared small against its vast sheet metal, but the overall styling set it apart from other GM full-size SUVs. Different trim pieces for "sport" and "luxury" models added to its appeal, with the Luxury and Premium Luxury trims featuring bright exterior trim and wheels, while the Sport trim had darkened trim and a mesh grille.

The Escalade's interior aimed for luxury with leather upholstery, wood trim, and a panoramic sunroof, but it lacked a cohesive design theme. While it offered ample space and comfort, some materials appeared cheap, detracting from the overall luxury feel. The Escalade shared its body-on-frame architecture with other GM full-size SUVs and trucks, which contributed to its spaciousness but also resulted in a less refined ride compared to unibody SUVs. Despite these drawbacks, the Escalade remained a popular choice for those seeking a large, luxurious SUV.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB slotted between the GLA and GLC in the automaker's SUV lineup, offering a blend of practicality and performance. The GLB250 came with front-wheel drive (FWD) or 4Matic all-wheel drive (AWD), while the AMG GLB35 featured a more powerful drivetrain and sophisticated AWD system. The AMG GLB35, with a starting price of $51,000, included options like metallic paint, 21-inch wheels, heated front seats, and an AMG Performance steering wheel. The GLB's design was functional, with a steep windshield angle, nearly vertical rear window, and short overhangs, giving it a boxy appearance. However, the 21-inch multi-spoke wheels and AMG styling elements added some flair.

Inside, the GLB's cabin was beautifully rendered with high-definition instrumentation and infotainment displays, artistic air vents, and ambient lighting. The controls required some acclimation, with touch-sensing buttons and a steering wheel stalk serving as the gear selector. Despite its entry-level status, the GLB's quality was evident in various spots within the cabin. However, road noise was noticeable, especially with the optional 21-inch wheels. The GLB's ride was firm, and the DCT transmission could feel confused at times. Overall, the GLB offered a mix of practicality and performance, with the AMG GLB35 providing a fun driving experience on twisty roads.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade offered two powertrain choices: a standard 6.2-liter gasoline V8 producing 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, and an optional Duramax 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six diesel engine with 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard rear-wheel drive (RWD) or optional four-wheel drive (4WD). The diesel engine, despite its lower horsepower, provided smooth power delivery and a lower torque peak, making it enjoyable to drive. However, the Escalade's ride was unsettled, with its body-on-frame construction and 22-inch wheels contributing to a less refined experience compared to unibody SUVs.

The Escalade's towing capacity was impressive, with the gasoline engine capable of towing up to 8,200 pounds, slightly more than the diesel. However, this fell short of the Lincoln Navigator's 8,700-pound towing capacity. The Escalade's ride quality was compromised by its truck-like construction, and it lacked the off-road capability of some of its GM cousins. Overall, the Escalade offered powerful performance but struggled with ride comfort and refinement.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine in both the GLB250 and AMG GLB35 versions. The AMG GLB35's engine was enhanced to produce 302 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, significantly more than the GLB250's engine. The AMG GLB35 also included an AMG SpeedShift eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, AMG Performance variable 4Matic AWD, and an AMG Sport Exhaust system. The AMG GLB35 could accelerate to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds, compared to the GLB250's 6.9 seconds. However, the AMG GLB35's fuel economy was lower, with an EPA rating of 22 mpg combined, compared to the GLB250's 25 mpg.

The AMG GLB35 emphasized performance, with features like an AMG High-Performance Braking System and AMG Ride Control adaptive damping sport suspension. However, the ride was firm, and the DCT transmission could feel laggy in throttle response. The AMG GLB35 excelled on twisty roads, offering a fun driving experience with excellent grip and responsive handling. For daily driving, the GLB250 was a more comfortable choice, but driving enthusiasts would appreciate the AMG GLB35's performance capabilities.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade shared its body shell and chassis with other GM full-size SUVs, resulting in a cavernous cabin. The standard Escalade measured 211.9 inches long, while the extended ESV version was 227 inches long. The Escalade offered the most first-row and third-row legroom among full-size luxury SUVs, with second-row captain's chairs and a power split-folding third-row bench seat. The Escalade excelled in cargo space, with 25.5 cubic feet with all seats in place, 63.0 cubic feet with the third-row seats folded, and 109.1 cubic feet with all rear seats folded.

While the Escalade's interior was spacious, it had some functionality issues, such as limited storage space in the raised center console. The 12-way power adjustable front seats with massage and lumbar support were comfortable, but the seats themselves felt similar to those in other GM SUVs. Cadillac included dedicated buttons for seat heating and ventilation, and large sun visors for the expansive side-window glass.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB offered a practical and comfortable interior, with an optional third-row seat suitable for children. Standard equipment included dual-zone automatic climate control and eight-way power-adjustable front seats with simulated leather upholstery. Heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a panoramic glass sunroof were available options. The GLB's interior featured a 64-color ambient lighting system, adding a customizable touch.

Getting in and out of the GLB was easy, and the front seats provided excellent visibility. The rear seats were comfortable for two adults, with enough legroom unless the second row was slid forward. The optional third-row seat reduced storage space and was best suited for children. The GLB's cargo area offered 22 cubic feet of space with all seats in place, expanding to 62 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded flat. A power rear liftgate was standard, making it easy to access the cargo area.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade featured an elaborate 38-inch curved OLED display, consisting of three screens: a 14.2-inch digital instrument cluster, a 16.9-inch touchscreen, and a 7.2-inch screen for trip-computer functions. The display was well-integrated into the dashboard, with icons arranged to fit its shape. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as Bluetooth connectivity, were standard. The Escalade also retained physical toggles for climate control and other important functions.

However, the Escalade's infotainment system had some drawbacks, such as the awkward carousel format for changing radio stations and a rotary controller that felt like an afterthought. The OLED screens provided excellent resolution for the 360-degree camera system, and the rearview camera mirror eliminated blind spots. The Escalade offered advanced tech features like a head-up display, night vision, and augmented-reality navigation. The 19-speaker AKG Studio sound system was standard but difficult to tune properly.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB's high-tech interior featured the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, with a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the AMG GLB35. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mercedes Me connected services. The optional Premium Package added satellite radio, while the Multimedia Package included a navigation system with augmented reality.

Additional upgrades included wireless smartphone charging, a Burmester premium surround-sound audio system, WiFi service, and an MBUX Interior Assistant gesture control system. The GLB also offered a head-up display, a surround-view camera system, and an integrated dashcam. The MBUX system was user-friendly, with natural voice recognition and a digital assistant that responded to "Hey Mercedes" prompts. The navigation system's augmented reality technology was particularly useful in densely populated areas.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade came with standard driver-assist features like adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, front and rear park assist, lane-keep assist, and lane-departure warning. The Safety Alert Seat provided warnings through vibrations. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on higher trims, with trailer blind-spot monitoring available on Premium Luxury Platinum trims and above. Super Cruise, a sophisticated driver-assist system, was a $2,500 option on most trims, offering hands-free driving on pre-mapped highways.

Super Cruise impressed with its smooth and natural responses, making it easier to place the Escalade on the road. However, the Escalade lacked crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, leaving its crash protection capabilities unknown.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB test vehicle lacked the optional Driver Assistance Package, which included 12 advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance. The test vehicle did not have evasive steering assist, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, or rear cross-traffic warning systems. Active Emergency Stop Assist was also missing.

Standard safety features included Active Brake Assist, blind-spot monitoring, Mercedes-Benz emergency call service, rain-sensing wipers, Attention Assist driver monitoring, and Exit Warning Assist. Crash-test ratings for the GLB were unavailable.