2023 Acura MDX vs 2022 Cadillac Escalade

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade turned heads with its commanding presence and unapologetic bulk. This luxury SUV bore a bold front end reminiscent of a diesel locomotive, owing to its tall hood, vertical running lights, and horizontal headlights. Its upscale grille, LED daytime running lights, and taillights were upscaled to match its significant size, evoking a sense of grandeur. The design elements showcased the vehicle's sheer mass, a trait Cadillac didn't shy away from highlighting in the Escalade.

Our test car sported 22-inch wheels, which appeared surprisingly diminutive against the vast expanse of sheet metal. Cadillac also offered various trim options for the Escalade to cater to different style preferences. Luxury and Premium Luxury trims featured bright exterior elements, while the Sport version boasted darker trim, including a mesh grille.

Utilizing the same body-on-frame architecture seen in other GM full-size SUVs and trucks, such as the Chevy Tahoe and Suburban, and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL, the Escalade maintained robust shared underpinnings. Although some skeptics questioned this structure's suitability for a luxury vehicle, the approach had proven successful. The interior centered on luxury with leather upholstery, wood trim, and an expansive panoramic sunroof, though the design felt somewhat fragmented without a unifying theme. Despite a few cheap-looking plastics, the materials largely upheld a high standard.

Conversely, the 2023 Acura MDX approached elegance with a subtler charm, marked by practicality and refined aesthetics. It offered both standard and Type S versions, with trim packages that increased equipment quantity and luxury. The base MDX allowed customization with Technology, A-Spec, and Advance packages, while the Type S had a sporty look with a muted, understated badge, avoiding any brash advertisements of its capabilities. This downplayed styling was appreciated as it presented a more sophisticated appearance.

Our test MDX Type S Advance came coated in a striking Apex Blue Pearl with an Orchid interior, setting high expectations for luxury and driving dynamism. It featured 21-inch wheels, quad exhaust outlets, and minor front styling tweaks.

Inside the MDX, practical luxury was evident. All trims included a panoramic sunroof and ambient lighting named after prestigious racetracks. The Type S boasted perforated Milano leather, aluminum trim, and a Sport Appearance package that added a black headliner and stainless steel pedals. The Type S Advance trim further elevated luxury with open-pore wood and a leather-wrapped dashboard.

While the MDX's interior impressed in style, some angles revealed a slight design flaw where body taper made it appear to have side dents. Gloss black plastic on the dashboard also posed usability issues, and Acura's electronic transmission switchgear was a recurring source of confusion even for seasoned MDX drivers.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade offered two engine choices: a standard 6.2-liter gasoline V8 delivering 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, and an optional GM’s Duramax 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six diesel engine providing 277 hp and an equal 460 lb-ft of torque. Both were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and came with either rear-wheel-drive (RWD) or optional four-wheel-drive (4WD). The available 2023 Escalade-V performance variant promised thrilling power with a 682-hp 6.2-liter supercharged V8.

Testing the diesel engine, we found it offered smooth power delivery and robust torque at lower RPMs, ideal for accelerating from a stop. However, the braking experience felt less confidence-inspiring due to a hard pedal feel. The gasoline engine slightly edged out in towing capacity, boasting a maximum of 8,200 pounds compared to the diesel's 8,100. Despite having advanced suspension systems, the Escalade’s ride often felt unsettled, particularly over rough surfaces. Its handling, while competent, couldn’t match that of unibody rivals like the BMW X7 or Mercedes-Benz GLS, nor did it offer off-road prowess akin to some GM cousins.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S stood out with its turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, yielding 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. This represented a notable enhancement over the standard MDX’s 3.5-liter V6 but also added 285 pounds to the vehicle’s weight. Acura equipped the MDX Type S with a sophisticated Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system and a 10-speed automatic transmission, both enhancing its driving dynamics.

The Type S featured an Integrated Dynamics System offering multiple driving modes, including Sport+ and an exclusive Lift mode to raise ground clearance. Adaptive air suspension and high-performance braking systems further bolstered its sporty credentials. However, the performance enhancements didn’t cohesively translate into a polished driving experience. Transmission indecision, noticeable ride harshness, and inconsistent brake pedal feel detracted from the driving enjoyment. Despite its performance-oriented tuning, the engine didn’t sufficiently outshine the standard V6, making its fuel-thirsty nature less forgivable.

During testing, the MDX Type S averaged 16.9 mpg overall, falling short of its expected 19 mpg combined rating. It exhibited pleasant traits in Normal mode, barring intermittent transmission quirks, but failed to deliver a satisfying sporty driving experience. The larger tires and upgraded brakes struggled to meld into a harmonious package, often calling attention to themselves rather than enhancing the drive.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade, a larger-than-life SUV, leveraged its platform-sharing with GM cousins to offer expansive interior space. At 211.9 inches long for the standard model and 227 inches for the ESV variant, it provided ample room for passengers and cargo. With leading measurements in first and third-row legroom, the Escalade excelled in accommodating occupants. The second-row captain’s chairs and a 60/40 power split-folding third-row seat came standard, with a power-folding second-row bench available as a no-cost option.

Cargo capacity further cemented its utility, with 25.5 cubic feet available behind the third row, expanding to 63.0 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 109.1 cubic feet with both rear rows down. Despite the roomy interior, functionality wasn’t flawless, with limited storage in the raised center console and front seats borrowed from less luxurious GM models. Essential details like large sun visors and dedicated seat heating/ventilation buttons contributed positively to the cabin experience.

On the flipside, the 2023 Acura MDX balanced style with practicality. Its three-row layout offered flexibility, accommodating seven passengers with a removable second-row center seat for easier access to the third row. While the third-row seating was best suited for children due to tight space for adults, the second row provided ample comfort and adjustability. Our test vehicle featured premium quilted leather 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions, though they didn’t support spirited driving as well as expected.

Cargo-wise, the MDX featured a power liftgate opening to reveal a well-used cargo floor and underfloor storage. It efficiently managed family luggage and offered thoughtful touches like grocery bag hooks. With the rear seats upright, the MDX held 18.1 cubic feet of cargo, expanding to 39.1 cubic feet with the third row down, and maxing at 71.4 cubic feet with both rear rows folded.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade dazzled with a futuristic infotainment setup featuring a 38-inch curved OLED display composed of three integrated screens. A 14.2-inch digital instrument cluster joined forces with a 16.9-inch touchscreen and a 7.2-inch screen for trip computer functions. The layout was thoughtfully designed, fitting elegantly into the dashboard and providing functional, diagonally arranged icons. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and physical climate control toggles ensured user-friendly operation.

However, some interface choices like the carousel radio station selector were cumbersome. The rotary controller seemed redundant, and voice recognition lagged behind competitors like BMW and Mercedes. The standout tech feature was the unparalleled camera resolution, enabling a 360-degree view accessible from multiple screens, paired with a reliable camera mirror that eliminated blind spots.

The 2023 Acura MDX's Digital Precision Cockpit included a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a matching infotainment display. However, the lack of touchscreen functionality, relying instead on a True Touchpad Interface (TTI), introduced usability challenges. This design choice skewed towards a learning curve that detracted from intuitive operations, even obstructing wireless charging pad access. While voice assistants via Siri, Google, and Alexa offered some mitigation, dealing directly with Acura’s system proved cumbersome.

Standard infotainment features included SiriusXM, navigation, and AcuraLink services, with a new three-year complimentary period for remote functionalities. The Advance package added a 10.5-inch head-up display and the top-notch ELS Studio 3D sound system with 25 speakers, which delivered impressive audio quality, particularly with high-fidelity music files.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade came equipped with extensive driver-assist features. Standard tech included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warning, and park assist. Premium trims added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, with trailer blind-spot monitoring at higher trim levels. The highlight was the optional Super Cruise technology, allowing hands-free driving on pre-mapped highways with sophisticated driver-monitoring systems.

Although Super Cruise impressed with its smooth operation, ensuring safety through a driver-facing camera, the Escalade lacked crash test ratings from IIHS and NHTSA, leaving its crashworthiness unverified.

The 2023 Acura MDX's Acura Watch safety suite offered comprehensive assistance features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping, lane-centering assist, adaptive cruise control with Traffic Jam Assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added parking sensors, low-speed braking, and a surround-view camera.

Acura Watch systems had improved accuracy, though occasional false alarms and quirky adaptive cruise control behavior were noted. An unsettling incident involved a false obstacle detection in challenging light conditions, momentarily applying brakes. Despite these faults, the MDX achieved strong crash ratings, earning IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and NHTSA's overall five-star rating with a slight issue in frontal-impact scores.