2023 Genesis GV70 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 grand proportions, reminiscent of classic Cadillac tailfins. The front end, with its tall hood and locomotive-like appearance, set it apart from other GM full-size SUVs. The Escalade offered different trim pieces for "sport" and "luxury" models, with the Luxury and Premium Luxury trims featuring bright exterior accents, while the Sport trim had darkened elements. Despite sharing its body-on-frame architecture with other GM SUVs and trucks, the Escalade maintained its luxury appeal, though its interior lacked a cohesive design theme. Leather upholstery, wood trim, and a panoramic sunroof were present, but the use of cheap-looking plastic detracted from the overall luxury feel.

The 2023 Genesis GV70, on the other hand, showcased a stylish connection to its G70 sedan counterpart, with split-bar headlights and a strong chrome line that hinted at a coupe-like SUV design. Inside, the GV70 impressed with its top-notch materials and excellent fit and finish. The interior design was both contemporary and classic, with climate controls integrated into a curving bezel and a touchscreen that rose organically from the dash. The GV70's dash featured a full touchscreen backed by a rotary dial and button controls, offering a user-friendly experience. The gas-powered GV70 came in two trims, 2.5T and 3.5T, while the Electrified GV70 offered Advance and Prestige trims. The GV70's interior boasted features like power-adjustable front seats, heated front seats, and a hands-free power liftgate, with additional packages adding luxury touches like genuine leather upholstery and ambient cabin lighting.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade offered two powertrain options, both shared with other GM SUVs and trucks. 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 delivered 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and offered rear-wheel-drive (RWD) or optional four-wheel-drive (4WD) drivetrains. The Escalade's diesel engine provided smooth power delivery and a lower torque peak, making it an asset for pulling away from stops. However, the Escalade's ride was unsettled, with its body-on-frame construction and 22-inch wheels contributing to a less comfortable experience compared to unibody SUVs. The Escalade's towing capacity was slightly lower than the Lincoln Navigator, and it lacked off-road capabilities found in some GM cousins.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 2.5T featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, while the 3.5T was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine with 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with all-wheel drive (AWD). The GV70's turbo-four provided ample power for most driving situations, while the V6 offered extra performance for enthusiasts. The GV70's driving experience was refined, blending comfort and sharp handling. The Electrified GV70 used a 77.4-kWh battery pack with dual electric motors, delivering 429 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, with a Boost Mode increasing output to 483 horsepower. The electric GV70 had a range of 236 miles and featured DC fast charging, though its range was shorter than some modern EVs.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade shared its body shell and chassis with other GM full-size SUVs, offering a cavernous cabin with the most first-row and third-row legroom among full-size luxury SUVs. The standard Escalade measured 211.9 inches long, while the extended ESV version was 227 inches long. 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. However, the raised center console limited storage space, and the front seats, though adjustable, felt similar to those in GM cousins. Cadillac included dedicated buttons for seat heating and ventilation, enhancing functionality.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 provided 56.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 28.9 cubic feet with the rear seats in use, making it competitive in the compact luxury SUV segment. The GV70 featured a hands-free power liftgate and decently large cupholders in the center console. While the front seats offered easy adjustability, rear legroom was tighter, requiring front-row occupants to slide their seats forward. The rear bench reclined for added comfort, but finding a comfortable seating position required some adjustment.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade boasted a 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. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Bluetooth connectivity, were standard. The display was well-integrated into the dashboard, with icons arranged to fit its shape. However, the carousel format for changing radio stations was awkward, and the rotary controller felt like an afterthought. The Escalade's OLED screens provided excellent resolution for the 360-degree camera system, and the rearview camera mirror eliminated blind spots. Additional tech features included a head-up display, night vision, and augmented-reality navigation, though the 19-speaker AKG Studio sound system was challenging to tune.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The touchscreen was user-friendly, with large icons and logical menu navigation. Genesis included helpful buttons in the center console and a rotary dial for scrolling and selecting, though its proximity to the rotary shifter could cause confusion. The GV70 came with four USB ports, wireless device charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a nine-speaker stereo system. Ambient lighting, a digital instrument panel, and the Genesis digital key were available features.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade came with standard driver-assist tech, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on higher trims, with Super Cruise available as an option. Super Cruise allowed for hands-free driving on pre-mapped highways, using a driver-facing camera for safety. While the Escalade's safety features were impressive, it lacked safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 offered a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance technology, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The 2.5T's Advance Package added a blind-spot camera system and reverse automatic emergency braking, while the 3.5T's Sport Advance package included these features. The GV70 Electrified had most driver-assistance features as standard, with the head-up display available in the Prestige trim.