2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport 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 the vast expanse of sheet metal, but the overall styling set it apart from other GM full-size SUVs. The interior, while luxurious with leather upholstery, wood trim, and a panoramic sunroof, lacked a cohesive design theme and included some cheap-looking plastic bits.

In contrast, the 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport embraced a modernist and reductive design philosophy, favoring clean and simple lines. While it offered limited flashy options like Firenze Red paint and diamond-turned 23-inch wheels, the test vehicle in Eiger Gray with silver wheels and a Black Exterior Pack exuded understated luxury. Inside, the Deep Garnet over Ebony theme with aluminum and shiny black trim created a sophisticated ambiance. The Range Rover Sport's design highlights included premium LED headlights, flush-mounted door handles, and surface LED technology for the taillights, contributing to its sleek and aerodynamic profile.

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 a 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 offered rear-wheel-drive (RWD) or optional four-wheel-drive (4WD) drivetrains. The diesel engine, despite its lower horsepower, provided smooth power delivery and a lower torque peak, making it effective 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 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, producing 355 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque in the SE P360 model, and 395 hp and 406 lb-ft in the SE Dynamic P400. A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) drivetrain was available in the Autobiography P440e, offering 434 hp and 406 lb-ft with an estimated 51 miles of electric driving range. The test vehicle's 395-hp inline-six provided ample power, with a 0-60 mph time of 5.4 seconds. The Range Rover Sport excelled in off-road capability, with features like adaptive damping air suspension, Dynamic driving mode, and impressive ground clearance. However, it fell short in handling compared to sport-tuned SUVs from Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz.

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. It offered the most first-row and third-row legroom among full-size luxury SUVs, with second-row captain’s chairs and a 60/40 power split-folding third-row bench seat. Cargo space was generous, 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 provided limited storage space, and the front seats, despite being 12-way power adjustable with massage and lumbar support, felt similar to those in other GM vehicles.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport maintained the Range Rover Command Driving Position, offering a tall, airy feel with a low dashboard, upright windshield angle, and thin roof pillars. The air suspension could kneel for easier entry and exit, and the front seats were comfortable with 20-way power adjustments, heating, and ventilation. The rear seat, though improved, remained tight for taller passengers, with hard front seatback panels and narrow door openings. The cargo area offered 31.9 cubic feet of space, expandable to 53 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Storage within the cabin was decent, with a deep bin under the center armrest and a second bin under the sliding cupholder tray.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade featured a 38-inch curved OLED display comprising 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, as well as Bluetooth connectivity, were standard. The display was well-integrated into the dashboard, with functional icons and physical toggles for climate control. However, the carousel format for changing radio stations was awkward, and the rotary controller seemed 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.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport came with a 13.7-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with haptic feedback. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, SiriusXM satellite radio, and an Online Pack with connected services were standard. However, the Pivi Pro infotainment platform was often confusing and frustrating to use, with features difficult to find or access. The native digital assistant struggled with voice commands, failing to provide accurate directions. On the positive side, the Range Rover Sport offered impressive Meridian audio systems with up to 29 speakers and 1,430 watts of power, and a next-generation Active Noise Cancellation system.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade came with standard driver-assist tech, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking (front and rear), front and rear park assist, lane-keep assist, and lane-departure warning. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on higher trim levels, with trailer blind-spot monitoring available on Premium Luxury Platinum trims. Super Cruise, a $2,500 option, offered hands-free driving on pre-mapped highways, using a driver-facing camera to ensure attention. While the system occasionally disengaged unexpectedly, it provided smooth and natural responses. However, the Escalade lacked safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport included advanced driving assistance systems such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Additional features included automatic high-beam headlights, a driver monitoring system, front and rear parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system with ClearSight Ground View. Remote Park Assist allowed the SUV to park itself while the driver directed it using a smartphone app. However, the adaptive cruise control was slow to respond, and the steering assist technology was unreliable, especially on freeway curves with inconsistent lane lines.