2023 Volvo XC90 vs 2022 Cadillac Escalade

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade commanded attention with its presence. This wasn't just another large SUV; it embraced its size proudly with exaggerated features like a massive grille, striking LED daytime running lights and taillights reminiscent of classic Cadillac tailfins. The front end's design, with its tall hood and locomotive-like vertical running lights and horizontal headlights, emphasized its bulk and made a bold statement.

In contrast, the 2023 Volvo XC90 exuded a more subtle elegance. Gone were the days of boxy Volvos, replaced by a design that appeared both robust and refined. The front end looked solid without being ostentatious, and the grille displayed assertiveness without overwhelming the design. The distinctive “Thor's Hammer” headlights added a modern touch, and the overall silhouette was rectilinear yet stylish.

Both vehicles catered to different tastes. The Escalade offered a variety of trims to emphasize either luxury or sport, each with specific exterior elements. Meanwhile, the XC90 focused on a minimalist aesthetic, with our test vehicle's Platinum Gray paint adding a touch of depth and elegance. Inside, the XC90 continued this theme with a beautifully designed interior featuring two-tone leather, metal speaker covers, and wood deco inlays, whereas the Escalade's interior, while luxurious, felt a bit disjointed with some cheap-looking plastics amid high-end materials.

Under the hood, the 2022 Cadillac Escalade presented two powertrain options. The standard 6.2-liter gasoline V8 produced an impressive 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, while a $100 option allowed buyers to opt for GM’s Duramax 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six diesel engine, providing 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. Both engines came paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and offered either rear-wheel-drive (RWD) or four-wheel-drive (4WD). The diesel engine, despite its lower horsepower, provided smooth power delivery and a favorable torque peak, making it effective for most driving scenarios.

On the other hand, the 2023 Volvo XC90 moved towards mild-hybrid technology with its new B5 and B6 engines, replacing the previous T5 and T6 iterations. The B5 combined a turbocharger with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system to produce 247 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the B6 added a supercharger to churn out 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. This mild-hybrid setup improved fuel efficiency slightly and ensured a smoother operation, though it wasn’t a full-hybrid system.

Driving the XC90 was a pleasure, with its responsive eight-speed automatic transmission, solid brakes, and minimal road noise. Meanwhile, the Escalade impressed with its towing capacity (up to 8,200 pounds with the gasoline engine) but fell short in ride comfort due to its body-on-frame construction and 22-inch wheels.

Interior space and cargo capacity are critical in this segment. The 2022 Cadillac Escalade, built on the same platform as other GM full-size SUVs, provided a cavernous cabin. With the standard model measuring 211.9 inches long and the extended ESV model stretching to 227 inches, it offered extensive room for passengers and cargo. The Escalade boasted 25.5 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place, 63.0 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a whopping 109.1 cubic feet with all rear seats folded down.

In contrast, the 2023 Volvo XC90, while elegant, did not match the Escalade’s cargo capacity. With its third-row seats in place, it provided 12.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 65.5 cubic feet with all rear seats down. This was notably less than the Escalade but still competitive within its class.

Both vehicles had their quirks in terms of interior design. The Escalade offered ample space but sacrificed some functionality with limited storage options and uncomfortable front seats. The XC90, while beautifully designed, fell short in terms of practical storage space for smaller items and had a challenging third-row access.

Technologically, the 2022 Cadillac Escalade stood out with its 38-inch curved OLED display, which integrated three screens into one cohesive unit. This setup included a 14.2-inch digital instrument cluster, a 16.9-inch touchscreen, and a 7.2-inch trip-computer screen. It featured wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with an intuitive layout. However, some functions such as changing radio stations via a carousel format proved less user-friendly.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch vertically oriented touchscreen running Google OS, the first to include this technology as standard. It seamlessly integrated Google Maps, Spotify, and Google Assistant, enhancing the user experience with excellent natural-language recognition. Despite this, the reliance on the touchscreen for many functions could be frustrating, and more physical buttons would have been appreciated.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade included a broad array of standard driver-assist technologies such as adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Its Super Cruise system, which allowed for hands-free driving on pre-mapped highways, was a standout feature, though it required constant driver attention and wasn’t available on the base model. Unfortunately, safety ratings from neither the IIHS nor NHTSA were available for this model year.

Conversely, the 2023 Volvo XC90 excelled in safety, earning a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. It came packed with advanced safety tech including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and Volvo's Pilot Assist system, all contributing to a secure driving experience that handled Boston traffic with ease.