2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2023 Cadillac Escalade

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse was a practical choice for those who needed an SUV but didn't want the bulk or expense of a larger vehicle. It offered a balance between utility and style, with a design that included new headlights, taillights, and grille designs. The RS trim, in particular, featured blacked-out trim and 20-inch wheels, making it one of the more appealing options in its segment. Inside, the Traverse RS boasted black leather upholstery with contrasting stitching, though it was criticized for its use of hard plastics in areas where comfort was expected.

In contrast, the 2023 Cadillac Escalade was a statement of luxury and presence. Its massive size and bold design made it stand out, with features like thin LED lights and a darkened grille on the Sport Platinum trim. The interior was rich, with a 38-inch curved screen and high-quality materials, though some components were shared with less expensive GM models. The Escalade offered a spacious and comfortable cabin, with an emphasis on driver luxury, though the rear seats lacked the same level of refinement.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse featured a single engine option: a 3.6-liter V6 producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. It offered a tow rating of 5,000 pounds and various driving modes, including Tow/Haul and Off-Road. The Traverse delivered a firm yet comfortable ride, with a fuel economy of 20 mpg combined. It handled well in mountainous areas, though its tires and softer suspension at higher speeds were noted as drawbacks.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade came with a standard 6.2-liter V8 engine, delivering 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. It offered a towing capacity of up to 8,200 pounds with RWD. The Escalade-V variant featured a supercharged V8 with 682 horsepower, providing a significant performance boost. The optional 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 was praised for its smooth torque delivery and better fuel economy. The Escalade's magnetic dampers and air suspension contributed to its nimble handling, though wind noise was a concern at highway speeds.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse offered seating for seven with captain’s chairs in higher trims, providing easy access to the third row. It featured power-adjustable front seats, a heated steering wheel, and triple-zone climate control. The Traverse excelled in cargo space, with 23 cubic feet behind the third row and a maximum of 98.2 cubic feet. It included clever storage solutions, such as a hidden compartment behind the infotainment screen.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade boasted an exceptionally spacious interior, with 25 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 121 cubic feet with seats folded. Its independent rear suspension allowed for generous passenger space in all rows. The Escalade featured user-friendly controls, an optional front console refrigerator, and power-retractable side steps. The air suspension eased loading, and the tailgate's separate glass window was a practical touch.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came with a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth for two devices, and a WiFi hotspot. Higher trims included a digital instrumentation panel and a Bose sound system. The voice recognition system was praised for its accuracy, and the digital rearview mirror improved visibility.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade featured cutting-edge technology, including a vast OLED screen array and Super Cruise, a leading hands-free driving system. The Escalade offered night vision with pedestrian detection and a 36-speaker AKG audio system. The infotainment system was intuitive, with a smart interface and multiple gauge layouts. The rear-seat entertainment system could stream apps like Hulu.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse included Chevy Safety Assist as standard, with features like forward-collision warning and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims offered adaptive cruise control and a rear pedestrian alert system. The Traverse received top ratings in most IIHS tests, except for an "Acceptable" rating in a new side-impact test.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade earned four out of five stars from NHTSA, with lower ratings for front-passenger protection and rollover resistance. It included standard features like forward automatic emergency braking and a Safety Alert seat. Optional features included reverse emergency braking and Super Cruise.