2023 Cadillac Escalade vs 2022 Ford Expedition

The 2022 Ford Expedition underwent several changes, such as exterior styling revisions and updated infotainment technology. At the front, a new grille, revamped headlights, and a redesigned bumper gave the Expedition a renewed appearance, while the rear received updated taillights, revamped tailgate trim, and a fresh bumper. The redesigned wheels were introduced across the 2022 Expedition model lineup.

Similar to its predecessor, the 2022 Expedition was available in XL STX, XLT, Limited, King Ranch, and Platinum trim levels. It offered both standard- and extended-length (Expedition Max) body styles, with prices ranging from just over $55,000 to nearly $84,000, including the destination charge. Those looking to venture off-road had the Timberline trim, equipped with standard four-wheel drive (4WD), all-terrain tires, suspension adjustments, enhanced ground clearance, a skid plate, and off-roading tech like Trail Turn Assist, priced around $72,500.

The Stealth Edition packages were exclusive to the Limited trim, including black 22-inch wheels, significant "EXPEDITION" lettering on the hood, and a blend of blacked-out and body-color exterior trim elements. The Stealth Performance Package added red-painted brake calipers. The test vehicle's Stone Blue Metallic color stood out and received many comments and compliments during public use.

Inside, a revamped dashboard housed the new Sync 4 and Sync 4A infotainment systems, the latter featuring a large 15.5-inch touchscreen display in portrait orientation. The SUV also offered an available 12.4-inch digital instrumentation display, which was included in the leather-adorned Limited Stealth Edition.

The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) reached $80,155 for the standard-length test model, which included 4WD, extra-cost paint, the Stealth Package, a Heavy Duty Trailer Tow Package, an electronic limited-slip rear differential, and the larger Sync 4A infotainment touchscreen. Although it was financially on the higher side, the combination of leather seats, cushioned padding, and impressive tech justified the cost, despite some lower-quality F-150 pickup-grade plastic trim and switchgear.

Meanwhile, the 2023 Cadillac Escalade stood almost six-and-a-half feet tall and required 18 to 19 feet of length for parking. The base Escalade was a motorized cargo container, while the Escalade ESV was 15 inches longer, primarily extending the wheelbase.

Any version of the Escalade, whether the standard or ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban, or GMC Yukon/Yukon XL, was designed for show, attracting pop musicians, overzealous parents, wannabe federal agents, or boaters with large families. Its oversized appearance was emphasized by Cadillac’s aptly worded tagline “Never stop arriving.”

Although the Escalade was massive, it wore its size gracefully, looking athletic and trim. Cadillac achieved this by pairing thin LED taillights, headlights, and running lights that minimized the vehicle’s perceived width. For the Sport Platinum trim, the chrome bits on the grille, bumpers, windows, and sills were darkened, masking its mass. The Escalade’s exterior had appealing horizontal leading lines and frontal contours, giving it some aerodynamic semblance. These design choices embodied a sense of pride in its dimensions, attractive to many buyers.

The Escalade came in six trims, all equipped with 22-inch wheels and three-foot-high taillights that performed an elaborate lighting sequence upon unlocking. The Sport Platinum trim featured a black honeycomb mesh grille, more desirable than the designs on the Luxury trims or the Platinum’s star-studded appearance. Identifying the new Escalade V-Series required noting the quad exhaust tips, red brake calipers, and open lower grille, resembling the stealthy Sport Platinum.

Inside, the first row of the Escalade looked luxurious, featuring a 38-inch array of screens edged with leather and seven wood trim choices with exquisite inlays. The base Luxury model had leatherette upholstery, while higher trims offered various single- and two-tone leather combinations with intricate details like checker-patterned seat perforations.

However, the allure diminished when interacting with features like the heated seat controls, shifter, infotainment knob, or the second- and third-row seats, which lacked the expected Cadillac exclusivity. Many components were sourced from less expensive GM vehicles, and overall, the richer and fanciest parts were limited to the driver’s area, neglecting the other seven seats.

Cadillac addressed this issue in the 2023 Lyriq, blending the Escalade’s screens into a cabin designed uniquely for Cadillac, showcasing a brand-crafted feel.

For 2022, the Ford Expedition utilized a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, with some versions offering a high-output variant. The standard version produced 380 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 470 pound-feet of torque at 2,250 rpm, increasing to 400 hp and 480 lb-ft on 93-octane fuel. With the Stealth Edition Performance Package, output would rise to 440 hp and 510 lb-ft.

The V6 engine drove the rear wheels through a 10-speed automatic transmission, with 4WD being optional. Fuel economy ranged between 17 to 19 mpg in combined driving, and towing capacity varied between 9,000 and 9,300 pounds, depending on the model and equipment.

Though towing was not tested, the Expedition’s accelerating power was addictive, with the twin-turbo V6 delivering a signature sound different but equally pleasing as a traditional V8. This power craving resulted in an observed fuel economy of 16.2 mpg, lower than the EPA rating of 18 mpg.

A diesel-powered Chevy Tahoe or GMC Yukon offered slightly better fuel economy, but the Expedition’s turbocharged engine, spacious cabin, and impressive technology were highly attractive.

Our test vehicle could have benefited from the adaptive damping suspension available on the King Ranch and Platinum trims, reducing some ride harshness experienced with the sport-tuned suspension. The 22-inch wheels and 285/45 tires enhanced handling and grip but contributed to ride quality issues. However, the Expedition was surprisingly easy to park, supported by excellent visibility, front and rear parking sensors, and a 360-degree surround-view camera.

The Expedition excelled on highways, comfortably accommodating a family day trip with its panoramic glass roof, large side windows, and three rows of seats, making it ideal for long road trips, needing only to manage tire noise on certain pavements.

In comparison, the 2023 Cadillac Escalade enhanced the driving experience even further. The standard 6.2-liter gasoline V8 engine offered 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. While the engine sounded powerful, its acceleration was not as rapid as expected. It excelled in gentle cruising, where the V8 could shut off up to six cylinders, improving fuel economy to an impressive combined 16 mpg.

For towing, the Escalade’s 8200-pound capacity (RWD model) was sufficient, but the vehicle felt sluggish in passing situations. The 10-speed automatic transmission functioned well, though in Sport mode, the powertrain seemed to struggle. Competitors like the Grand Wagoneer, Navigator, and Infiniti QX80 were more responsive.

The Escalade-V tackled acceleration concerns by incorporating a supercharged Corvette V8 engine, boosting output to 682 hp and 653 lb-ft of torque. This was complemented by appropriately sized front brakes, while the standard Escalade’s rotors appeared meager. The supercharged V8’s power seemed excessive, though something in between its output and the standard V8’s 420 hp would be ideal.

For a balanced option, Cadillac offered a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 that provided immediate torque and smoother performance, comparable to the regular V8’s power. The turbodiesel offered a combined 22 mpg fuel economy with 4WD, a considerable improvement.

The Escalade’s 4WD system, while more rudimentary, was sufficient for a full-size luxury SUV. The system required manual engagement of 4H in low-traction conditions to prevent wheel binding. An “auto” mode engaged 4H when rear-wheel slip was detected, though engaging 4H manually beforehand proved more effective. The Escalade’s magnetic dampers and superbly tuned steering minimized body roll and enhanced maneuverability, complemented by an optional air suspension on higher trims, though rough pavements could still unsettle the ride.

The 2022 Ford Expedition stood out among full-size SUVs for its spaciousness and comfort. Entering and exiting the vehicle was simplified with available power running boards. Passengers enjoyed ample room and unobstructed views, making it a more enjoyable experience compared to rivals.

The test vehicle featured power-adjustable, leather-wrapped, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a wide console separating the seats. This console included extensive storage, hidden cupholders, and a wireless charging pad. Higher trim levels offered massaging seats. Second-row seats provided plenty of legroom and comfort, with climate controls and overhead air vents enhancing the experience. Despite tight toe room, the third-row seating was easily accessible, offering good leg support but limited headroom. Cargo space behind the third row measured 19.3 cubic feet, expandable by folding seats to 57.5 cubic feet behind the second row and 104.6 cubic feet with all seats down. The Expedition Max variant offered increased cargo space with 34.3 cubic feet behind the third row and 121.5 cubic feet with seats down.

However, the 2023 Cadillac Escalade excelled with even more interior space. It offered 25 cubic feet behind the third row, 73 cubic feet behind the second row, and a cavernous 121 cubic feet with both rows folded. This made the Escalade roomier than competitors like the Lincoln Navigator L. The Escalade ESV variant provided a maximum of 143 cubic feet, outshining the Jeep Grand Wagoneer L.

Beyond space, the Escalade featured user-friendly controls. The main menu appeared as a carousel of icons, transitioning to a tiled array when the touchscreen was approached. The climate controls, shortcut buttons, and easy-to-read menus simplified driving. Optional power-retractable side steps facilitated access, and the air suspension could lower the truck for ease of loading and unloading. The tailgate’s separate glass window allowed convenient access, especially for dog owners. The second-row seats, however, were not powered like the third row, a minor drawback.

The 2022 Expedition offered advanced infotainment with Ford’s Sync 4 and Sync 4A systems. The standard Sync 4 included a 12-inch touchscreen with physical controls for stereo and climate, while Sync 4A replaced it with a 15.5-inch touchscreen featuring a single dial for volume control. Both systems offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, FordPass Connect, natural voice recognition, and connected navigation. Higher trims added features like SiriusXM satellite radio, HD Radio, wireless charging, and premium Bang & Olufsen sound systems. The Sync 4A’s adaptive dashcard user interface and personal driver profiles enhanced usability.

Despite the advanced system, there were quirks such as difficulties with Apple CarPlay restarting and occasional touchscreen misactivations. The rear-seat entertainment system was upgraded with Amazon Fire TV, allowing streaming and gaming, though not present in the test vehicle. Pro Trailer Backup Assist 2.0 made trailer reversing easier with dashboard knob inputs.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade set new standards with its OLED screens, providing sharp displays across the dashboard. The front camera displayed a high-resolution feed with navigation overlays directly in the driver’s field of view, an improvement over competitors. Super Cruise, a $2,500 option, offered the best hands-free highway driving system, using infrared cameras to track eye movement and alert drivers if distracted. It worked on over 200,000 miles of U.S. highways, requiring no intervention except for lane changes.

The Escalade expanded on Cadillac’s history with a pedestrian-detection display overlaying people on the instrument panel and a 36-speaker AKG audio system providing immersive sound. Other features included massaging front seats, rear-seat streaming capabilities, and bright LED headlights, enhancing the luxury experience.

The 2022 Ford Expedition offered comprehensive safety features through its Ford Co-Pilot360 packages. The standard package included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, a driver monitoring system, automatic high-beam headlights, and a rear-seat reminder system.

Starting from Limited trim, the Co-Pilot360 Assist+ added adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, lane-centering assist, speed-limit-sign recognition, intersection assist, and evasive steering assist. The King Ranch and Platinum trims included the Co-Pilot Assist 2.0 with a surround-view camera and rear automatic emergency braking. Additionally, Ford introduced Road Edge Detection, possibly included in the Assist+ package.

Ford’s BlueCruise hands-free driving technology was available, operating on approved highways and combining adaptive cruise control with autonomous steering. During evaluation, adaptive cruise control performed smoothly, but the lane-centering assist had occasional issues. The system sometimes struggled to sense hands on the steering wheel and exhibited erratic behavior in heavy traffic, causing unease.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade earned four out of five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), with some lower ratings for front-passenger protection in a frontal crash and rollover resistance. Standard safety features included forward automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, a Safety Alert seat, rear parking sensors, and a rear seat reminder. Optional features included reverse emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and Super Cruise. Testing revealed some inconsistencies, such as erroneous stops with reverse emergency braking.