2023 Cadillac Escalade vs 2022 Land Rover Range Rover

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover underwent a subtle evolution rather than a complete redesign. Its front and side profiles remained largely unchanged from the previous generation, maintaining the broad, rounded face and expansive sheet metal. A notable update was the vertical accent strip under the mirrors, replacing the old L-shaped trim. The rear of the vehicle saw the most significant change, with the introduction of thin LED taillights integrated into a darker trim, replacing the previous square lights. The Range Rover continued to emphasize its size, especially in the long-wheelbase version, which added eight inches to its length. Inside, the cabin was simplified with fewer buttons and a larger touchscreen, while maintaining a familiar design. The materials used were of high quality, with premium leather and rich wood trim, contributing to a luxurious feel.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade was a commanding presence, standing nearly six-and-a-half feet tall and requiring significant space to park. It was designed for show, appealing to a variety of consumers from pop musicians to large families. Despite its size, the Escalade appeared athletic, thanks to design elements like thin LED lights and darkened chrome bits on the Sport Platinum trim. The interior was rich, featuring a 38-inch curved screen array and multiple wood trim options. However, some components, like the heated seat controls and shifter, were shared with cheaper GM vehicles, detracting from the luxury experience. The Escalade's most luxurious features were concentrated in the driver's area, leaving the rear seats less impressive in terms of luxury.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover offered two powertrains: the base P400 with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, and the P530 with a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine delivering 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. The P400 provided effortless acceleration, reaching 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, while the P530 offered even more power. The Range Rover was surprisingly agile for its size, with well-managed body roll and a calm driving experience. It featured standard rear-wheel steering for easier maneuverability and retained its off-road capabilities with the Terrain Response system.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade came with a standard 6.2-liter V8 engine producing 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, suitable for towing up to 8,200 pounds. However, its acceleration felt heavy, and the 10-speed automatic transmission was more suited for gentle cruising. The Escalade-V variant addressed acceleration with a supercharged V8 engine delivering 682 hp and 653 lb-ft of torque, but this seemed excessive. An optional 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 offered better fuel economy and smooth torque delivery. The Escalade's 4WD system was basic, with a center differential that locked torque 50:50 front to rear. The vehicle's magnetic dampers and air suspension improved handling, but wind noise was noticeable at highway speeds.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover provided ample space in the first two rows, enhanced by large windows and a panoramic sunroof. Front seats were comfortable, with available massage functions, and there was plenty of storage space. The second row offered power recline and sliding adjustments, along with climate controls and USB-C ports. The optional third row was less spacious, suitable for smaller passengers, and cargo space was limited to 17.1 cubic feet behind it. However, folding the third row expanded capacity to 43.1 cubic feet, and the split tailgate facilitated loading.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade boasted a spacious interior, with 25 cubic feet behind the third row, 73 cubic feet behind the second row, and 121 cubic feet with both rows down. The Escalade ESV offered even more space. The independent rear suspension allowed for generous headroom and legroom in all rows. The controls were user-friendly, with a smart touchscreen interface and multiple gauge layouts. An optional front console refrigerator and power-retractable side steps added convenience. The air suspension lowered the vehicle for easier loading, and the tailgate featured a separate glass window.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover featured a new 13-inch touchscreen with the Pivi Pro infotainment system, offering sharper graphics and quicker responses. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a wireless charging pad. The Meridian audio system provided excellent sound quality, with an optional 35-speaker upgrade. Other tech features included Amazon Alexa integration, remote automated parking, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade was equipped with OLED screens across the dash, providing sharp and clear displays. The front camera projected a high-resolution feed on the instrument panel, enhancing navigation. Super Cruise, a hands-free highway driving system, was a standout feature, using infrared eye-tracking cameras for safety. The Escalade also offered night vision with pedestrian detection and a 36-speaker AKG audio system. The front seats had massage functions, and the rear-seat entertainment system could stream apps like Hulu.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover had not been rated by NHTSA or IIHS. It came standard with frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. These features performed well, but some rivals offered additional safety technologies.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade received four out of five stars from NHTSA, with lower ratings for front-passenger protection and rollover resistance. It had standard forward automatic emergency braking, a Safety Alert seat, rear parking sensors, and a rear seat reminder. Optional features included reverse emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and Super Cruise.