2022 Lexus NX vs 2022 Cadillac Escalade

When the redesigned 2022 Lexus NX went on sale in December 2021, it was available in four model series: NX 250, NX 350, NX 350h, and NX 450h+. Depending on the model, trim levels included base, Premium, F Sport, and Luxury, with base prices ranging from $37,950 to $49,000, excluding the $1,075 destination charge. The NX 250 and turbocharged NX 350 were not electrified, while the NX 350h was a hybrid, and the NX 450h+ was a plug-in hybrid based on the Toyota Rav4 Prime. The NX 350 in F Sport and Luxury trims was the focus of this review.

The NX's design was unmistakably Lexus, featuring a prominent spindle grille and refined styling details similar to the Lexus IS sports sedan. The new model was longer, wider, and taller than its predecessor, offering more passenger and cargo space. Most NX models had NuLuxe simulated leather, while the NX Luxury included real leather and open-pore wood trim. The F Sport trim distinguished itself with unique exterior and interior features, including sport-bolstered seats and a black headliner. The interior adopted a minimalist look, with many functions integrated into the available 14-inch touchscreen, which could be challenging to use quickly. However, physical controls for frequently used functions remained, and the quality levels were generally high, despite some minor issues.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade made a strong first impression with its unapologetically massive size. The grille, LED daytime running lights, and taillights were scaled to match the Escalade's bulk, with the taillights vaguely recalling classic Cadillac tailfins. The front end, with its tall hood and vertical running lights, looked more like a diesel locomotive than a car. The various styling elements emphasized the vehicle's bulk, and the 22-inch wheels looked tiny compared to the vast expanse of sheet metal.

The Escalade followed the pattern of other Cadillac SUVs, offering different trim pieces for "sport" and "luxury" models. The Luxury and Premium Luxury trims featured bright exterior trim and wheels, while the Sport trim had darkened trim, including a mesh grille. The Escalade rode on the same body-on-frame architecture as other GM full-size SUVs and trucks, which may not seem ideal for a luxury vehicle but had not deterred customers. The interior checked all the boxes for luxury, with leather upholstery, wood trim, and a massive panoramic sunroof, but lacked a cohesive design theme. Some materials looked nice, but there were still cheap-looking plastic bits.

Electrification was a key focus for the 2022 Lexus NX, with two electrified versions available. The NX 350h offered a combined output of 239 horsepower and an EPA-estimated 39 mpg in combined driving. The NX 450h+, with its high-capacity lithium-ion battery, was a 302-hp plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) delivering an estimated 36 miles of pure electric range before switching to gas-electric hybrid operation. The NX 350 had a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder gas engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive (AWD).

The NX 250 had a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, delivered to front-wheel drive (FWD) through an eight-speed continuously variable transmission (CVT), with AWD as an option. Both the NX 250 and NX 350 offered Normal, Sport, and Eco driving modes, while the NX 350 F Sport added Sport S, Sport+, and Custom modes, along with an adaptive variable sports suspension. The F Sport felt taut and lean on winding roads, while the NX 350 Luxury offered a softer driving character. Lexus claimed a 0-60 mph time of 6.6 seconds for the NX 350, with observed fuel economy of 22.2 mpg for the F Sport and 25.5 mpg for the Luxury. The NX was not suitable for off-road use, with limited ground clearance and approach/departure angles.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade offered two powertrain choices. The standard 6.2-liter gasoline V8 produced 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. The optional Duramax 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six diesel engine produced 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard rear-wheel-drive (RWD) or optional four-wheel-drive (4WD) drivetrains. A 2023 Cadillac Escalade-V performance model was available, with a 682-hp 6.2-liter supercharged V8.

The Escalade diesel was smooth and powerful, with a lower torque peak of 1,500 rpm, making it an asset when pulling away from a stop. The gasoline engine had a maximum towing capacity of 8,200 pounds, slightly more than the diesel. However, the Escalade's ride was unsettled, with its body-on-frame construction and 22-inch wheels contributing to a less comfortable and composed ride compared to unibody SUVs. The Escalade also lacked off-road capability, with no equivalent to the off-road-focused trims of its GM cousins.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered more interior room for people and cargo, but it didn't necessarily feel that way from the driver's seat. The new dashboard design created a more intimate and cozy feeling compared to the previous NX. The NX was comfortable, especially with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The F Sport trim offered better bolstering for the front seats, and thoughtful padding on the driver’s door panel and center console added to the comfort.

Rear-seat passengers enjoyed roomy accommodations, with rear air conditioning vents, heated cushions, and USB ports. The panoramic glass sunroof extended over the back seat, enhancing the sense of space. The NX had a 14% increase in cargo space, with 22.7 cubic feet behind the back seat and 46.9 cubic feet with the back seats folded.

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 Escalade ESV was 227 inches long. The Escalade 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 as standard. The second row could also be equipped with a power-folding 60/40 bench seat.

The Escalade excelled in cargo space, 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 12-way power adjustable front seats with massage and lumbar support felt like they could have come from one of the Escalade’s GM cousins. Cadillac did get some details right, including dedicated buttons for seat heating and ventilation and large sun visors.

The 2022 Lexus NX took a huge leap forward in technology with the new Lexus Interface infotainment system. The system featured large touchscreen displays, natural voice recognition, music streaming from popular services, and cloud-based features. A 9.8-inch touchscreen display was standard, with a 14-inch screen as an optional upgrade. Standard equipment included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Voice Assistant technology, and readiness for five different connected service subscription plans.

A 10-speaker sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround system available as an option. The new Voice Assistant and Intelligent Assistant systems responded to natural voice commands, and Lexus included a complimentary three-year trial subscription to its new Drive Connect service. Additional technologies included a digital mirror, a 10-inch head-up display, and User Profiles for storing preferences and settings.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade featured one of the most elaborate infotainment displays, with a 38-inch curved OLED display comprising three screens. A 14.2-inch digital instrument cluster was flanked by 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 blended nicely with the dashboard, and the touchscreen’s icons were arranged to fit its shape.

The Escalade also offered a 360-degree camera system, a rearview camera mirror, night vision, and augmented-reality navigation. A 19-speaker AKG Studio sound system was standard, but it was difficult to tune properly. The Escalade’s tech features were impressive, but there were some usability issues, such as the carousel format for changing radio stations and the rotary controller.

The 2022 Lexus NX included the standard Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 (LSS+ 3.0) collection of technologies, featuring advanced driver assistance and collision avoidance systems. New features included Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, Oncoming Pedestrian Detection, and Curve Speed Management. The Emergency Driving Stop System reacted to an unresponsive driver and brought the NX to a stop in its lane of travel.

The NX also had standard blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and Safe Exit Assist technology. Premium trim added rear pedestrian detection, an adaptive front lighting system, semi-autonomous parking assist, and rear cross-traffic braking. The Vision Package included a panoramic view monitoring system, front cross-traffic alert, and lane-change assistance.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade included standard driver-assist tech such as adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, front and rear park assist, lane-keep assist, and lane-departure warning. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on Premium Luxury and higher trims, with trailer blind-spot monitoring on Premium Luxury Platinum trims and above. Super Cruise, a sophisticated driver-assist system, was a $2,500 option on most trims.

Super Cruise allowed for hands-free driving on pre-mapped highways, using a driver-facing camera to check for distraction. The system’s responses were smooth and natural, making it easier to place the Escalade on the road. However, safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available for this model year.