2023 Cadillac Escalade vs 2022 Lexus NX

The 2022 Lexus NX, redesigned and available in four model series, offered a range of trims from base to Luxury, with prices starting at $37,950. The NX 350 F Sport and Luxury trims were highlighted for their distinct design features, such as the unique mesh-pattern grille and sport-bolstered seats in the F Sport. The NX's design was unmistakably Lexus, featuring a prominent spindle grille and new block lettering on the tailgate. The interior aimed for a minimalist look, with a focus on decluttering, though some controls integrated into the touchscreen were not immediately intuitive.

In contrast, the 2023 Cadillac Escalade was a behemoth, towering nearly six-and-a-half feet and offering a spacious interior with three rows of leather seats. The Escalade's design was athletic and trim, with thin LED lights and a darkened chrome finish on the Sport Platinum trim. The interior boasted a luxurious first row with a 38-inch curved screen and high-quality wood trim. However, some elements borrowed from cheaper GM vehicles detracted from the overall luxury feel, especially in the second and third rows.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered two electrified versions, with the NX 350h delivering 239 horsepower and the NX 450h+ offering 302 horsepower with a 36-mile electric range. The NX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The F Sport trim added adaptive suspension and performance dampers, enhancing its sporty feel. The NX was praised for its composed handling, though it lacked off-road capabilities.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade came with a standard 6.2-liter V8 engine producing 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, achieving a combined 16 mpg. The Escalade-V variant offered a supercharged V8 with 682 horsepower, providing significant acceleration improvements. An optional 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 was also available, offering better fuel economy at 22 mpg combined. The Escalade's magnetic dampers and air suspension contributed to its nimble handling, though wind noise was noticeable at highway speeds.

The 2022 Lexus NX provided a cozy interior with improved cargo space, offering 22.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 46.9 cubic feet with them folded. The NX featured comfortable seating with available heated and ventilated options, and a panoramic sunroof extended over the back seat. The Luxury trim included ambient lighting with various themes.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade excelled in interior space, offering 25 cubic feet behind the third row, 73 cubic feet behind the second, and 121 cubic feet with both rows down. The Escalade ESV variant provided even more room. The interior was user-friendly, with simple controls and an optional front console refrigerator. Power-retractable side steps and an air suspension facilitated access and cargo loading.

The 2022 Lexus NX introduced the Lexus Interface infotainment system with a 9.8-inch or optional 14-inch touchscreen. It featured wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice recognition, and cloud-based services. A 10-speaker sound system was standard, with an optional 17-speaker Mark Levinson system. The NX also offered a digital mirror and a head-up display.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade featured OLED screens across the dash, providing sharp visuals. Super Cruise, a hands-free highway driving system, was a standout feature, offering advanced driver assistance. The Escalade also included night vision with pedestrian detection and a 36-speaker AKG audio system. The rear-seat entertainment system could stream apps like Hulu.

The 2022 Lexus NX came with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including features like Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist and Oncoming Vehicle Detection. It also offered blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safe Exit Assist. Premium trims added adaptive lighting and semi-autonomous parking assist.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade received four out of five stars from the NHTSA, with standard features like forward automatic emergency braking and a Safety Alert seat. Optional features included reverse emergency braking and Super Cruise. The Escalade's safety ratings were slightly lower due to frontal crash and rollover resistance scores.