2022 Porsche Macan vs 2022 Cadillac Escalade

The 2022 Porsche Macan continued to embody the brand's commitment to performance and style, maintaining a design that was nearly indistinguishable from its original 2015 model. Despite regular updates, the Macan retained its athletic and sleek appearance, characterized by a sloping clamshell hood and rakish roofline. The interior of the Macan was equally impressive, drawing inspiration from other Porsche models with its ignition switch to the left of the steering wheel and a large tachometer centered within the gauge cluster. The cabin, adorned with red leather and silver metallic accents, exuded an upscale, sporty, and purposeful vibe.

In contrast, the 2022 Cadillac Escalade made a bold statement with its unapologetically massive size and distinct styling elements. The front end, reminiscent of a diesel locomotive, featured a tall hood, vertical running lights, and horizontal headlights. The Escalade's design emphasized its bulk, with 22-inch wheels appearing small against the vast expanse of sheet metal. Inside, the Escalade offered a luxurious experience with leather upholstery, wood trim, and a panoramic sunroof. However, the interior lacked a cohesive design theme, and some materials appeared less premium than expected for a luxury SUV.

The 2022 Porsche Macan offered a range of powertrains, with the base model featuring a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 261 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The Macan GTS inherited a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 from the previous Macan Turbo, delivering 434 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. Our Macan S test vehicle was equipped with a twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6, generating 375 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. This engine allowed the Macan S to accelerate to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono Package. The Macan's seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission and fully variable all-wheel-drive system contributed to its dynamic performance. The Macan S also featured larger 20-inch wheels, Porsche Active Suspension Management, and optional performance upgrades, ensuring a thrilling driving experience.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade offered two powertrain options: a standard 6.2-liter gasoline V8 with 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, and an optional 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six diesel engine producing 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and available in rear-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive configurations. Our test vehicle featured the diesel engine, which provided smooth power delivery and a low torque peak, making it suitable for various driving situations. However, the Escalade's ride quality was less refined, with a body-on-frame construction and 22-inch wheels contributing to an unsettled ride. The Escalade's towing capacity was slightly lower than the Lincoln Navigator, and its off-road capabilities were limited compared to some competitors.

The 2022 Porsche Macan offered a comfortable driving experience for the driver and front-seat passenger, with optional 14-way power-adjustable front seats providing heating and ventilation. However, the rear seats were cramped, especially for taller passengers. The Macan's redesigned center console featured haptic touch controls, which looked modern but required the driver to look away from the road to use them. Cargo space was limited, with 17.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 53 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade, sharing its platform with other GM full-size SUVs, boasted a spacious interior with ample legroom in the first and third rows. The Escalade's cargo capacity was impressive, offering 25.5 cubic feet with all seats in place, 63.0 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 109.1 cubic feet with all rear seats down. However, the raised center console provided limited storage space, and the front seats, while adjustable, felt similar to those in other GM vehicles. Cadillac did include dedicated buttons for seat heating and ventilation, enhancing convenience.

The 2022 Porsche Macan came equipped with a 10.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system known as Porsche Communication Management (PCM). This system included wireless Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM satellite radio, a navigation system, and connected services. While the user experience was generally intuitive, the voice recognition system was less reliable compared to competitors. Fortunately, Porsche provided physical controls for frequently adjusted features, reducing the need to interact with the touchscreen while driving.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade featured an impressive 38-inch curved OLED display, consisting of three screens: a 14.2-inch digital instrument cluster, a 16.9-inch touchscreen, and a 7.2-inch screen for trip-computer functions. The display seamlessly integrated into the dashboard, with icons arranged to fit its shape. While the Escalade's infotainment system offered a range of features, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, some functions, like the carousel format for changing radio stations, were less user-friendly. The Escalade's OLED screens provided excellent resolution for the 360-degree camera system, enhancing visibility.

The 2022 Porsche Macan included standard safety features such as adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. Blind-spot monitoring was optional, and our test vehicle included it as part of the Premium Package. While the Macan's safety technologies performed as expected, it lacked more advanced driver-assistance features. The Macan also offered optional parking assistance features, including a surround-view camera and Park Assist system.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade came with a comprehensive suite of driver-assist technologies, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. The Escalade's Safety Alert Seat provided tactile feedback for various warnings. Super Cruise, a sophisticated driver-assist system, was available as an option, offering hands-free driving on pre-mapped highways. While Super Cruise impressed with its smooth operation, the Escalade lacked safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.