2023 Cadillac Escalade vs 2022 Subaru Outback

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness stood out with its elevated stance, offering 9.5 inches of ground clearance, which was 0.8 inches higher than other Outback models. This gave it a more rugged appearance, akin to a Jeep, with aggressive all-terrain tires, oversized fender protection, and restyled bumpers for improved approach and departure angles. Unique design elements like a distinctive grille, black 17-inch wheels, and Anodized Copper accents further distinguished it. The interior featured dark gray and black StarTex water-repellant upholstery, Anodized Copper stitching, and all-weather floor mats, creating a purposeful and stylish cabin.

In contrast, the 2023 Cadillac Escalade was a towering presence, nearly six-and-a-half feet tall and up to 19 feet long. It exuded luxury with three rows of leather seats and a plethora of advanced technology. The Sport Platinum trim added a sleek touch with darkened chrome accents and a black honeycomb mesh grille. The interior boasted a 38-inch curved OLED screen, seven choices of wood trim, and a variety of leather combinations. However, some parts, like the heated seat controls and shifter, were shared with cheaper GM vehicles, detracting from the overall luxury feel.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), provided adequate power for its 3,896-pound weight and a towing capacity of 3,500 lbs. The EPA estimated 24 mpg in combined driving, though real-world testing showed 21.3 mpg on a mountainous route. The Wilderness trim's standout features included 9.5 inches of ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and a dual-function X-Mode traction system, making it the most capable Outback for off-road adventures.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade offered a standard 6.2-liter V8 engine with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, achieving a combined 16 mpg with optional four-wheel drive. For those seeking more power, the Escalade-V featured a supercharged Corvette V8 with 682 horsepower and 653 lb-ft of torque. An optional 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 provided 277 horsepower and better fuel economy at 22 mpg combined. The Escalade's magnetic dampers and air suspension enhanced its handling, while the 4WD system, though rudimentary, offered decent off-road capability. However, wind noise at highway speeds and the heavy feel during acceleration were notable drawbacks.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured dark gray StarTex upholstery, which was water-repellant but could be uncomfortable in hot weather. The front seats offered 10-way power adjustment for the driver and 8-way for the passenger, with heated seats for both rows. Rear seat space was generous, with air conditioning vents and USB charging ports. The cargo area provided 32.5 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 75.7 cubic feet with the seat folded flat. The robust roof rack could support a 700-pound static load, ideal for rooftop camping.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade excelled in interior space, offering 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 variant provided even more room. The controls were user-friendly, with a smart and fast infotainment system. An optional front console refrigerator, power-retractable side steps, and an air suspension that lowered the vehicle for easier loading were practical features. However, the second-row seats were not powered, which was a minor inconvenience.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which dominated the dashboard. While it had physical knobs for volume and temperature control, most functions required the touchscreen. Voice recognition was not very intuitive, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available. A notable feature was the PIN code entry system, allowing the key fob to be left inside the vehicle during outdoor activities.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade boasted a span of OLED screens across the dash, providing sharp and clear visuals. A front camera displayed a high-res feed of the road, and Super Cruise, a $2,500 option, offered the best hands-free highway driving system. The Escalade also featured night vision with pedestrian detection, a 36-speaker AKG audio system, and massaging front seats. The rear-seat entertainment system could stream apps like Hulu, and the LED headlights were exceptionally bright.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was equipped with EyeSight advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. It also had steering-responsive headlights and a blind-spot warning system. The Outback earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade received four out of five stars from the NHTSA, with lower ratings for front-passenger protection and rollover resistance. Standard safety features included 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, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and Super Cruise.