2023 Cadillac Escalade vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

Toyota Sienna has always proudly inhabited the minivan niche that other manufacturers hastily abandoned. Notably, Ford, General Motors, Mazda, Nissan, and Volkswagen all ceased their minivan production, leaving a gap that Toyota eagerly continues to fill. The Sienna's lineage dates back to the Toyota Van of 1984, with the innovative Previa following in 1990. The Sienna itself debuted in 1998 and has progressively evolved since, with the fourth-generation model launching in 2021.

Despite its undeniable minivan DNA, the latest Sienna attempted to exude SUV style. The macho front end and cleverly re-engineered sliding side doors—which tuck the slider channel beneath the rear side window frame—gave it a more assertive stance. Styling details on the rear fender well further masked its minivan roots. With standard 17-inch wheels on base models—upgradable to 18- or 20-inch wheels in higher trims—the Sienna's look was cohesive and modern.

Inside, the Sienna provided an uncluttered, family-friendly design, filled with convenient storage solutions such as an under-console open storage area, big door pockets, and abundant cup holders. The second and third rows offered comfortable, roomy seating with an option for luxurious second-row captain’s chairs with ottomans. The 60/40-split third-row bench was standard, easily stowing away into the floor to increase cargo space.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade was a behemoth, standing six-and-a-half feet tall and stretching 18 to 19 feet long. This massive SUV, also available in the longer ESV variant, projected an aura of grandeur and power. Sharing the hefty body with Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban and GMC Yukon/Yukon XL, Escalade’s physical presence dominated the road.

Yet, Cadillac’s design magically transformed this bulk into something athletic and refined. Thin LED lights gave an illusion of narrowness, and the Sport Platinum trim darkened chrome accents, further enhancing its sleek look. Aerodynamic contours and horizontal leading lines on the side profile added to its aesthetic appeal. The 22-inch wheels and three different grille designs—particularly the black honeycomb mesh on the Sport trims—also contributed to its visual charisma.

Inside the Escalade, luxury reigned supreme—at least in the first row. A 38-inch curved array of screens adorned the dashboard, surrounded by the finest wood inlays seen outside of a Rolls-Royce. High-quality leather upholsteries and tasteful details enriched the cabin. However, some lower-quality components borrowed from lesser GM vehicles detracted from the fully luxurious experience, especially in the second and third rows, where the seating and features felt notably less premium.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna retained its hybrid powertrain, a pioneering feature in the minivan realm. Utilizing a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine combined with two electric motors, it produced a total output of 243 horsepower. The Sienna offered standard FWD with an optional AWD system that added another electric motor for the rear wheels, simplifying the drivetrain while enhancing traction.

Equipped with an electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), the Sienna delivered power seamlessly and efficiently. Drivers could select from four drive modes—Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport—via a toggle on the center console. The Toyota Next Generation Architecture (TNGA) platform contributed to the minivan’s surprisingly adept handling, reducing body roll and ensuring a comfortable highway ride.

The standout aspect was its impressive fuel economy, with EPA ratings of 36 mpg city/highway/combined for FWD models, and 35 mpg city/highway/combined for AWD variants. The 288-volt nickel metal-hydride battery pack, strategically placed under the front seats, came with a robust 10-year/150,000-mile warranty.

The standard 2023 Cadillac Escalade featured a robust 6.2-liter gasoline V8 engine delivering 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. This made it a competent tower (up to 8200 pounds for RWD models) but less agile than its competitors like the Jeep Grand Wagoneer and Lincoln Navigator. Despite its formidable growl, the V8 favored gentle cruising with cylinder deactivation under mild load, achieving a respectable 16 mpg in the standard length with optional 4WD.

For those seeking more punch, the Escalade-V version, with a 682-horsepower supercharged Corvette V8, dramatically improved acceleration. The V-Series included appropriately sized front brakes, necessary for the vehicle’s substantial weight. Yet, this performance felt excessive compared to the more balanced acceleration needs.

Alternatively, the Escalade could be equipped with an efficient 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6, offering smoother torque delivery and better fuel economy at 22 mpg combined with 4WD. This engine choice provided a refined balance between power and efficiency.

The magnetic dampers and well-tuned steering imbued the Escalade with remarkable maneuverability for its size. Optional air suspension on higher trims added versatility, allowing for height adjustments to ease loading and improve ride quality.

Practicality was Toyota Sienna’s forte. It could carry a full 4x8 sheet of plywood inside with the tailgate closed—an impressive feat for any family vehicle. The sliding second row further enhanced flexibility, accommodating various cargo configurations through either the tailgate or side doors. Cargo capacity figures were 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and a total of 101 cubic feet with both rows folded down. Additionally, the Sienna maintained a respectable 3,500-pound towing capacity.

Each row had ample storage cubbies and cupholders, ensuring convenience for all passengers. The power-operated side doors and tailgate, complete with foot-motion triggers, added a welcome layer of hands-free access, essential during grocery hauls or while handling children.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade excelled in maximizing interior space. Cargo room was generous, offering 25 cubic feet behind the third row, 73 cubic feet behind the second, and a massive 121 cubic feet with both rows down. The larger Escalade ESV model expanded these figures to 41 cubic feet, 94 cubic feet, and a staggering 143 cubic feet, respectively. Thanks to its independent rear suspension, the third row boasted genuine roominess without compromising overall cabin space.

Controls were intuitive, with a smartly designed infotainment interface accessible via a dial on the console. Added conveniences included an optional front console refrigerator, power-retractable side steps for easier access, and an air suspension that lowered the vehicle when parked, facilitating cargo handling. The separate glass window in the tailgate was a thoughtful touch, perfect for pet owners.

The 2022 Sienna was loaded with technology features. Every model came with a 9-inch touchscreen that supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM, and Bluetooth connectivity. However, the absence of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was a noticeable oversight.

The Sienna included telematics services like Safety Connect and Remote Connect with trials varying by trim level. Qi wireless charging was standard on higher trims, while a rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display was available from the XLE trim upwards.

The instrumentation featured a multi-information display, with higher trims offering a 10-inch color head-up display. Moreover, higher trims also benefitted from a digital rearview mirror, which provided a clear view via a rear camera feed. Remote keyless entry and push-button start further enhanced convenience.

The 2023 Escalade set a new standard with its advanced technology. The centerpiece was a stunning OLED display spanning 38 inches across the dash, presenting crisp and clear visuals. The front camera projected a high-resolution feed directly onto the instrument panel, overlaying navigation prompts, a huge step forward from competitors.

Cadillac’s Super Cruise feature distinguished itself as the best hands-free driving system available, utilizing eye-tracking cameras for enhanced safety and functionality. The Escalade also featured pedestrian detection through night vision overlays, and a phenomenal 36-speaker AKG audio system, demonstrated Cadillac's commitment to innovation and luxury.

Additional features like the massage front seats, streaming rear entertainment system, and ultra-bright LED headlights underscored the Escalade’s technological prowess.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna earned impressive safety accolades, including a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 came standard, offering adaptive cruise control, Lane Tracing Assist, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and traffic sign recognition.

Additionally, Toyota's Star Safety System included vital features such as stability control and traction control. With ten airbags and multiple LATCH locations for child seats, the Sienna prioritized occupant safety. A rear-seat reminder system ensured passengers or items weren't forgotten, and tire-pressure monitoring with an inflator kit further enhanced safety.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade received four out of five stars from the NHTSA, with lower scores in frontal crash protection and rollover resistance. Safety features included forward automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, a Safety Alert seat, rear parking sensors, and a rear seat reminder. Options included reverse emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and Super Cruise.