2023 Cadillac Escalade vs 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan stood out among its competitors with a design that was both conservative and timeless. Its refreshed exterior featured new front styling that aligned it with Volkswagen's larger models, such as the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport. The restyled grille, adorned with the new VW logo and an optional illuminated grille bar, added a touch of modernity. Standard LED headlights, new nameplate lettering on the rear liftgate, and redesigned aluminum wheels further enhanced its appeal. The Tiguan's lineup was simplified to include S, SE, SE R-Line Black, and SEL R-Line trims, with options for front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The SEL R-Line model, in particular, boasted a sportier look with its blacked-out appearance and Atlantic Blue Metallic paint, complemented by 18-inch alloy wheels.

Inside, the Tiguan SEL R-Line offered a more upscale cabin with perforated leather upholstery, advanced technology, and ambient lighting in 15 colors. The interior's metallic accents added a touch of sophistication, although the hard plastic in the lower half of the cabin reminded occupants of its mass-market status. Standard features included keyless entry, push-button start, and heated front seats, with remote engine starting available from the SE trim. The updated Tiguan managed to retain its attractive design while incorporating new features, ensuring its appeal until a full redesign was anticipated in the coming years.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade was a behemoth of an SUV, towering nearly six-and-a-half feet above the ground and stretching up to 19 feet in length. It was designed for those who wanted to make a statement, whether they were pop musicians, large families, or anyone who appreciated its commanding presence. The Escalade's athletic appearance was achieved through clever design elements like thin LED lights that visually narrowed its girth. The Sport Platinum trim, with its darkened chrome accents, further masked its massive size. Cadillac's attention to detail was evident in the horizontal lines and contours that added a touch of aerodynamics to the Escalade's exterior.

Inside, the Escalade's first row exuded luxury with a 38-inch curved screen array, multiple wood trim options, and leather upholstery. However, the allure faded in the second and third rows, where cheaper materials and unsupportive seats were reminiscent of less expensive GM vehicles. Despite its shortcomings, the Escalade's magnetic dampers and air suspension provided a smooth ride, while its spacious interior accommodated passengers comfortably. Cadillac's focus on technology was evident in features like the OLED screens and Super Cruise, making the Escalade a tech-savvy choice for those who valued innovation.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan retained its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. This power was delivered through an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the option of VW's 4Motion AWD system. The AWD system could send up to half of the power to the rear wheels, but it decoupled the rear axle when not needed to save fuel. Drivers could choose from Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual driving modes, with additional Offroad settings available for 4Motion models. Despite its modest power, the Tiguan offered a nimble and responsive driving experience, though it lacked the outright fun of more powerful competitors. The EPA rated the R-Line with 4Motion at 24 mpg combined, and real-world testing yielded a similar 24.7 mpg.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade offered a standard 6.2-liter V8 engine with 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, providing ample power for towing up to 8,200 pounds. However, its performance felt heavy, and the 10-speed automatic transmission struggled to deliver a sporty experience. The Escalade-V addressed this with a supercharged V8 producing 682 horsepower and 653 pound-feet of torque, making it the only model with appropriately sized front brakes. Cadillac also offered a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6, which delivered smooth torque and better fuel economy at 22 mpg combined with 4WD. The Escalade's 4WD system was rudimentary, requiring manual engagement for low-traction surfaces. Despite its size, the Escalade's magnetic dampers and air suspension provided a nimble and maneuverable ride, though wind noise was noticeable at highway speeds.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan was a standout in the compact crossover segment, offering a spacious interior that rivaled smaller midsize SUVs. It featured a standard third-row seat in FWD models, while 4Motion models focused on maximizing cargo space. The SEL R-Line trim provided exceptional comfort with leather-wrapped, power-adjustable front seats and a panoramic sunroof. The second row was roomy enough for adults and children, with rear air conditioning vents and USB charging ports. The switch to touch controls on the steering wheel and dashboard added sophistication but proved challenging to use. Cargo space was generous, with 37.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 73.4 cubic feet with them folded down in 4Motion models.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade boasted an incredibly spacious interior, with 25 cubic feet behind the third row, 73 cubic feet behind the second row, and a massive 121 cubic feet with both rows down. The Escalade ESV offered even more space, with 143 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The independent rear suspension allowed for generous headroom and legroom in all rows, accommodating six adults comfortably. The controls were intuitive, with a smart and fast infotainment system. Optional features like a front console refrigerator and power-retractable side steps added convenience, while the air suspension made loading and unloading cargo easier. The tailgate's separate glass window was a thoughtful touch for pet owners.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan came equipped with standard digital instrumentation, with the SEL R-Line featuring a more advanced Digital Cockpit Pro system. The MIB3 infotainment system, available in all but the base model, offered an 8-inch touchscreen, Car-Net connected services, and smartphone mirroring. The SEL R-Line added a redesigned navigation system and a nine-speaker Fender audio system. However, the natural voice recognition feature required a subscription and was not active during testing. Car-Net's Remote Access plan was complimentary for five years, offering remote engine start and other features. The Tiguan also offered an available Park Assist system for autonomous parking.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade was a technological marvel, featuring a vast array of OLED screens across the dashboard. The front camera displayed a high-resolution feed with navigation overlays, enhancing the driver's field of view. Super Cruise, a $2,500 option, provided hands-free highway driving with infrared eye-tracking cameras for safety. The Escalade also offered night vision with pedestrian detection and a 36-speaker AKG audio system. The front seats featured massage functions, and the rear-seat entertainment system could stream apps like Hulu. The LED headlights were exceptionally bright, adding to the Escalade's tech-savvy appeal.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan came with standard Front Assist and Side Assist, providing forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The IQ Drive system included Travel Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance. Emergency Assist was another upgrade, slowing the vehicle if the driver became unresponsive. The 2021 Tiguan earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, and the 2022 model's improvements aimed to enhance its safety credentials.

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, and rear parking sensors. Optional features like reverse emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and Super Cruise added to its safety suite. However, the reverse emergency braking system occasionally stopped the vehicle erroneously during testing.