2022 Volvo XC60 vs 2022 Cadillac Escalade

Volvo had made some subtle yet sophisticated styling changes to the 2022 XC60. The refreshed front fascia featured what they termed “air blades,” vertical elements flanking the grille, which lent the XC60 a vaguely sportier demeanor. The reworked rear bumper concealed the tailpipes, and there were fresh designs for the wheel sets. They also revamped the front grille to house the driver-assist system sensors behind the Volvo emblem, which had the added functionality of being heated to maintain operational effectiveness in cold weather. The XC60 continued to be based on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform used in models such as the XC90, S90, S60, and the V series Cross Country wagons.

Inside, the interior remained largely familiar except for the new digital instrument cluster. It maintained a clean design ethos characterized by a portrait-oriented touchscreen that minimized clutter. The B6 R-Design version sported aluminum mesh speaker grilles and elaborately textured seats that injected a dash of flair. However, the overall ambiance remained reserved compared to other Volvo models, with the higher-grade Inscription trim offering Nappa leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel for added luxury.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade, in contrast, made a bold and unmistakable first impression with its unapologetically massive stance. The scaled-up grille, LED daytime running lights, and taillights complemented the Escalade’s sheer size, echoing the sky-high tailfins of vintage Cadillacs. The foreboding front end, with its tall hood, vertical running lights, and horizontal headlights, evoked imagery of a diesel locomotive. Styling choices emphasized the Escalade's bulk, setting it apart from other GM full-size SUVs. The 22-inch wheels appeared diminutive against the expansive bodywork.

Cadillac offered distinct styling for sport versus luxury models, with bright exterior trim for Luxury and Premium Luxury versions, and darkened trim including a mesh grille for the Sport version. The Escalade shared its body-on-frame architecture with various GM full-size SUVs and trucks, ensuring consistency in design, albeit at a loss for a unique luxury identity. Inside, the Escalade delivered a high-luxury experience with leather upholstery, wood trim, and an expansive panoramic sunroof, although the design lacked the cohesion found in competitors like the Lincoln Navigator’s distinctive midcentury-modern-inspired interior.

For the 2022 Volvo XC60, new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains had replaced the former T5 and T6 engines. Both configurations combined a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt electrical system featuring an integrated starter generator, which could momentarily add 13 horsepower. The B6 variant also incorporated an electric supercharger. The B5 powertrain delivered 258 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque, while the B6 stepped up to 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, powered by an eight-speed automatic transmission. The B5 could be configured with front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), whereas the B6 was exclusively AWD.

Compared to the previous gasoline-only versions, output and acceleration had decreased slightly. The XC60 B5 did zero to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds (6.6 seconds for FWD), and the B6 achieved it in 5.9 seconds. From a driver’s seat perspective, the B6 XC60 R-Design presented a smooth, calm driving experience with impressive cornering and body control, complemented by a quiet cabin and plush ride, enhanced by optional air suspension. Volvo also offered the XC60 Recharge, a plug-in hybrid with 400 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque, clocking zero to 60 mph in 5 seconds. For the performance enthusiasts, the Polestar Engineered version amped up to 415 horsepower and 494 pound-feet of torque, achieving zero to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds.

In comparison, the 2022 Cadillac Escalade provided two powertrain options. The standard 6.2-liter V8 engine generated 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, while the optional Duramax 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six diesel produced 277 horsepower but matched the 460 pound-feet of torque. Both engines came paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and offered rear-wheel (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) options. Notably, the Escalade-V model offered a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 with a formidable 682 horsepower.

Testing the diesel variant revealed smooth power delivery with the turbo-six proving efficient in various driving conditions, thanks to its lower torque peak. However, the hard brake pedal was disconcerting. In terms of towing, the V8 had a slight edge with an 8,200-pound capacity, marginally more than the diesel's 8,100 pounds but still less than the Lincoln Navigator's 8,700 pounds. Despite the inclusion of independent rear suspension and other enhancements, the Escalade’s ride quality felt unsettled compared to unibody rivals and even other truck-based luxury SUVs, detracting from its luxury credentials.

Interior space in the 2022 Volvo XC60 remained unaffected by the model year's aesthetic updates. The XC60 stayed competitive in passenger space within its market. It offered above-average front-seat headroom but was tied for worst in class for rear-seat headroom with the Audi Q5. Legroom in both seating rows was average. Cargo capacity with the mild-hybrid powertrains stood at 21.6 cubic feet with the rear seats upright and 49.8 cubic feet with them folded. The plug-in hybrid models had slightly reduced figures at 21.1 cubic feet and 49.3 cubic feet, respectively, placing the XC60 below most similar luxury crossovers in terms of cargo space.

Nonetheless, the XC60 offered the commanding driving position typical for SUVs, with excellent forward and good rear visibility, despite somewhat pinched rear rooflines. Large exterior mirrors made driving easier without over-reliance on driver aids.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade, by contrast, was known for its cavernous cabin. Sharing its chassis with Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon, the standard Escalade was 211.9 inches long, while the extended ESV version reached 227 inches. This platform sharing translated to the most generous front and third-row legroom among full-size luxury SUVs. A considerable second-row also provided ample space, though slightly less headroom compared to the Navigator. Cargo capacity was outstanding, delivering 25.5 cubic feet with all seats up, 63.0 cubic feet with the third-row folded, and a massive 109.1 cubic feet with all rear seats down, surpassing competitors like the Navigator.

While the Escalade excelled in space, minor functional issues persisted. The raised center console offered limited storage, inconvenient for loose items. Despite boasting luxuries like massage front seats with lumbar support (subject to availability due to the chip shortage), the seating itself felt reminiscent of its less luxurious GM siblings. Cadillac did provide useful features such as dedicated seat heating and ventilation buttons, and large sun visors for improved visibility through the substantial side-window glass.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 received a tech overhaul for that year. The 9-inch touchscreen ran the Android Automotive operating system, complemented by a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. Optional upgrades included a head-up display and high-end audio systems from Harman Kardon or Bowers & Wilkins.

The new system adopted Google-specific features with Google Assistant for voice control and Google Maps for navigation. Android users could sync their profiles, and the Google Play Store provided access to apps like Spotify. The system enabled over-the-air (OTA) updates and promised full iPhone compatibility, though without profile syncing. The XC60's graphics were impressive, and the system’s layout involved sideways swiping for quick access, which we found practical.

Cadillac’s Escalade, on the other hand, offered one of the most elaborate infotainment displays on the market. The 38-inch curved OLED display was actually three interconnected screens: a 14.2-inch digital instrument cluster, a 16.9-inch touchscreen, and a 7.2-inch trip-computer screen. It came with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as Bluetooth.

Cadillac integrated the display seamlessly into the dashboard with functional, diagonally arranged icons for music, phone, and navigation. Physical toggles for climate control ensured convenience. However, the radio station carousel was awkward, and the rotary controller seemed somewhat redundant. Missing natural language voice recognition also placed Cadillac behind BMW and Mercedes in this regard. The Escalade stood out for its high-resolution 360-degree camera system and the ability to display camera views in both the instrument cluster and touchscreen. Added tech features included a head-up display, night vision, and augmented-reality navigation. However, tuning the 19-speaker AKG Studio sound system was challenging, as speakers in headrests distorted sound for front-seat occupants.

The IIHS hadn’t unveiled crash-test ratings for 2022 XC60, but the 2021 version garnered the top “Top Safety Pick+” accolade. Similarly, the 2021 XC60 had received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, scoring five stars in frontal and side crash tests, and four stars in rollover tests. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, automatic post-collision braking, driver-attention monitoring, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. New safety tech for 2022 comprised Ready to Drive Notification and Emergency Stop Assist. Pilot Assist, Volvo’s driver-assistance system that combined adaptive cruise control and automated lane centering, was available as an option but was no longer a standout due to widespread availability in competitors.

The Cadillac Escalade’s standard driver-assist tech included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, front and rear park assist, lane-keep assist, and lane-departure warning, with alerts sent via Cadillac’s Safety Alert Seat. Premium Luxury and higher trims included blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, upgraded to trailer blind-spot monitoring for Premium Luxury Platinum trims and above. The Super Cruise feature—a $2,500 option on most trims—enabled hands-free driving on pre-mapped highways, monitoring driver attentiveness with a camera. Despite rare sporadic disengagement, Super Cruise impressed with smooth, natural responses.