2023 Cadillac Escalade vs 2022 Volvo XC60

The 2022 Volvo XC60 underwent subtle styling changes that enhanced its sporty appearance. The new front fascia featured "air blades" on either side of the grille, while a redesigned rear bumper concealed the tailpipes. All models received new wheel designs, and the front grille was reworked to house sensors for driver-assist systems behind a heated Volvo logo, ensuring functionality in cold weather. The XC60 shared its Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform with other Volvo models, including the XC90 and S90. Inside, the XC60 retained its clean design, with a new digital instrument cluster and a portrait-oriented touchscreen. The B6 R-Design model added flair with aluminum mesh speaker grilles and textured seats, though the interior remained somewhat subdued compared to other Volvo models.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade stood out with its imposing size, towering nearly six-and-a-half feet above the ground and requiring significant space to park. It was a motorized cargo container with three rows of leather seats and advanced technology. The Escalade ESV extended the wheelbase by 15 inches, offering even more space. The Escalade's design aimed for show, with thin LED lights and darkened chrome elements on the Sport Platinum trim, giving it an athletic appearance. The interior boasted a 38-inch curved screen array, luxurious wood trim, and leather combinations. However, some components, like the heated seat controls and shifter, were shared with cheaper GM vehicles, detracting from the luxury experience. The Escalade's finest features were concentrated in the driver's space, leaving the rear rows less luxurious.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 introduced new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains, replacing the previous T5 and T6 engines. Both powertrains combined a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt electrical system, providing an additional 13 horsepower in short bursts. The B6 powertrain also featured an electric supercharger. The B5 delivered 258 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque, while the B6 offered 295 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. Both used an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the B5 offering FWD or AWD and the B6 exclusively AWD. The XC60's acceleration times were slightly slower than the 2021 model, with the B5 reaching 60 mph in 6.5 seconds and the B6 in 5.9 seconds. The XC60 emphasized a calm driving experience, with a quiet cabin and comfortable ride, enhanced by optional air suspension. The plug-in hybrid XC60 Recharge offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, achieving 60 mph in 5 seconds, while the Polestar Engineered version increased output to 415 hp and 494 lb-ft, reaching 60 mph in 4.9 seconds.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade featured a standard 6.2-liter gasoline V8 engine with 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, suitable for towing up to 8,200 pounds. However, it felt heavy in passing situations, and the 10-speed automatic transmission was more suited for gentle cruising. The Escalade-V addressed acceleration with a supercharged Corvette V8, delivering 682 hp and 653 lb-ft of torque, though this seemed excessive. An optional 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 provided 277 hp and better fuel economy. The Escalade's 4WD system was rudimentary, requiring manual engagement for low-traction surfaces. The Escalade excelled with magnetic dampers, superb steering, and optional air suspension, making it nimbler than many large SUVs. However, wind noise was noticeable at highway speeds.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 maintained its competitive passenger space, with above-average front-seat headroom but limited rear-seat headroom. Legroom was average for the segment. The mild-hybrid models offered 21.6 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats up and 49.8 cubic feet with them down, while plug-in hybrids had slightly less space. The XC60 provided a commanding driving position with good visibility, aided by large exterior mirrors.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade boasted the most space-efficient interior among large SUVs, with 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 offered even more space, with 143 cubic feet total. The independent rear suspension allowed for generous headroom and legroom in all rows. The controls were user-friendly, with a smart and fast interface. An optional front console refrigerator, power-retractable side steps, and an air suspension that lowered the truck for easier loading were notable features. However, the second-row seats were not powered like the third row.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 received a tech overhaul with a 9-inch touchscreen running Android Automotive, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. The system integrated Google Assistant for voice control and Google Maps for navigation, with access to third-party apps via the Google Play Store. Over-the-air updates were enabled, and the system promised full iPhone compatibility. The digital instrument cluster offered a "Calm" setting to minimize distractions.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade featured a span of OLED screens across the dash, providing sharp and clear visuals. A front camera displayed a high-res feed with navigation overlays in the driver's field of view. Super Cruise, a $2,500 option, offered hands-free highway driving with infrared eye-tracking cameras for driver monitoring. The system worked on over 200,000 miles of U.S. highways but required manual lane change initiation. Cadillac's night vision system highlighted pedestrians, and the 36-speaker AKG audio system delivered an immersive experience. The front seats offered massages, and the rear-seat entertainment system could stream apps like Hulu.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA for 2022, but the 2021 model received top ratings. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. New features for 2022 included Ready to Drive Notification and Emergency Stop Assist. Volvo's Pilot Assist system combined adaptive cruise control and lane centering.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade earned 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 included reverse emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and Super Cruise.