2023 Cadillac Escalade vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade stood as a towering, imposing vehicle, nearly six-and-a-half feet above the ground and stretching between 18 and 19 feet in length. Its generous proportions and striking presence made it a true showstopper. With three rows of leather seats and an array of sophisticated technology, the Escalade was a motorized marvel. The Escalade ESV, a longer variant, extended an additional 15 inches, offering even more space. For a boxy vehicle designed to carry eight people and their cargo, it maintained an athletic and somewhat trimmed look. Thin LED lights and darkened chrome accents contributed to a sense of agility, while 22-inch wheels and elaborate lighting sequences added to its grandeur. The interior of the Escalade looked rich, showcasing a 38-inch array of screens, premium wood trims, and meticulously designed leather seats. However, some components, like the shifter and infotainment knob, borrowed from cheaper GM vehicles, did not live up to the Cadillac’s luxury status.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus GX showcased a distinct visual character with a massive spindle grille and 8.1 inches of ground clearance. It stood about 74.2 inches tall, lending it a formidable road presence. The Black Line Special Edition, limited to 3,000 units, offered unique color options like the exclusive Nori Green Pearl. Although the side dimensions of the GX seemed compact with a 109.8-inch wheelbase, it exhibited a sleek aesthetic thanks to flared fenders. The GX also provided superior technical driving capability, with the hood falling away from sight more abruptly than in other SUVs, simplifying navigation on inclines. The interior, however, was a letdown with its noticeable plastic materials, undermining its luxury tag. Despite this, heated and cooled front seats, a power-retracting steering wheel, and premium leather upholstery delivered some luxurious touches.

Driving the 2023 Cadillac Escalade offered both allure and a pleasant driving experience, albeit with some reservations. The standard 6.2-liter gasoline V8 engine delivered 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. While it wasn’t exceptionally speedy, it was competent for gentle cruising, performing best when some cylinders shut off to improve fuel efficiency to a combined 16 mpg with optional 4WD. The Escalade V-Series, with a supercharged Corvette V8, dramatically improved acceleration with 682 hp and 653 lb-ft of torque, but it verged on overkill. Cadillac also offered a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 engine with 277 hp, which provided smoother torque delivery and better fuel economy at a combined 22 mpg. The true 4WD system, though rudimentary, catered to off-roaders, and magnetic dampers combined with an optional air suspension rendered the Escalade nimbler than you’d expect from such a large vehicle.

The 2023 Lexus GX, defined by its V8 engine, exemplified nostalgic power delivery. With 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque from a naturally aspirated 4.6-liter V8, it may not have impressed on paper, especially compared to modern engines like Toyota’s 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 hybrid. However, the steadiness and linear power delivery of the V8 resonated with traditionalists. Fuel economy was a drawback, estimated at 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined. The GX’s weight contributed to a rolling sensation in corners, but this was manageable and predictable, bolstered by strong and dependable brakes. The vehicle’s Torsen limited-slip differential, adaptive to wheel slip, aided performance in challenging conditions like snow or mud.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade boasted unparalleled space efficiency, with 25 cubic feet of storage behind the third row, 73 cubic feet behind the second row, and a massive 121 cubic feet with both rows down. The Escalade ESV model expanded even more, offering up to 143 cubic feet of cargo space. These dimensions eclipsed competitors like the Lincoln Navigator L and Jeep Grand Wagoneer L. Simple and intuitive controls, a commodious cabin, and features like an optional front console refrigerator and power-retractable side steps enhanced its functionality. However, a minor inconvenience was the 12-volt power outlet's awkward placement.

The 2023 Lexus GX provided decent cubby space for smaller items, like a deep center console bin and well-placed cupholders. However, it fell short on overall cargo capacity with only 11.6 cubic feet of space behind the third row, 46.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 64.7 cubic feet with both the second and third rows down. This was significantly less than what the Escalade offered. The GX's center console lid, with an adjustable armrest, and comfortable second-row seating were notable, but its third row was cramped and impractical for regular use. The side-hinged rear door complicated trunk access, highlighting another area where the GX lagged behind the Escalade.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade was a technological tour de force, featuring a vast span of OLED screens across the dash, providing sharp and clear visuals. The front camera system displayed high-definition road feeds with navigational overlays directly in the driver's field of view. The optional Super Cruise system, a standout feature at $2,500, offered the best hands-free highway driving experience, employing infrared eye-tracking cameras to ensure driver attention. Additionally, the Escalade featured night vision pedestrian detection, a 36-speaker AKG audio system, and five-way massaging front seats, making its tech offerings unmatched.

For the 2023 Lexus GX, despite an updated 10.3-inch touchscreen, the infotainment system already felt dated compared to newer Lexus models. Although it included useful integrations like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, the system's performance lagged, and the graphics appeared less crisp. The presence of the Lexus Remote Touch Interface (RTI) was redundant due to the improved touchscreen. However, the GX excelled in off-road technology with features like a real 4WD system, KDSS suspension for leveling, and an Off-Road Package that included a multi-terrain monitor and crawl control.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade earned commendable safety ratings with four out of five stars from the NHTSA, though it received a lower rating for front-passenger protection in frontal crashes and rollover resistance. Standard safety features included forward automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, a Safety Alert seat, and rear parking sensors. Optional features like reverse emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring added to its safety repertoire, though an occasional glitch in reverse braking was noted. Super Cruise further enhanced safety, providing hands-free driving assistance.

The 2023 Lexus GX was not crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, reflecting its dated 2010 engineering. However, Lexus included advanced driver assistance systems, such as automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, parking assist, and automatic high beams. These features, though competent, did not match up to the newer systems found in other luxury SUVs.