2023 Cadillac Escalade vs 2023 Nissan Rogue

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade stood as a towering presence, nearly six-and-a-half feet above the ground, requiring a substantial 18 to 19 feet of length to park. It was a motorized cargo container, equipped with three rows of leather seats and an array of advanced technology. The standard Escalade was already impressive, but the Escalade ESV extended its length by an additional 15 inches, primarily stretching the wheelbase. This SUV was designed for show, appealing to pop musicians, overzealous parents, wannabe federal agents, or boaters with large families. Its athletic and trim appearance, despite its size, was achieved through clever design elements like thin LED lights and darkened chrome bits on the Sport Platinum trim. The interior exuded luxury, especially in the first row, with a 38-inch curved screen and exquisite wood trim. However, the allure faded in the second and third rows, where cheaper GM parts were evident, and the seats lacked support.

In contrast, the 2023 Nissan Rogue presented a more conservative design approach, with proper proportions and chiseled styling that conveyed a rugged sense of purpose. The Rogue lineup included S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims, with prices ranging from $27,360 to $37,140, plus a destination charge. The Platinum trim, with its Premium package, offered a range of upscale features, including diamond-pattern leather seats and soft-touch surfaces. The Rogue's interior was comfortable, with Zero Gravity seat designs providing support, although the rear seat comfort was lacking. The Rogue's practicality shone through with its spacious cargo area, hands-free power liftgate, and versatile Divide-N-Hide feature. However, the key fob design was frustratingly difficult to use in low light, and the rear seat comfort did not match the front.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade offered a pleasant driving experience, though the standard 6.2-liter V8 engine, with 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, did not deliver the acceleration its sound suggested. It was suitable for gentle cruising, with a combined fuel economy of 16 mpg in the standard length with optional 4WD. The Escalade-V addressed acceleration concerns with a supercharged Corvette V8, producing 682 hp and 653 lb-ft of torque. The optional 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6, with 277 hp, provided better fuel economy at 22 mpg combined with 4WD. The Escalade's magnetic dampers and air suspension enhanced maneuverability, though wind noise was noticeable at highway speeds.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue featured a new turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine with 201 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque. The CVT transmission, with paddle shifters, powered the front wheels, with optional AWD available. The Rogue offered Eco, Auto, and Sport driving modes, with additional Off-Road and Snow modes for AWD versions. The VC-Turbo powertrain was responsive in urban settings, though it lacked highway passing power. The Rogue's fuel economy fell short of expectations, averaging 28.9 mpg compared to the EPA's 31 mpg estimate. The Rogue's ride quality was enhanced by Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, though the steering felt lifeless.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade boasted an exceptionally spacious interior, 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 in total. The independent rear suspension allowed for generous headroom and legroom in all rows. The controls were user-friendly, with a smart and fast infotainment system. The optional front console refrigerator and power-retractable side steps added convenience, though the second-row seats were not powered.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue served as a practical family vehicle, with ample space for four passengers and the option to carry a fifth. The Platinum trim featured premium leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Rogue's rear doors opened to a nearly 90-degree angle, facilitating easy access. The cargo area offered up to 36.5 cubic feet of space, expandable to 74.1 cubic feet with the back seats folded. The Divide-N-Hide feature allowed for versatile cargo configurations. However, the rear seat comfort was lacking, and the key fob design was frustratingly difficult to use in low light.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade was a technological marvel, featuring a vast array of OLED screens across the dash, providing sharp and clear displays. The front camera offered a high-resolution feed with navigation overlays, enhancing the driver's field of view. Super Cruise, a $2,500 option, was the best hands-free highway driving system available, using infrared eye-tracking cameras for safety. The Escalade also offered night vision with pedestrian detection, a 36-speaker AKG audio system, and a rear-seat entertainment system with streaming capabilities.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue, however, used an older infotainment system with an 8-inch or optional 9-inch touchscreen. The test vehicle had the larger screen, Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and a navigation system. The Rogue also featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a head-up display. However, the Alexa Built-in system struggled with voice recognition, and the infotainment system lacked the sophistication of newer models.

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.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was well-equipped with safety features, including 10 airbags, Safety Shield 360, and NissanConnect services. Higher trims offered ProPilot Assist with Navi-link, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance. The Rogue earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received lower scores in updated crash tests.