2023 Cadillac Escalade vs 2023 Subaru Forester

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade was a towering presence, standing nearly six-and-a-half feet tall and stretching up to 19 feet in length. It was a motorized cargo container with three rows of leather seats and a plethora of technology. The Escalade ESV extended this length by 15 inches, primarily in the wheelbase. Designed for show, the Escalade was a statement vehicle, often associated with pop musicians, large families, or those seeking a commanding road presence. Despite its size, Cadillac managed to give it an athletic appearance with thin LED lights and darkened chrome accents, especially in the Sport Platinum trim. The interior boasted a luxurious first row with a 38-inch curved screen and fine wood inlays, though some elements borrowed from cheaper GM vehicles detracted from its luxury status.

In contrast, the 2023 Subaru Forester prioritized function over form, maintaining a consistent design reminiscent of its predecessors. Available in various trims, the Forester offered practicality with features like robust roof rails and a 700-pound static-weight rating. The Touring trim added a touch of elegance with 18-inch alloy wheels and satin chrome trim. Inside, the Forester provided a traditional Subaru design with analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen. While hard plastics were prevalent, they contributed to an easy-to-clean cabin. The Forester's design was busy but practical, with a focus on usability and comfort, making it a reliable choice for those valuing substance over style.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade offered a standard 6.2-liter V8 engine with 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, suitable for towing up to 8,200 pounds. However, its acceleration felt heavy, and the 10-speed automatic transmission was more responsive in gentle cruising than in sporty driving. The Escalade-V variant addressed this with a supercharged V8 producing 682 hp, offering a more thrilling drive. An optional 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 provided 277 hp and better fuel economy at 22 mpg combined. The Escalade's magnetic dampers and air suspension enhanced its maneuverability, though wind noise was noticeable at highway speeds.

The 2023 Subaru Forester featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. The Forester's SI-Drive system and X-Mode off-road traction management enhanced its versatility. Despite its modest power, the Forester's driving dynamics were impressive, with responsive steering and effective brakes. It handled well in various conditions, including rain and mud, though the engine was louder than some might prefer. The Forester returned 25.9 mpg on testing routes, slightly below its EPA rating, and lacked a turbocharged option for more power.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade excelled in interior space, offering 25 cubic feet behind the third row, 73 cubic feet behind the second, and 121 cubic feet with both rows down. The Escalade ESV provided even more room, making it a leader in passenger and cargo space. The controls were intuitive, with a smart infotainment system and optional features like a front console refrigerator. Power-retractable side steps and an air suspension facilitated access and loading, though the second-row seats lacked power adjustment.

The 2023 Subaru Forester focused on practicality, with features like a panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable seats, and heated elements available from the Premium trim. The Forester's visibility was excellent, and entry and exit were easy. However, the panoramic sunroof's lack of tint could lead to cabin heating, and the rear seats were less comfortable for taller passengers. Interior storage was ample, with cleverly designed seatback pockets and a usefully shaped cargo area. The Forester offered 26.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 69.1 cubic feet with them folded.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade was a tech powerhouse, featuring OLED screens across the dash and a high-res front camera display. Super Cruise, a hands-free highway driving system, was a standout feature, offering advanced driver assistance. The Escalade also included night vision, a 36-speaker AKG audio system, and massaging front seats, enhancing its luxury appeal.

The 2023 Subaru Forester's technology might have seemed outdated, but it offered a user-friendly experience. The Base trim included a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while higher trims added features like satellite radio and a Harman Kardon audio system. The Forester's interface was simple, with separate climate controls and easy-to-use knobs. However, the voice-recognition system was unreliable, making smartphone integration essential for navigation.

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 and a Safety Alert seat, with options for reverse emergency braking and Super Cruise.

The 2023 Subaru Forester introduced an updated EyeSight system with improved cameras and software. Automatic Emergency Steering was available on higher trims, and Rear Automatic Braking was standard on Wilderness and Touring trims. The Forester earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, though it received lower scores in new side-impact and frontal-impact tests.