2023 Cadillac Escalade vs 2024 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade was a commanding presence on the road, towering nearly six-and-a-half feet above the ground and stretching up to 19 feet in length. It was designed for show, with its massive three-ton body shared with the Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban and GMC Yukon/Yukon XL. The Escalade's athletic appearance was enhanced by thin LED lights and darkened chrome bits in the Sport Platinum trim, masking its size. Inside, the first row exuded luxury with a 38-inch curved screen and fine wood inlays, though the allure faded in the back rows, where cheaper GM parts were evident. Despite its shortcomings, the Escalade remained a symbol of luxury and space.

In contrast, the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse offered a more practical approach with four main trims, including the new Z71 for moderate off-roading. The Traverse was competitively priced, starting at $38,995 for the LS model and reaching $55,595 for the RS. The Z71, priced at $47,795, featured 18-inch alloy wheels and a Jet Black interior with "Torch Red" accents. The Traverse's interior was comfortable, with optional synthetic leather and standard cloth seats providing a pleasant experience. The vehicle's design catered to families and adventurers alike, with a focus on functionality and style.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade featured a standard 6.2-liter V8 engine with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, offering a towing capacity of up to 8,200 pounds. Despite its muscle-car sound, the engine was more suited for gentle cruising, achieving a combined 16 mpg. The Escalade-V variant, with a supercharged Corvette V8, delivered 682 hp and 653 lb-ft of torque, addressing acceleration issues. The 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 maneuverability, though wind noise was noticeable at highway speeds.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse replaced its previous 310-hp V6 with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque. This new engine offered more power and torque than its predecessor. The optional AWD system, especially in the Z71, featured a dual-clutch arrangement for better grip. The Traverse's acceleration and passing power were satisfactory, with a pleasant exhaust growl. The ride was smooth, even with all-terrain tires, and the brakes provided controlled stops. Fuel economy estimates ranged from 18 mpg city to 26 mpg highway, depending on the trim.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade boasted an exceptionally spacious interior, with 25 cubic feet behind the third row, 73 cubic feet behind the second, and 121 cubic feet with both rows down. The Escalade ESV offered even more space, maxing out at 143 cubic feet. The interior was user-friendly, with simple controls and an optional front console refrigerator. Power-retractable side steps and an air suspension facilitated access and loading, while the tailgate's separate glass window was a thoughtful touch. However, the second-row seats lacked power adjustment.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse provided seating for eight in the base LS model, with dual captain’s chairs in higher trims. The Z71 and RS were seven-seaters, offering easy access to the third row. The Smart Slide second-row seats and power-folding third row enhanced cargo capacity, which expanded to 96 cubic feet with seats folded. The Autosense power liftgate was a convenient feature, and storage options included a hidden area under the center console. Visibility was generally good, though the third row felt a bit enclosed. The driver's seat was power-operated, but the front passenger seat was manually adjustable.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade featured cutting-edge technology, including a vast OLED screen array and a high-res front camera display. 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 and a 36-speaker AKG audio system. The front seats provided five massage options, and the rear-seat entertainment system streamed apps like Hulu.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse introduced a 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen, standard across all models, with rapid response times and simple menus. An 11-inch digital instrument display provided essential information. The Google-based software supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the wireless charging pad was effective. Physical controls for volume and HVAC functions were appreciated, though the headlight controls were buried in the infotainment system. Super Cruise was available for the first time on the Traverse, expanding its functionality to single-lane roads.

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, a Safety Alert seat, and rear parking sensors. Optional features included reverse emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and Super Cruise.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse had not yet been tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it offered a comprehensive suite of standard driver aids. These included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot warning, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view parking camera. The presence of these features provided peace of mind during our test drive.