2023 Cadillac Escalade vs 2024 Genesis GV80

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade was a towering presence on the road, 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 an array of advanced technology. The Escalade ESV variant extended the wheelbase by 15 inches, offering even more space. The Escalade, along with its Chevrolet and GMC siblings, was designed for show, appealing to a diverse range of drivers from pop musicians to large families. Its athletic and trim appearance was achieved through clever design elements like thin LED lights and darkened chrome bits on the Sport Platinum trim. The interior boasted a luxurious first row with a 38-inch curved screen and fine wood inlays, though the allure faded in the second and third rows, where cheaper GM parts were evident.

In contrast, the 2024 Genesis GV80 offered a more understated yet luxurious design. The GV80 3.5T Prestige Signature trim featured a Matterhorn White Matte paint job and dark chrome trim, with 22-inch wheels that were nearly invisible due to their black paint. The interior was a highlight, with Ultramarine Blue over Dune diamond-stitched Nappa leather, a suede headliner, and metallic accents. The GV80's cabin exuded luxury, with ambient lighting, a 3D digital instrument cluster, and a wide touchscreen display. While the Prestige Signature trim was undeniably luxurious, the regular Prestige trim was considered equally attractive. The GV80's interior was designed for comfort, though the seats were criticized for being less supportive on long drives.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade was equipped with a standard 6.2-liter V8 engine producing 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. While it offered a pleasant driving experience, the engine's performance was more suited for gentle cruising, with a combined fuel economy of 16 mpg. The Escalade's towing capacity reached up to 8,200 pounds with the RWD model. For those seeking more power, the Escalade-V featured a supercharged Corvette V8 with 682 hp and 653 lb-ft of torque, though it was considered overkill. An optional 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 provided 277 hp and better fuel economy at 22 mpg combined. The Escalade's 4WD system was rudimentary, but its magnetic dampers and air suspension improved maneuverability and ride comfort.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 300 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, and a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 with 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. The 3.5T model provided a more satisfying performance, though it was thirsty on the road, achieving 17.2 mpg in real-world testing. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The GV80's driving experience was rewarding, with swift acceleration and commendable grip from its all-season tires. The adaptive damping suspension and larger front brakes enhanced its athleticism, though the steering was unremarkable. The GV80's two-spoke steering wheel design added a touch of retro luxury.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade boasted an exceptionally spacious interior, with 25 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 73 cubic feet behind the second row, and a total of 121 cubic feet with both rows folded. The Escalade ESV offered even more room, with a maximum of 143 cubic feet. The independent rear suspension allowed for generous headroom and legroom in all rows, accommodating six adults comfortably. The controls were user-friendly, with a smart and fast infotainment system. Optional features included a front console refrigerator and power-retractable side steps. The air suspension could lower the vehicle for easier loading, and the tailgate had a separate glass window for added convenience.

In contrast, the 2024 Genesis GV80 3.5T Advanced was the only model with a third-row seat, while the Prestige Signature trim offered seating for four with luxurious captain's chairs. The GV80's interior featured artificial, real, or premium leather, depending on the trim level. Standard features included heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power hands-free liftgate. The test vehicle had a panoramic glass roof, triple-zone climate control, and ventilated front seats with massage programs. However, the seats were criticized for being uncomfortable on long trips. The GV80 offered 34.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 84 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Prestige Signature's rear center console required careful loading of cargo.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade was a technological marvel, featuring a vast array of OLED screens across the dashboard, 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 to ensure driver attention. 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 front seats provided five massage options, and the LED headlights were exceptionally bright.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display, though its placement required the use of a control dial on the center console. The standard infotainment package included navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The GV80 introduced a Wi-Fi hotspot for the first time in 2024. Wireless smartphone charging was standard, with the Prestige Signature adding this feature in the second row. The GV80's infotainment system was user-friendly, with a pleasing graphical interface and minimal glare. The digital key system allowed smartphone access, and most trims featured a Lexicon premium sound system. The Prestige and Prestige Signature trims included a head-up display with blind-spot warnings.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade received a four-star overall rating 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, rear parking sensors, and a rear seat reminder. Optional features included reverse emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and Super Cruise.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 was equipped with numerous advanced driving-assistance systems, including a Blind-Spot View Monitor, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and Highway Driving Assist (HDA). HDA combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering and lane-change assist, though it was less effective in heavy traffic. The Blind-Spot View Monitor displayed video feeds in the digital instrument panel, enhancing safety during lane changes. The Remote Smart Parking Assist allowed the GV80 to park itself, even with the driver outside the vehicle. The GV80 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four-star ratings for frontal-impact tests.