2023 Cadillac Escalade vs 2023 Genesis GV80

The 2023 Genesis GV80 showcased a sophisticated and graceful exterior with its quad-lamp headlights and bold grille, presenting a stately presence at over 16 feet long. The Prestige trim featured 22-inch alloy wheels, enhancing its elegant appearance, especially with the matte Brunswick Green paint. The rear design echoed the quad lamp look with four-part taillamps above the dual exhaust, and the boxy hands-free liftgate added to its charm. Inside, the dark green quilted leather seats complemented the metal and matte wood trim, while the split dash with thin horizontal air vents and the unique two-spoke steering wheel added a touch of luxury. However, the 14.5-inch infotainment screen seemed awkwardly placed atop the dash, slightly detracting from the otherwise spacious and luxurious interior.

In contrast, the 2023 Cadillac Escalade stood as a towering presence, nearly six-and-a-half feet tall and requiring up to 19 feet of length for parking. Its design was meant for show, with thin LED lights that visually narrowed its girth and a Sport Platinum trim that darkened chrome elements to mask its mass. The Escalade's side profile featured horizontal leading lines and contours for a semblance of aerodynamics, making it a handsome SUV that embraced its plus-size dimensions. The interior boasted a rich first-row experience with a 38-inch curved screen array and fine wood inlays, though the allure faded with parts borrowed from cheaper GM vehicles. Despite its shortcomings, the Escalade's spaciousness and design made it a popular choice for those seeking a statement vehicle.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 offered all-wheel drive with a choice between a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, or a turbo 3.5-liter V6 with 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While the GV80 wasn't particularly athletic or quick, taking about five and a half seconds to reach sixty, it excelled in highway driving with smooth power delivery and shifts. The electronically controlled suspension, combined with active noise cancellation, provided a serene and quiet freeway commute.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade, on the other hand, featured a standard 6.2-liter gasoline V8 engine with 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, suitable for towing up to 8,200 pounds on the rear-wheel drive model. However, it felt heavy in passing situations, and the 10-speed automatic transmission, while responsive, didn't enhance its performance in Sport mode. The Escalade-V addressed acceleration issues with a supercharged Corvette V8, delivering 682 hp and 653 lb-ft of torque, though it seemed excessive. An optional 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 offered smoother torque delivery and better fuel economy. The Escalade's magnetic dampers and air suspension improved maneuverability, but wind noise at highway speeds detracted from its luxury feel.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 compensated for its lack of driving excitement with luxury features like heated and ventilated seats, an Ergo Motion driver’s seat, and Nappa leather upholstery. While a third row was available, its limited legroom made it suitable only for children. The GV80 offered convenience with Genesis puddle lamps, a digital key, tri-zone climate control, and a 21-speaker stereo system. Its utility was impressive, with 34.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 84 cubic feet with seats folded, and a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds.

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 packaging marvel with generous headroom and legroom in every row. The controls were user-friendly, with a smart and fast infotainment system. Optional features included a front console refrigerator and power-retractable side steps for easier access. The air suspension lowered the truck for easier loading, and the tailgate's separate glass window was a thoughtful touch.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen for infotainment, accompanied by a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster and a head-up display. While the infotainment screen was slightly out of reach, the dial offered a tactile experience, though navigating through icons was cumbersome. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, albeit not wirelessly, but wireless charging and multiple outlets ensured devices stayed powered. The GV80's remote smart parking assist allowed for maneuvering in tight spaces without the driver in the car, adding a cool factor to its tech offerings.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade impressed with its OLED screens across the dash, providing sharp and clear visuals. A front camera displayed a high-res road feed with navigation overlays, enhancing the driver's experience. Super Cruise, a $2,500 option, offered the best hands-free highway driving system, using infrared eye-tracking cameras for safety. The Escalade also featured night vision with pedestrian detection, a 36-speaker AKG audio system, and massage seats. The rear-seat entertainment system could stream apps, and the LED headlights were notably bright.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard advanced driver’s aids, including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. A standout feature was the video feed of the car’s blind spot in the digital gauge cluster, providing a clear view without neck craning. Highway Drive Assist offered hands-on/eyes-up driving aid on approved highways, though it struggled with sun glare. The GV80 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and high marks from the IIHS, though its headlights and LATCH system were rated as Acceptable.

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 like reverse emergency braking and Super Cruise enhanced safety, though reverse braking occasionally triggered erroneously. The Escalade's safety offerings were robust, but its ratings indicated room for improvement.