2023 Cadillac Escalade vs 2023 Land Rover Defender

The 2023 Land Rover Defender had a unique aesthetic appeal that set it apart from many other SUVs. Its boxy shape harked back to the beloved old LR4, gaining favor for its rugged and unmistakably Land Rover design. Distinct features included its square-jawed face, rectangular hood and doors, and an abruptly chopped tail, which all contributed to its classic truck silhouette. Historical nods, such as the dome and faux-metal step plates on the hood, skylights along the roof's sides, and the body-color square outlining the side glass, provided a touch of nostalgia.

The Defender came with a full-size wheel and tire mounted to the hatch, opening barn door style. Adding to its retro appeal were the white steel wheels of the base model. Four accessory packages allowed buyers to customize their Defender with functional and stylish add-ons like ladders, roof racks, storage boxes, snorkels, and mud flaps. The Defender's range included three body styles—90, 110, and 130, with the latter two sharing the same wheelbase but differing in rear length.

Inside, the Defender prioritized durability and function over luxury. Despite optional Windsor leather, the interior featured moisture-wicking rubbers and stain-resistant plastics. A six-inch wide piece of metal spanned the dashboard, counterbalanced by exposed screws and basic air vents, which maintained the vehicle's hardcore character. Although the build quality and fit were commendable, its rugged interior lacked the opulence found in its Range Rover siblings. At an MSRP near $120,000 for the 110 V8 Carpathian Edition, the Defender didn't always feel as luxurious as its cost suggested. Yet, its popularity wasn't hindered, with around 20,000 units sold annually.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade took a different approach, presenting as a towering, almost six-and-a-half-foot giant on the road. Its presence commanded attention, appealing to a demographic ranging from pop musicians to large families. At nearly 19 feet long (and 20 feet for the ESV), it was a motorized cargo vessel wrapped in a sophisticated design.

Despite its size, the Escalade managed to look athletic. Thin LED lights created a sleeker appearance, while trims like the Sport Platinum darkened chrome accents for a more streamlined look. Horizontal lines and subtle contours added a bit of aerodynamic flair, making the Escalade a handsome SUV proud of its dimensions.

The Escalade's trims, all on 22-inch wheels, had dramatic touches like three-foot-high taillights performing elaborate light shows and three grille styles. The black honeycomb mesh of the Sport trims stood out for its aggressive look compared to the star-studded Luxury trims and the Platinum’s more intricate design. The V-Series was identifiable by its quad exhaust tips and red brake calipers.

Inside, the Escalade dazzled with a 38-inch dashboard-spanning array of screens and luxurious wood trim options. While base models started with leatherette seats, higher trims offered sumptuous leather combinations and wool-like fabric detailing. However, the luxurious veneer faded in the second and third rows, where materials were less premium, resembling components from standard GM vehicles. Only the front row truly represented Cadillac's luxury heritage.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender was a beast off-road. In tests from 2020, it had shown impressive grip, wheel articulation, and clearance, particularly with the air suspension raised. This allowed it to tackle almost any terrain, though most owners used it on regular roads rather than testing its full capabilities. The Defender featured permanent four-wheel drive, but its drivability suffered on-road due to its cumbersome feel. Excessive body roll, slow steering, and wind noise added to the issues, making it less polished compared to range-topper SUVs like the Range Rover, which offered similar off-road prowess with better on-road performance.

The Defender's engines, however, were a saving grace. The six-cylinder engine, part of a 48-volt mild hybrid system, delivered 395 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque, providing seamless power transitions and efficient low-speed response. The supercharged V8 version, with its formidable 518 hp and 461 lb-ft, turned the Defender into a powerhouse, although it was somewhat unnerving given the vehicle's size and weight. Fuel efficiency varied, with the V8 consuming significantly at 14 mpg city and 19 mpg highway, whereas the six-cylinder managed a better 18/23 mpg.

In the 2023 Cadillac Escalade, driving pleasure was centered on comfort. Its standard 6.2-liter V8, with 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, was more suited for cruising than for rapid acceleration. A 10-speed automatic transmission paired with the engine, but even in Sport mode, the vehicle felt heavy and less keen to surge forward compared to competitors like the Grand Wagoneer and Navigator.

The Escalade-V changed the game with a supercharged Corvette V8, delivering a whopping 682 hp and 653 lb-ft, paired with appropriately sized front brakes. Despite its excessive power, the Escalade-V could have benefited from a more moderate increase between the standard V8 and its own high output. The Escalade also offered a turbodiesel V6 option with 277 hp but impressive torque, which smoothed out the driving experience and improved fuel economy to 22 mpg combined.

The Escalade's 4WD system was relatively basic, suitable for full-size luxury SUVs but lacking the adaptive qualities of more advanced systems. Magnetic dampers and optional air suspension enhanced the ride quality, though the latter could become unsettled on rough pavement. Wind noise was noticeable but balanced by accurate and responsive steering, making the Escalade feel somewhat nimbler than its size suggested.

The Defender was designed for versatility. In the two-door 90 variant with a jump seat, it could seat six across the front. The four-door 110 and extended 130 versions introduced more seating arrangements, accommodating up to eight passengers. Third-row passengers enjoyed comforts such as air vents, cupholders, USB ports, and a separate moonroof.

Cargo capacity varied across Defender models. The 90 offered up to 58 cubic feet, while the 110 extended to 79 cubic feet with all seats folded. The largest 130 version provided 77 cubic feet of space, dropping to a meager 14 cubic feet with all seats upright. Buyers could equip their Defenders with various functional enhancements, from off-road tires to a brush bar, demonstrating the model's practical appeal.

The Escalade surpassed the Defender in terms of interior space and convenience. With up to 121 cubic feet of storage in the standard model and 143 cubic feet in the ESV variant, the Escalade set a benchmark for cargo capacity. It boasted generous headroom and legroom across all three rows, making it comfortable for six adults. The independent rear suspension played a significant role in optimizing interior space, a change from the previous generation's live axle design.

Operational controls were intuitive and straightforward. The Escalade featured a smart touchscreen system with easy-to-access climate controls and a front console refrigerator. Power-retractable side steps facilitated entry and access to the roof. The air suspension lowered the vehicle when parked for easier loading and unloading, a feature absent in the Defender.

The Defender impressed with its Pivi Pro infotainment system available in two sizes: 10-inch and 11.4-inch screens. Both offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a voice assistant, and connected apps. Standard tech included heated front seats, a proximity key, and power-folding mirrors. The S trim upgraded to a Meridian stereo and 12-way power seats, while the SE trim added more luxurious features like cooled front seats and surround sound.

Top-tier X trims boasted a head-up display, adaptive cruise control, air suspension, and more advanced terrain response systems. This model also featured configurable ambient lighting and a rearview mirror with a camera display, enhancing its upscale appeal.

The Escalade raised the bar with advanced tech like its OLED screens spanning the dashboard, providing sharp resolutions and augmented reality navigation overlays. The marquee feature was Super Cruise, a hands-free driving system that monitored driver attention through infrared cameras, surpassing Tesla's Autopilot in effectiveness and safety.

Night vision technology enhanced pedestrian detection, and the optional 36-speaker AKG audio system enveloped passengers in high-quality sound. The rear-seat entertainment system supported streaming services, and front seats featured multiple massage settings, highlighting Cadillac’s focus on comfort and advanced tech integration.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender lacked U.S. safety ratings but scored five stars in Euro NCAP tests for its solid structure. It came with six airbags, which seemed minimal given its stature. Standard safety features included lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and a 360-degree camera system for enhanced visibility and maneuvering. However, it did not offer self-steering highway assist.

The Escalade received mixed results from the NHTSA, with a notable four-star rating for front-passenger protection and a three-star rollover rating, though it scored five stars in other areas. Standard features comprised forward automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, a Safety Alert seat, and rear parking sensors. Additional options included reverse emergency braking, which had occasional false activations, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and the highly regarded Super Cruise for hands-free driving.