2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs 2023 Cadillac Escalade

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport was characterized by its modernist and reductive design, which translated to a clean and simple aesthetic. This approach might not have appealed to those seeking a flashy luxury SUV, as Land Rover offered limited options for making the Range Rover Sport stand out, such as a Firenze Red paint color and diamond-turned, multi-spoke 23-inch wheels. The test vehicle, finished in Eiger Gray with silver 23-inch wheels and a Black Exterior Pack, exuded understated luxury. Inside, the Deep Garnet over Ebony theme, complemented by aluminum and shiny black trim, created a high-tech and luxurious atmosphere. The Range Rover Sport was available in SE P360, SE Dynamic P400, and Autobiography P440e specifications, with the SE Dynamic P400 test vehicle priced at $98,420, including destination charges. Notable design features included premium LED headlights, flush-mounted door handles, and surface LED technology taillights, contributing to its excellent aerodynamics.

In contrast, the 2023 Cadillac Escalade was a towering presence, nearly six-and-a-half feet tall and requiring significant space to park. It was designed for show, appealing to a diverse range of buyers, from pop musicians to large families. Despite its size, the Escalade managed to look athletic and trim, thanks to thin LED lights and darkened chrome accents on the Sport Platinum trim. The Escalade's design was characterized by a few horizontal lines and contours, giving it a handsome appearance. It offered six trims, all equipped with 22-inch wheels and elaborate lighting sequences. The interior featured a rich first-row experience with a 38-inch curved screen dashboard and various wood trim options. However, the allure diminished in the second and third rows, where parts from cheaper GM vehicles were evident. The Escalade's interior was most luxurious in the driver's space, leaving room for improvement in the rear seats.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport aimed to balance refinement, comfort, and driver-focused engagement. It featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque in the SE Dynamic model. The SE P360 offered 355 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) drivetrain was available in the Autobiography P440e, delivering 434 hp and 406 lb-ft with an estimated 51 miles of electric range. The Range Rover Sport's 395-hp inline-six provided ample power, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds. It boasted a towing capacity of 7,716 pounds and offered impressive fuel efficiency, averaging 22.3 mpg on evaluation routes. The SUV's new architecture increased torsional stiffness by 35%, and its adaptive damping air suspension enhanced ride comfort and handling. However, it struggled to match the agility of sport-tuned SUVs from Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz on twisty roads. Off-road, the Range Rover Sport excelled, with advanced suspension and technology ensuring a smooth ride over challenging terrain.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade offered a standard 6.2-liter gasoline V8 engine with 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, providing adequate power for towing up to 8,200 pounds. However, it felt heavy during passing maneuvers. The Escalade-V addressed acceleration concerns with a supercharged Corvette V8, delivering 682 hp and 653 lb-ft of torque. The optional 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6, tested in a 2022 model, offered smooth torque delivery and better fuel economy, achieving a combined 22 mpg with 4WD. The Escalade's 4WD system was more rudimentary compared to conventional SUVs, requiring manual engagement for low-traction surfaces. Its magnetic dampers and air suspension, available on higher trims, improved maneuverability and ride comfort, though wind noise was noticeable at highway speeds.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport retained its Command Driving Position, offering a tall and airy feel with a low dashboard and thin roof pillars. The air suspension could kneel for easier entry and exit, and the front seats were comfortable with 20-way power adjustments, heating, and ventilation. However, the rear seat was less accommodating, with limited legroom and hard front seatback panels. The cargo area offered 31.9 cubic feet of space, expandable to 53 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Storage within the cabin was decent, though some compartments were shallow.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade boasted a spacious interior, with 25 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 73 cubic feet behind the second row, and 121 cubic feet with both rows down. 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. The controls were user-friendly, with a smart and fast infotainment system. An optional front console refrigerator and power-retractable side steps added convenience. The air suspension could lower the vehicle for easier loading, and the tailgate featured a separate glass window for added versatility.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport featured a 13.7-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with haptic feedback. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM satellite radio. However, the Pivi Pro infotainment system was often confusing and frustrating to use, with difficulties in accessing features and understanding its functions. The native digital assistant struggled with basic commands, such as finding nearby locations. On a positive note, the Range Rover Sport offered impressive Meridian audio systems and a next-generation Active Noise Cancellation system.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade showcased a span of OLED screens across the dash, providing sharp and clear visuals. The front camera displayed a high-resolution feed of the road, overlaying directional arrows and street names. 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 featured night vision with pedestrian detection, a 36-speaker AKG audio system, and a rear-seat entertainment system capable of streaming apps. The front seats offered massage functions, enhancing comfort during long drives.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport came equipped with advanced driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. It also featured automatic high-beam headlights, a driver monitoring system, and a surround-view camera system. Remote Park Assist allowed the SUV to park itself while the driver directed it using a smartphone app. However, the adaptive cruise control and steering assist were not as smooth or reliable as expected, particularly on freeway curves with inconsistent lane markings.

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 with pedestrian detection, a Safety Alert seat, and rear parking sensors. Optional features included reverse emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and Super Cruise. However, reverse emergency braking occasionally activated erroneously during testing.