2023 Cadillac Escalade vs 2023 Subaru Outback

The 2023 Subaru Outback underwent a notable facelift featuring a new front end with redesigned LED headlights and a restyled grille. The revised bumper sported dark gray vertical cladding, creating an impression of large air intakes at each corner. Additional elements like a jutting simulated skid plate, oversized fog light housings, and asymmetrical wheel arch trim reminiscent of the Wilderness model gave the Outback a more aggressive aesthetic. Whether these changes enhanced the Outback's appeal depended on individual taste; opting for a darker paint color could conceal some of the design's excesses. Alternatively, the Onyx Edition offered black wheels and trim, creating a better harmony with the bold cladding. The 2023 Outback ranged from the base $28,395 model to the top-tier $42,295 Touring trim, not including destination charges.

In contrast, the 2023 Cadillac Escalade stood as a towering six-and-a-half feet behemoth that required between 18 to 19 feet of length for parking. Designed for show, the standard Escalade and its elongated ESV version projected an imposing presence. Despite its broad frame, Cadillac tricked the eye by incorporating thin LED lights that visually narrowed the vehicle's girth alongside strategic horizontal lines and contoured front-end features for a semblance of aerodynamics. The Sport Platinum trim darkened chrome accents to mask some bulk, while three different grille designs offered variety. Signature 22-inch wheels and elaborate lighting sequences contributed to a polished exterior, making the Escalade a stately and handsome SUV that embraced its size with confidence.

Subaru's 2023 Outback utilized horizontally opposed engines, known as boxer types, which were praised for their lower center of gravity and characteristic sound. However, the standard 2.5-liter engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque often felt underpowered in the 3,781-pound vehicle, struggling during passing and climbing scenarios. The CVT did well at lower speeds, but overall fuel efficiency lagged, returning only 25.6 mpg against an EPA estimate of 28 mpg. For more responsive power, especially in multi-lane freeway driving, the turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four in the Outback XT variants offered 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. Both engine options came with a CVT that mimicked an eight-speed automatic transmission through paddle shifters. Standard across all trims, Active Torque Split AWD and X-Mode traction systems maximized the Outback's off-road capabilities.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade's entry-level 6.2-liter V8 engine, with its 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, did not deliver the acceleration its rumbly sound implied. However, it performed adequately for cruising, thanks in part to its nifty cylinder deactivation feature. The V8 struggled with the vehicle’s heft during aggressive maneuvers. The Escalade-V addressed this with a supercharged Corvette V8 engine, delivering a monstrous 682 hp and 653 lb-ft of torque. Though powerful, its performance seemed excessive. Alternatively, the 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 provided smoother torque and better fuel efficiency at 22 mpg combined. The 10-speed automatic transmission handled shifts well, though not in an enthusiastic manner. The Escalade featured a less sophisticated 4WD system, best engaged manually under challenging conditions. Cadillac's magnetic dampers and air suspension contributed to significantly reduced body roll and improved maneuverability, although wind noise at high speeds detracted from the luxury experience.

The Subaru Outback emphasized utility with thoughtful features like a purposeful roof rack and textured plastic door sills for easy access. Interior comforts abounded with the Touring trim offering 12-way power-adjustable front seats, heating, ventilation, and premium Nappa leather upholstery. The rear outboard seats were heated, ensuring comfort during colder climates. The Outback provided ample legroom and seat comfort, performing admirably on extended trips. Cargo capacity reached 32.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and expanded to 75.6 cubic feet with them folded, accommodating full-size suitcases and various items securely.

In comparison, the Cadillac Escalade's interior offered unmatched space efficiency. It boasted 25 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, swelling to 73 cubic feet behind the second row, and a staggering 121 cubic feet with both rows down. The larger ESV model outshone even long-wheelbase competitors with up to 143 cubic feet of cargo volume. The Escalade's user-friendly controls, optional front console refrigerator, and numerous USB ports added to its practicality. Power-retractable side steps and an air suspension facilitated easy access and loading. The separate glass window in the tailgate provided additional access, particularly beneficial for pet owners.

The 2023 Subaru Outback equipped all models, except the Base trim, with an 11.6-inch Starlink touchscreen infotainment system set in portrait orientation. Physical buttons and knobs complemented various embedded functions, including climate controls and seating adjustments. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto became available from the Premium trim upwards, alongside subscription-based Starlink services. Despite some improvements, the system's graphics and voice recognition remained subpar, often requiring reliance on smartphone platforms for reliable navigation. Additional tech features included a camera-based digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree front-view camera, though a surround-view camera was absent.

Cadillac's technological spearhead, the 38-inch span of OLED screens, delivered crisp visuals and advanced navigation overlays directly in front of the driver. Super Cruise, for a $2,500 upgrade, outshone competitors with its hands-free highway-driving capabilities, supported by infrared eye-tracking. The Escalade's night vision pedestrian detection, a panoramic 36-speaker AKG audio system, and massaging front seats topped the luxury experience. Rear-seat entertainment systems could stream apps, and bright LED headlights ensured clear visibility.

Safety was a core focus for Subaru, with EyeSight technology standard across the Outback lineup. It included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. The Premium trim and higher offered a blind-spot monitoring system and a new Automatic Emergency Steering system designed for obstacle avoidance within the vehicle's travel lane. The 2023 Outback achieved top safety marks from the IIHS across all categories.

In contrast, the 2023 Cadillac Escalade earned mixed safety scores. Rated four out of five stars by NHTSA due to lower frontal and rollover ratings, the Escalade received five stars in other evaluations. Standard safety features included forward automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and a Safety Alert seat. Optional systems enhanced coverage with reverse emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and Super Cruise adaptive cruise control.