Cadillac Escalade vs Jeep Grand Cherokee L

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade stood impressively as a vehicle that towered nearly six-and-a-half feet above the ground and required between 18 and 19 feet of length to park. Essentially a motorized cargo container, it featured three rows of leather seats and more technology than the command center of an actual port. The standard Escalade was already large, but the Escalade ESV added 15 inches in length, mostly due to the extended wheelbase.

Cadillac emphasized that their Escalade lineup, including the Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban and GMC Yukon/Yukon XL, was designed for show. It catered to pop musicians, overzealous parents, aspiring federal agents, or boaters with large families. The vehicle's presence was hard to miss, a sentiment echoing Cadillac’s “Never stop arriving” tagline.

Despite its size, the Escalade managed a relatively athletic appearance. The inclusion of thin LED lights visually narrowed its girth, while the Sport Platinum trim’s darkened chrome elements helped mask its massive proportions. It featured 22-inch wheels and elaborate lighting sequences upon unlocking, enhancing its distinctive appearance further. The interior of the Escalade exuded luxury in the front row with a 38-inch curved array of screens and multiple high-quality trim options. However, the back rows reflected a more utilitarian approach adopted from cheaper GM vehicles.

In contrast, the Jeep Grand Cherokee L maintained the Grand Cherokee lineage of a strong, upscale presence since its dramatic 1992 debut. It stretched the design while retaining the classic lifted box with a seven-slot grille. Adding more than a foot of length, it managed to preserve the elegant yet tough aesthetic.

Our Hydro Blue Grand Cherokee L with the High Altitude package blackened the grille and logos while walnut accents underscored its boldness. The U-shaped fenders and square greenhouse epitomized Jeep, combining traditional and modern design elements that promised longevity. The upper trims of the Grand Cherokee L featured plush interiors, striking a balance between toughness and luxury that felt warranted for its price range. Though not every piece was Mercedes-grade, it offered a justified sense of upscale quality for around $70,000.

Driving the 2023 Cadillac Escalade provided a pleasant experience, although the standard 6.2-liter V8 engine didn’t fulfill the promise of its robust sound. It was adequate for gentle cruising, with the V8 shutting off up to six cylinders to achieve a combined 16 mpg in the 4WD standard length variant. While the V8’s 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque were sufficient for towing up to 8,200 pounds in the RWD model, the Escalade felt its weight during acceleration.

For those seeking more power, the Escalade-V came with a supercharged Corvette V8 producing 682 hp and 653 pound-feet of torque. This made it the only Escalade variant with appropriately sized front brakes. Despite the power upgrade, a middle ground between 682 hp and the standard V8’s 420 hp seemed more practical. Additionally, Cadillac offered a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 with 277 hp and torque to match the V8, delivering a combined 22 mpg with 4WD.

The Escalade’s 4WD system was more rudimentary than typical SUVs, featuring a center differential that locked the engine’s torque 50:50 front to rear. It also featured magnetic dampers and superbly tuned steering, making it surprisingly nimble for its size. However, wind noise at highway speeds detracted from the overall luxury experience.

On the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, the standard 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 with 293 hp and 260 pound-feet of torque was the weak link. It sounded strained, and the vehicle’s mass highlighted the need for more low-end torque. The 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with 357 hp and 390 pound-feet of torque, recommended for towing (up to 7,200 pounds), provided a better match, albeit with lower fuel economy ratings of 14/22/17 mpg.

The Grand Cherokee L’s chassis imparted confident handling, with air suspension making it adept at cornering without excessive lean. However, the steering lacked the precision found in competitors. Jeep’s selection of 4WD systems across trims ensured robust off-road capabilities, complemented by an air suspension that raised the ground clearance to 10.9 inches. It was technically adept, albeit the off-road prowess might exceed the needs of most buyers.

The interior space of the 2023 Cadillac Escalade set benchmarks among large SUVs. It boasted 25 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 73 cubic feet behind the second row, and a massive 121 cubic feet with both rows folded. Consequently, it trumped the Lincoln Navigator L and the Jeep Grand Wagoneer L. Every row provided generous headroom and legroom, capable of seating six adults comfortably. The Escalade was particularly user-friendly when it came to controls, with intuitive systems for climate and infotainment management. Additional features like a refrigerator in the front console and air suspension to ease cargo loading set it apart.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L capitalized on its extended length to provide more legroom for second-row passengers, featuring a feeling of spaciousness that larger individuals appreciated. Standard captain's chairs in the second row furthered comfort, while the Summit Reserve trim added high-end amenities like four-zone climate control and heated rear seats. The cargo space, although generous at a maximum of 85 cubic feet, still fell short of the Escalade’s capacity. The visibility and sight lines from the driver’s seat were excellent, but frustratingly, some infotainment graphics were hard to read.

Cadillac packed the Escalade with cutting-edge technology, featuring expansive OLED screens that delivered one of the clearest displays in the industry. A front camera displayed a high-resolution feed directly in the driver’s view, which was more effective than other brands. Super Cruise, Cadillac’s hands-free driving system, demonstrated superiority over competitors with extensive highway coverage and advanced safety alerts.

Additionally, the Escalade built on Cadillac’s long history of innovative tech with features like pedestrian-detection night vision and an extravagant 36-speaker AKG audio system. The massaging front seats, superior night visibility, and entertainment options added to the high-tech luxury experience.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered robust tech features across trims, with the higher ones featuring a 10.1-inch touchscreen and comprehensive navigation options. Uconnect 5 software was user-friendly despite some minor legibility issues. Tech highlights included a head-up display with multiple views, night vision, and an independent passenger screen that could handle multiple tasks. The array of tech features, especially the Amazon Fire TV for rear-seat entertainment, underscored Jeep’s commitment to keeping up with luxury SUV standards.

Safety ratings for the 2023 Cadillac Escalade included four out of five stars from the NHTSA, with lower ratings for front-passenger protection and rollover resistance. The Escalade provided standard features like forward automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and a Safety Alert seat. Optional features included reverse emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and Super Cruise, although some functionality exhibited occasional false alerts.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, meanwhile, garnered Top Safety Pick+ honors from the IIHS for models built after May 2023. It also scored five stars in nearly all NHTSA tests, save for rollover resistance. The Grand Cherokee L offered comprehensive standard safety features, including forward emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist. Optional safety features on higher trims catered to an attentive driver looking for enhanced situational awareness.