Cadillac Escalade vs Toyota bZ

The 2026 Toyota bZ was available in XLE and Limited trims, offering both single-motor front-wheel drive (FWD) and dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations, with two battery size options. The larger battery, which was standard on the Limited trim, provided enhanced power, performance, and range, albeit at a higher cost. Prices ranged from $36,495 to $46,895, including the destination charge. The XLE test vehicle featured FWD and the optional larger battery, transforming it into the XLE Plus for an additional $3,000. The total MSRP, including options like Heavy Metal paint and various mats, was $40,468. The 2026 bZ's design improvements, such as body-color trim, were well-received, although some colors retained the less popular black overfender trim. Inside, the dashboard and center console were redesigned for a cleaner look, with a 14-inch center touchscreen and integrated climate controls. However, the digital driver display's placement and size remained a point of contention.

The 2026 Cadillac Escalade Platinum Sport was a commanding presence at 211.9 inches long and nearly 77 inches tall. Cadillac offered the Escalade in Sport and Luxury trims, with the Sport version featuring a blacked-out exterior for a more aggressive look. The Platinum Sport trim maintained the Escalade's grandeur with distinctive vertical LED headlights and striking Deep Sea Metallic paint. Inside, the Sheer Gray and Jet Black semi-aniline leather with faceted quilting provided a premium feel. The 55-inch curved display across the dashboard was a standout feature, integrating a digital instrument cluster and infotainment system. While most controls were haptic touchscreens, the overall design effectively masked the Escalade's truck-platform origins. The cabin's premium materials, such as leather door trim and a microsuede headliner, contributed to a genuinely luxurious experience, although the body-on-frame platform limited the refinement compared to unibody rivals.

The 2026 Toyota bZ offered a range of power and efficiency options. The XLE with FWD featured a single electric motor and a 57.7-kWh battery, delivering 165 horsepower and 198 pound-feet of torque, with an EPA-estimated range of 236 miles and an efficiency rating of 26 kWh/100 miles. Upgrading to the 74.7-kWh battery increased power to 224 hp and extended the range to 314 miles, though the Limited trim's range was slightly lower at 299 miles. Dual-motor AWD models, equipped with the 74.7-kWh battery, produced 338 hp and offered ranges of 288 miles for the XLE and 278 miles for the Limited. The bZ supported fast charging, with a DC fast charger bringing the battery from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes. In efficiency tests, the XLE Plus exceeded EPA estimates, averaging 4.5 miles per kWh in Eco mode. However, the bZ's handling was less impressive, with front wheelspin issues and lifeless steering detracting from its performance on winding roads.

The 2026 Cadillac Escalade was powered by a 6.2-liter V8 engine producing 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The test vehicle featured four-wheel drive (4WD), and the V8 engine delivered a pleasing note under acceleration. On a 320-mile road trip, the Escalade achieved 16.4 mpg, slightly above its EPA estimate of 16 mpg combined. The adaptive air suspension provided a smooth ride, absorbing road imperfections with ease. While not as dynamically refined as some European rivals, the Escalade offered a comfortable and quiet highway experience. However, the standard brakes lacked confidence under hard stops, making the optional Brembo brake upgrade a worthwhile consideration.

The 2026 Toyota bZ, built on a skateboard-style EV platform, offered 8.1 inches of ground clearance, making entry and exit easy. Both front seats featured standard height adjustment, with eight-way power adjustment available in XLE and Limited trims. The bZ lacked a traditional glove compartment but compensated with ample storage options, including a large bin under the center armrest and a tray beneath the console. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed generous legroom, though foot space was limited. The bZ provided 27.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 56.9 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2026 Cadillac Escalade offered class-leading cargo space, with 25.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 72.9 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 121 cubic feet with both rear rows down. The power-folding second and third rows made reconfiguring the interior straightforward. The Escalade seated up to eight, with generous second-row legroom but tighter third-row space. Towing capacity was competitive at 8,100 pounds for the standard-wheelbase model with RWD and 7,900 pounds with 4WD. Power-retractable side steps were standard on Platinum Sport models, aiding entry and exit.

The 2026 Toyota bZ featured a 7-inch digital driver display and a new 14-inch touchscreen infotainment display. The driver display's placement and size were criticized for being difficult to read. The infotainment system, running Toyota Audio Multimedia, was generally user-friendly but lacked a home screen for simultaneous data display. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with various connected service plans available. The Drive Connect system powered navigation and voice assistant features, which performed well in testing.

The 2026 Cadillac Escalade's interior was dominated by a 55-inch curved display, incorporating a digital instrument cluster, a 35-inch central infotainment touchscreen, and a 20-inch front passenger screen. The system was responsive and logically organized, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard. The Platinum Sport trim featured a 34-speaker AKG audio system, delivering impressive sound quality. Super Cruise, GM's hands-free highway driving system, was standard and performed effectively over long distances. The Escalade also included dual 12.6-inch second-row entertainment screens and an optional Executive Second Row Seating Package.

The 2026 Toyota bZ came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, which included features like high-beam assist, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. Proactive Driving Assist provided additional safety through subtle braking and steering inputs. The Limited trim added Traffic Jam Assist and other advanced features. However, the bZ's safety ratings were mixed, with the IIHS giving it an Acceptable rating in frontal-impact crash tests and a Poor rating for headlights.

The 2026 Cadillac Escalade was equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance technologies, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitors, and adaptive cruise control. The Teen Driver system allowed parents to set speed alerts and review driving reports. The Escalade received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though its size posed blind-spot challenges despite the surround-view camera system.