2022 Lexus NX vs 2021 Cadillac Escalade

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade showcased a design heavily influenced by the Escala concept, particularly evident in its front fascia. However, from the side and rear, it retained a familiar look, featuring crisp creases and tall OLED taillights. The Escalade sat on standard 22-inch wheels for the first time, offering a commanding presence. Pricing started at just over $90,000 Canadian for the base Luxury trim, with higher trims like Premium Luxury and Sport priced at $99,898. The test vehicle, a Premium Luxury trim, came with a host of features, including a 36-speaker AKG sound system and a Driver Assist Tech Package, bringing its price to $119,988 Canadian. Inside, the Escalade offered a luxurious cabin with various leather and wood trim options, though some plastic elements were less impressive given the price.

The 2022 Lexus NX, redesigned for the model year, came in four series: NX 250, NX 350, NX 350h, and NX 450h+. The NX 350, with its turbocharged engine, was the focus of this review. The NX's design was unmistakably Lexus, featuring a prominent spindle grille and new block lettering on the tailgate. It was longer, wider, and taller than its predecessor, offering more space for passengers and cargo. The interior adopted a minimalist approach, with a focus on simplicity and refinement. The NX 350 F Sport stood out with unique styling elements and sport-bolstered seats. While the interior was generally high-quality, some controls integrated into the touchscreen were less intuitive. The NX's pricing ranged from $47,400 to $59,950, excluding destination charges.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade offered a choice between a standard 6.2-litre V8 engine and a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel inline six-cylinder engine. The V8 delivered 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It featured Dynamic Fuel Management and an automatic stop/start system for improved efficiency, achieving 14.8 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. The turbo-diesel, with 277 horsepower and the same torque as the V8, offered a combined average of 10.6 litres per 100 kilometres. The Escalade's ride and handling were significantly improved, thanks to a new independent rear suspension, Magnetic Ride Control 4.0, and 4-Corner Air Ride suspension. It excelled on highways, providing a smooth and quiet ride, though the brake pedal could have offered better modulation.

The 2022 Lexus NX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive was standard in Canada. The NX 350 F Sport added Sport S, Sport+, and Custom driving modes, along with an adaptive variable sports suspension. The NX 350 accelerated to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, with observed fuel consumption of 10.6 L/100 km for the F Sport and 9.2 L/100 km for the non-F Sport. The NX's handling was improved, though the turbocharged engine lacked the refinement of some German rivals. The F Sport provided a more engaging driving experience, while the regular NX 350 offered a softer ride.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade's interior was significantly more spacious, thanks to a new independent rear suspension and longer wheelbase. Front seats offered 12-way and available 16-way power adjustments, with heated and ventilated options. The second-row captain's chairs were heated, and the third-row seat was now comfortable for adults. Cargo capacity was impressive, with 722 litres behind the third row, 2,064 litres with the third row folded, and 3,426 litres with the second row down. The extended-length Escalade ESV offered even more space, with up to 4,044 litres of cargo volume.

The 2022 Lexus NX provided a more intimate cabin feel, with comfortable heated and ventilated front seats. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed ample space, with rear air conditioning vents and USB ports. The NX's panoramic sunroof extended over the back seat. Cargo space increased by 14%, offering 643 litres behind the rear seats and 1,328 litres with them folded. Thematic Ambient Illumination added a touch of luxury, though it wasn't tested during the review.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade featured a 38-inch curved OLED display for instrumentation and infotainment, offering high pixel density and vibrant colours. While the system was user-friendly, some improvements were needed, such as easier access to display modes. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though Apple CarPlay had connectivity issues during testing. The Escalade's voice recognition struggled with some commands. A 19-speaker AKG sound system was standard, with an optional 36-speaker AKG Reference system. The AR navigation system and head-up display were impressive, though the latter was not available on the base trim.

The 2022 Lexus NX introduced the new Lexus Interface infotainment system, featuring a 9.8-inch or optional 14-inch touchscreen. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and Voice Assistant technology. A 10-speaker sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson system available. The new Voice Assistant and Intelligent Assistant systems responded to natural commands. The NX offered several connected services, including cloud-based navigation and digital key capability. The 14-inch touchscreen collected fingerprints and lacked a tuning knob, which was a drawback.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade's safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. It also had Teen Driver technology, parking assist sensors, and a surround-view camera. Premium trims added blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The optional Driver Assist Tech Package included adaptive cruise control and rear emergency braking. The Escalade's size provided inherent safety, though there were a couple of false alarms during testing.

The 2022 Lexus NX came with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring lane keep assist, dynamic radar cruise control, and automatic high beams. New features included Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist and Oncoming Vehicle Detection. The Emergency Driving Stop System brought the NX to a safe stop if the driver was unresponsive. The NX also had blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safe Exit Assist. Additional safety features were available in packages, including adaptive front lighting and semi-autonomous parking assist.