2021 Lexus GX vs 2022 Cadillac Escalade

The 2021 Lexus GX retained its rugged and aggressive exterior styling, a testament to its decade-long presence in the market. Despite its age, the GX's spindle grille, updated in 2020, and triple-beam LED headlights gave it a distinctive look that appealed to SUV enthusiasts. However, the interior did not match the modern luxury standards, with wood trim that felt like plastic and an abundance of actual plastic materials. While semi-aniline leather was standard, the overall interior design felt outdated compared to contemporary luxury SUVs.

In contrast, the 2022 Cadillac Escalade made a bold statement with its unapologetically massive size and distinct styling elements. The front end, reminiscent of a diesel locomotive, featured a tall hood, vertical running lights, and horizontal headlights. The Escalade's design emphasized its bulk, with 22-inch wheels appearing small against the vast sheet metal. The interior, while luxurious with leather upholstery and wood trim, lacked a cohesive design theme. Despite the high-quality materials, some cheap-looking plastic bits detracted from the overall luxury feel.

The 2021 Lexus GX was powered by a 4.6-litre V8 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. While the V8 provided ample power for initial acceleration, the GX's weight of 2,349 kilograms made higher-speed maneuvers challenging. The body-on-frame construction resulted in a less refined ride quality, with noticeable body roll and low grip in corners. However, the GX excelled in off-road capability, featuring a Torsen centre differential, a standard 4WD system with a low range, and various off-road drive modes. It offered a towing capacity of 2,948 kilograms.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade offered two powertrain options: a 6.2-litre gasoline V8 with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six diesel engine with 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. The diesel engine impressed with smooth power delivery and a low torque peak, making it suitable for various driving situations. The Escalade's towing capacity reached 3,629 kilograms with the gasoline engine. However, the ride quality was less refined, with the body-on-frame construction and 22-inch wheels contributing to an unsettled ride.

The 2021 Lexus GX's interior ergonomics reflected its age, with limited legroom due to the upright dashboard and high centre console. The steering wheel's odd angle and tall seating position added to the bus-like driving feel. While outward visibility was excellent, forward visibility was hindered by the tall hood. The GX offered three rows of seating, but the third row was best suited for children. Cargo space was limited, with only 1,833 litres available with the second and third rows folded.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade, sharing its platform with other GM full-size SUVs, boasted a spacious cabin. It offered the most first-row and third-row legroom among full-size luxury SUVs. The Escalade excelled in cargo capacity, with 722 litres with all seats in place, 2,064 litres with the third row folded, and 3,426 litres with all rear seats folded. However, the raised centre console limited storage space, and the seats, while adjustable, felt similar to those in GM's other SUVs.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The standard infotainment system featured outdated graphics and limited functionality. However, Lexus included analog controls for most functions, providing a refreshing alternative to screen-centric interfaces.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade featured an impressive 38-inch curved OLED display, comprising three screens. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot. The display seamlessly integrated into the dashboard, with functional icons and physical toggles for climate control. However, the carousel format for changing radio stations and the rotary controller were less user-friendly. The Escalade's OLED screens provided excellent resolution for the 360-degree camera system, enhancing visibility.

The 2021 Lexus GX came equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ bundle, including a pre-collision system, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. However, it lacked some advanced safety features found in other Lexus models. The GX did not have crash-test ratings from the NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade offered a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance technologies, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keep assist. Super Cruise, a sophisticated driver-assist system, was available on most trims, providing hands-free driving on pre-mapped highways. While the Escalade lacked crash-test ratings, Super Cruise impressed with its smooth and natural responses.