2023 Cadillac Escalade vs 2022 Buick Encore GX

The 2022 Buick Encore GX was a compact SUV that bore a striking resemblance to its sibling, the Encore. Both models featured Buick's signature trapezoidal "waterfall" grille, high beltline, and similar headlight styling, making them difficult to distinguish from one another. The Encore GX, however, had a slightly longer wheelbase and additional length, which gave it a more balanced appearance. The optional ST (Sport Touring) appearance package enhanced its aesthetic appeal with body-colour moldings, custom grille, sport bumpers with red accents, and 18-inch aluminum wheels. Inside, the Encore GX offered a comfortable cabin with soft-touch materials and leather upholstery on higher trims, though it wasn't quite premium. The controls were straightforward, and the available heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel added a touch of luxury.

In contrast, the 2023 Cadillac Escalade was a behemoth of an SUV, towering nearly two metres above the ground and stretching up to six metres in length. It was designed for show, with its massive presence and luxurious features. The Escalade's design cleverly masked its size with thin LED lights and darkened chrome accents on the Sport Platinum trim. Inside, the Escalade boasted a rich interior with a 38-inch curved screen array, multiple leather options, and exquisite wood trim. However, some components, like the seats and controls, were shared with less expensive GM vehicles, which detracted from its luxury status. Despite this, the Escalade's spaciousness and opulent first-row design made it a standout in the luxury SUV segment.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX was equipped with a 1.3-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, producing 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, this powertrain was surprisingly capable, though it exhibited some harshness typical of small engines. The Encore GX's handling was adequate but uninspiring, with noise and vibration levels higher than expected for a Buick. While it wasn't designed for off-roading, it handled gravel and dirt roads with ease.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade, on the other hand, offered a more powerful performance with its standard 6.2-litre V8 engine, delivering 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. This engine was suitable for towing up to 3,629 kilograms but felt heavy during acceleration. The Escalade-V variant addressed this with a supercharged V8 producing 682 horsepower and 653 lb-ft of torque, though it seemed excessive. An optional 3.0-litre Duramax turbodiesel V6 provided a smoother and more efficient alternative. The Escalade's 4WD system was rudimentary but effective, and its magnetic ride control dampers and air suspension enhanced maneuverability and comfort.

Despite its compact size, the 2022 Buick Encore GX offered a comfortable and user-friendly experience. It provided ample front-seat headroom and legroom, though rear-seat space was limited. Cargo capacity was 665 litres behind the rear seats and 1,422 litres with them folded, with a two-level cargo floor for added convenience. The optional hands-free power liftgate and adjustable height feature made loading and unloading easier.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade excelled in interior space, offering 722 litres behind the third row, 2,064 litres behind the second row, and 3,426 litres with both rows down. The Escalade ESV variant provided even more room. Its independent rear suspension allowed for generous headroom and legroom in all rows. The controls were intuitive, and features like a front console refrigerator and power-retractable side steps added convenience. The air suspension facilitated loading and unloading, and the tailgate's separate glass window was a thoughtful touch.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX came with an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Driver-assistance features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and optional blind-spot monitoring. The tech package added navigation, voice recognition, and a head-up display, while the Convenience package offered wireless phone charging and automatic parking assist.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade featured cutting-edge technology, including a vast OLED screen array, a high-res front camera display, and Super Cruise, a hands-free highway driving system. Wireless smartphone connectivity, a head-up display, and a Wi-Fi hotspot were standard. The Escalade also offered night vision, a 36-speaker AKG audio system, and massaging front seats. Super Cruise was a standout feature, providing a superior hands-free driving experience.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX earned top safety ratings, with five stars from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings from the IIHS. It came with standard driver-assistance features and optional upgrades, including Teen Driver technology and a tire-fill alert system.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade received four stars from the NHTSA, with lower ratings for front-passenger protection and rollover resistance. It offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and optional reverse emergency braking. Night Vision and Super Cruise were also available.