2022 Nissan Rogue vs 2022 Cadillac Escalade

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade made a bold statement with its imposing presence. Its massive size was unapologetically highlighted by a large grille, LED daytime running lights, and taillights reminiscent of classic Cadillac tailfins. The front end, with its tall hood and vertical running lights, resembled a diesel locomotive, setting it apart from other GM full-size SUVs. The Escalade offered different trim pieces for "sport" and "luxury" models, with the Luxury and Premium Luxury trims featuring bright exterior trim and wheels, while the Sport trim had darkened trim, including a mesh grille. Despite sharing its body-on-frame architecture with other GM SUVs and trucks, the Escalade maintained its luxury appeal, although its interior design lacked a cohesive theme, with a mix of leather upholstery, wood trim, and a panoramic sunroof.

In contrast, the 2022 Nissan Rogue presented a more mature and sophisticated look following its redesign. The exterior design shared features with other Nissan vehicles, such as the V-motion grille and multi-level LED headlights. The Rogue's sleek appearance was enhanced by a floating roof illusion and a slightly bulging liftgate. Inside, the Rogue featured a layered dash design with contrasting colours and surfaces, creating a sophisticated and detailed look. The centre console was a highlight, with an electronic gear selector lever, ample storage space, and a 9-inch infotainment display. The Rogue's Zero Gravity bucket-style front seats and roomy second row provided comfort, while the fit and finish, especially in the Platinum model, were exemplary.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade offered two powertrain options: a standard 6.2-litre gasoline V8 with 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, and a Duramax 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six diesel engine producing 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and a standard four-wheel-drive system in Canada. The diesel engine, despite its lower horsepower, provided smooth power delivery and a lower torque peak, making it an asset for pulling away from stops. However, the Escalade's ride was unsettled, with its body-on-frame construction and 22-inch wheels contributing to a less luxurious feel compared to unibody SUVs. The Escalade's towing capacity was slightly lower than the Lincoln Navigator, and it lacked off-road capability compared to its GM cousins.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue, on the other hand, benefited from a new 1.5-litre VC-Turbo engine with 201 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque, offering an 11% increase in horsepower and 24% more torque than the previous model. The engine's variable compression technology allowed for improved performance and fuel efficiency, with Natural Resources Canada estimating fuel consumption at 7.8 litres per 100 kilometres city/6.5 highway/7.2 combined. The Rogue's new CVT transmission provided a wider range of gear ratios, enhancing acceleration and responsiveness. The chassis and suspension delivered a smooth, controlled ride with minimal body roll, and the electric power-assisted steering offered good feel and a tight turning diameter.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade shared its body shell and chassis with other GM full-size SUVs, resulting in a spacious cabin. It offered the most first-row and third-row legroom among full-size luxury SUVs, with second-row captain’s chairs and a power split-folding third-row bench seat as standard. The Escalade excelled in cargo space, with 722 litres with all seats in place, 2,064 litres with the third-row seats folded, and 3,426 litres with all rear seats folded. However, the raised centre console limited storage space, and the front seats, while adjustable, lacked the luxury feel expected in a high-end vehicle.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue, despite being a compact crossover, offered smart storage solutions throughout the cabin. The front cabin featured bottle holders, cupholders, a glove compartment, a centre console bin, and more. Rear-seat passengers had storage options in the doors and seatbacks, along with USB ports for device charging. The Rogue's cargo area could accommodate up to 1,033 litres of luggage, expanding to 2,098 litres with the second row folded flat, making it a practical choice for families and commuters.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade featured an elaborate 38-inch curved OLED display, consisting of three screens: a 14.2-inch digital instrument cluster, a 16.9-inch touchscreen, and a 7.2-inch screen for trip-computer functions. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot were standard. The Escalade's infotainment system was well-integrated into the dashboard, with physical toggles for climate control. However, the carousel format for changing radio stations and the rotary controller were awkward to use. The Escalade's OLED screens provided excellent resolution for the 360-degree camera system, and the rearview camera mirror eliminated blind spots.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue's technology upgrade included a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch centre infotainment touchscreen, and a 10.8-inch head-up display on upper trim levels. Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto were standard, with wireless Apple CarPlay available on higher trims. ProPilot Assist, Nissan's hands-on driver-assist technology, was available, offering features like adaptive cruise control and steering assist. The Rogue's Intelligent Key allowed for convenient keyless entry, and the vehicle's screens and infotainment system were user-friendly and well-integrated.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade came equipped with standard driver-assistance features, including cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on higher trims, and Super Cruise, a sophisticated driver-assist system, was available as an option. Super Cruise allowed for hands-free driving on pre-mapped highways, using a driver-facing camera for safety. However, the Escalade lacked safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue featured the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite of safety technologies, including automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Rogue also had ten supplemental airbags and extended crumple zones for passive safety. ProPilot Assist, available on higher trims, offered advanced driver-assist features, and the Rogue received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.