2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2022 Cadillac Escalade

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade made a bold statement with its imposing presence. It wasn't just another large SUV; it embraced its size with a distinctive design. The oversized grille, LED daytime running lights, and taillights were proportioned to match the Escalade's massive frame, with the taillights reminiscent of classic Cadillac tailfins. The front end, with its tall hood and vertical running lights, resembled a diesel locomotive more than a traditional car. The styling elements combined to create a unique look that set the Escalade apart from other GM full-size SUVs, emphasizing its bulk. The 22-inch wheels seemed small against the vast expanse of sheet metal. The Escalade offered different trim pieces for "sport" and "luxury" models, with bright exterior trim for the Luxury and Premium Luxury models and darkened trim for the Sport model. Despite sharing its body-on-frame architecture with other GM full-size SUVs and trucks, the Escalade maintained its luxury appeal, similar to the approach used by the Lincoln Navigator. Inside, the Escalade's interior featured luxury elements like leather upholstery, wood trim, and a panoramic sunroof, but lacked a cohesive design theme. While most materials appeared upscale, some cheap-looking plastic bits detracted from the overall luxury feel.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid borrowed styling cues from Toyota's Tacoma pickup truck, giving it a rugged appearance popular among three-row midsized SUVs. The trapezoidal grille and upright fascia contributed to this look, while a character line swooping over the rear wheel arch added a touch of softness. However, this design element, also found on the Toyota Supra and Sienna, added unnecessary visual weight, making the Highlander appear slightly bloated. The rear design echoed the trapezoidal grille, but the overall body felt disjointed compared to more cohesive designs like the Kia Telluride or Honda Pilot. Inside, the Highlander's interior was unconventional but less jarring. The asymmetrical dash featured a metallic styling element that spanned the passenger side, creating a helpful storage tray. The infotainment touchscreen was positioned high on the dash, reducing driver distraction. The Highlander Hybrid Bronze Edition featured unique elements like 18-inch bronze alloy wheels and light grey fabric seat upholstery with a triangle motif. However, the fabric's light colour attracted dirt and stains, raising durability concerns. Other trims offered more conventional materials, with genuine leather available only on the top trims. The rear seating area had more hard plastics, typical for family SUVs, but the third row was less accommodating, with limited headroom and legroom.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade offered two powertrain options, both shared with other GM SUVs and trucks. The standard 6.2-litre gasoline V8 delivered 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, while the optional Duramax 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six diesel engine produced 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel-drive in Canada. The diesel engine, despite its lower horsepower, provided smooth power delivery and a lower torque peak, making it effective for acceleration. However, the brake pedal felt hard and uninspiring. The gasoline engine had a slight towing advantage, with a maximum capacity of 3,629 kilograms, but the Escalade's ride was unsettled, even with independent rear suspension and optional air suspension. The body-on-frame construction and 22-inch wheels contributed to a less comfortable ride compared to unibody SUVs like the BMW X7. The Escalade lacked off-road capability, unlike its GM cousins, making it less suitable for rugged adventures.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and hybrid system, producing 243 horsepower. It featured a continuously variable transmission and standard all-wheel drive, with an electric motor powering the rear axle for additional traction. The Highlander Hybrid accelerated to 100 kilometres per hour in just over eight seconds, slightly slower than gasoline-only SUVs in its class. The hybrid powertrain provided a quick but tepid response from a standstill, with the gasoline engine supplying more power as speed increased. The engine hum was subtle under light acceleration but became a drone under heavy load. Braking was smooth, with regenerative braking seamlessly transitioning to physical brakes. The ride quality was soft, with the suspension effectively smoothing over road imperfections. The Highlander Hybrid offered a quiet cabin, free from wind and road noise, enhancing comfort during highway drives.

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, although the Lincoln Navigator provided more second-row headroom. Standard features included second-row captain’s chairs and a power split-folding third-row bench seat, with a power-folding second-row bench seat available as a no-cost option. The Escalade excelled in cargo space, offering 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, felt similar to those in other GM vehicles. Cadillac included dedicated buttons for seat heating and ventilation, enhancing comfort.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured well-cushioned front seats with ample adjustments for drivers of all sizes. However, the driver's door armrest was awkwardly positioned, requiring an uncomfortable lean to use. The Highlander offered plenty of storage options, including a deep tray under the infotainment screen, a small shelf in front of the passenger, and a large centre armrest bin. The second-row seats provided generous head- and legroom, with sliding and reclining captain’s chairs for added comfort. A second-row bench was available as a no-cost option, increasing passenger capacity to eight. The third-row seat was less accommodating, with limited headroom and legroom, suitable for occasional use by children. Cargo space was 453 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,370 litres with the seatbacks folded and 2,387 litres with the second row stowed. Limited and Platinum trims included a hands-free power liftgate.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade featured an elaborate 38-inch curved OLED display, comprising 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 and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot were standard. The display integrated seamlessly into the dashboard, with icons arranged to fit its shape. Physical toggles for climate control and other functions were retained. However, the carousel format for changing radio stations was awkward, and the rotary controller felt like an afterthought. The Escalade's OLED screens provided excellent resolution for the 360-degree camera system, and the rearview camera mirror eliminated blind spots. Additional tech features included a head-up display, night vision, and an augmented-reality navigation system. A 19-speaker AKG Studio sound system was standard, but tuning it proved challenging.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid offered an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen as standard, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen available on the top trim. The larger display had a glossy surface that reflected light, potentially obscuring the screen. The infotainment system was responsive, with logically organized menus and physical shortcut buttons for common features. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless charging available on Limited and Platinum trims. Satellite radio and remote vehicle monitoring were included with limited trial periods. Navigation and an 11-speaker JBL premium audio system were standard on the Highlander Hybrid Limited and Platinum trims.

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, with trailer blind-spot monitoring also available. Super Cruise, a sophisticated driver-assist system, was an optional feature, offering hands-free driving on pre-mapped highways. It used a driver-facing camera to ensure driver attention. While Super Cruise impressed with its smooth responses, the Escalade lacked safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. A surround view camera system and head-up display were available on the top Platinum trim. The Highlander's safety systems generally performed well, though the adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist required some fine-tuning.