2022 Toyota Venza vs 2022 Cadillac Escalade

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade made a bold statement with its imposing size and distinctive design elements. Its massive grille, LED daytime running lights, and taillights were scaled to match its grand dimensions, reminiscent of classic Cadillac tailfins. The front end, with its tall hood and locomotive-like appearance, set it apart from other GM full-size SUVs, emphasizing its bulk. The Escalade offered different trim pieces for "sport" and "luxury" models, with the Luxury and Premium Luxury trims featuring bright exterior trim, while the Sport trim had darkened accents. Despite sharing its body-on-frame architecture with other GM SUVs and trucks, the Escalade maintained its luxury appeal, although its interior lacked a cohesive design theme, with a mix of leather, wood trim, and some cheap-looking plastic bits.

The 2022 Toyota Venza, on the other hand, re-emerged with a modern and elegant design, fitting seamlessly into the Lexus lineup. Its proportions were well-balanced, with a deeply scalloped body side and a prominent tailgate featuring LED lighting. The Venza's design was more suited for urban environments, with a focus on style rather than off-road capability. Inside, the Venza offered a Lexus-like interior with high-quality materials and a well-thought-out layout. The layered dash and strategically placed touchscreen display added to its appeal, while the comfortable front and rear seats provided ample space for passengers.

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 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 city driving. However, the Escalade's ride was unsettled, with its body-on-frame construction and 22-inch wheels contributing to a less luxurious experience compared to unibody SUVs. Its towing capacity was slightly lower than the Lincoln Navigator, and it lacked off-road capabilities.

The 2022 Toyota Venza featured a 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine combined with three electric motors, producing a total of 219 horsepower. The hybrid system balanced electric and gas drive for optimal efficiency, with electric motors at the rear axle providing all-wheel drive. Drivers could choose from electric-only operation or various drive modes to suit their preferences. The Venza's performance was agile and sprightly, with a focus on comfort and efficiency rather than aggressive handling. Its hybrid system, with regenerative braking, ensured efficient energy use, making it a practical choice for everyday driving.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade, sharing its platform with other GM full-size SUVs, offered a spacious cabin with the most first-row and third-row legroom among full-size luxury SUVs. The standard version measured 5,382 mm, while the extended ESV version was 5,766 mm long. It provided ample 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 seats, though adjustable, lacked the luxury feel expected in a high-end vehicle.

The 2022 Toyota Venza seated five in two rows, with comfortable bucket seats in the front and a 60/40-split folding second-row bench seat. The cabin felt roomy, especially with the available Star Gaze fixed panoramic glass sunroof. Convenience features included an overhead console with LED map lights, an electric parking brake, and sliding sun visors. The Venza's cargo capacity was impressive, with 816 litres behind the second row and 1,560 litres with the second row folded flat. Toyota focused on creating a quiet cabin, with sound-blocking and absorbing materials throughout, ensuring a serene driving experience.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade featured a 38-inch curved OLED display, comprising three screens, including a 14.2-inch digital instrument cluster, a 16.9-inch touchscreen, and a 7.2-inch screen for trip-computer functions. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. The display was well-integrated into the dashboard, with functional icons and physical toggles for climate control. 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 it offered advanced features like night vision and augmented-reality navigation.

The 2022 Toyota Venza's hybrid powertrain required no special attention, making it a practical choice for those without access to charging infrastructure. Its Predicted Efficient Drive program optimized battery charging based on driving habits. The Venza LE came with an eight-inch touchscreen, while the XLE and Limited models offered a 12.3-inch touchscreen, navigation, and a nine-speaker JBL audio system. The Limited trim also included a head-up display, rain-sensing wipers, and a digital rearview mirror. Toyota Connected Services provided additional features, including Safety Connect, Service Connect, and Remote Connect.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade came with standard driver-assistance features, including cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. Higher trims offered blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Super Cruise, a sophisticated driver-assist system for hands-free highway driving. However, safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available for this model year.

The 2022 Toyota Venza included the Toyota Star Safety System, with features like stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes. It also had eight airbags and the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite, which included forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. The Venza received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.