2023 Acura MDX 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, while the Sport trim had darkened elements. 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 a panoramic sunroof.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S, on the other hand, presented a more subtle yet sophisticated appearance. It featured chicane-design LED running lights and taillights, along with LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation. The Type S had minor front styling modifications and muted badges, maintaining a subdued look. Its 21-inch wheels and quad exhaust outlets added to its stance. Inside, the MDX Type S boasted quilted leather, aluminum interior trim, and a Sport Appearance package. However, the gloss black plastic on the dashboard and the electronic transmission switchgear were points of contention. Despite these minor issues, the MDX Type S remained an attractive luxury SUV.

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 standard four-wheel-drive in Canada. The diesel engine, despite its lower horsepower, provided smooth power delivery and a lower torque peak, making it advantageous 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 experience compared to unibody SUVs. Its towing capacity was slightly lower than the Lincoln Navigator, and it lacked off-road capabilities.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S stood out with its turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, generating 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. It used a 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system. The MDX Type S featured an Integrated Dynamics System with various driving modes, including an exclusive Lift mode for increased ground clearance. However, the performance upgrades didn't create a cohesive driving experience. The transmission was indecisive, the ride lacked compliance, and the brake pedal modulation was poor. The MDX Type S struggled with fuel economy, averaging 13.9 litres per 100 kilometres during testing, and its dynamic components didn't work in harmony, making it less predictable to drive.

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. The Escalade excelled in cargo space, providing 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 lacked storage space, and the seats felt similar to those in other GM vehicles. Cadillac included dedicated buttons for seat heating and ventilation, enhancing functionality.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered three rows of seats with flexible second-row seating options. The Type S Ultra trim featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row seat could be adjusted for more third-row space, but the third row was best suited for children. The MDX's interior prioritized style over storage, with limited space in the centre console. The cargo area provided 461 litres behind the third row, 1,107 litres with the third row folded, and 2,021 litres with both rear rows folded. The Type S included a hands-free liftgate with a Walk Away Close function, adding convenience.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade featured a 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. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a subscription-based 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 included a rearview camera mirror and advanced tech features like night vision and augmented-reality navigation.

The 2023 Acura MDX's Digital Precision Cockpit included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display. However, the infotainment screen wasn't touch-sensitive, requiring the use of a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) on the centre console. The TTI design limited storage space and partially blocked the wireless charging pad. The MDX offered Bluetooth and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, along with Amazon Alexa Built-In. The top-tier ELS Studio 3D audio system with 25 speakers delivered impressive sound quality. The MDX also featured a 10.5-inch head-up display, although the traffic sign recognition system occasionally misread signs.

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 added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Super Cruise, a sophisticated driver-assist system, was available on most trims, offering hands-free driving on pre-mapped highways. However, the Escalade lacked safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2023 Acura MDX included a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as collision mitigation braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. It also had rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The MDX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. However, the MDX's safety systems occasionally issued false warnings, and the adaptive cruise control could be slow to resume speed.