2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2022 Cadillac Escalade

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade made a bold statement with its imposing presence. Its massive size was unapologetically emphasized by a large grille, LED daytime running lights, and taillights reminiscent of classic Cadillac tailfins. The front end, with its tall hood and locomotive-like design, set it apart from other GM full-size SUVs. The Escalade offered different styling elements for its "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. Inside, it boasted leather upholstery, wood trim, and a panoramic sunroof, though it lacked a cohesive design theme, and some materials appeared less premium.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, on the other hand, extended the classic Grand Cherokee design by over 30 centimetres, maintaining its tough and upscale appearance. The Hydro Blue model with the High Altitude package featured blacked-out elements and dark grey 21-inch wheels, creating a bold look. The interior of upper trims impressed with a mix of materials, including black leather with gold stitching and matte-finish walnut accents. While not all materials matched Mercedes-grade quality, the overall feel was justified for its price. The Grand Cherokee L's design combined quintessential Jeep elements with modern touches, ensuring a clean and enduring look. The interior offered a classy experience, especially in higher trims, with thoughtful details like aluminum speaker grilles and diamond-patterned stitching.

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 city driving. However, the Escalade's ride was unsettled, with vibrations felt throughout the cabin, and it lacked off-road capabilities compared to some competitors.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's standard Pentastar V6 engine, producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, was considered underwhelming for a vehicle of its size. The optional 5.7-litre Hemi V8, with 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, was recommended for better performance, especially for towing. The V8's towing capacity reached 3,265 kilograms, compared to 2,810 kilograms with the V6. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis provided confident handling, and the air suspension offered a comfortable ride. The steering, while not the quickest, contributed to its class-leading handling. The Grand Cherokee L's 4WD systems, including Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II, provided off-road capabilities, with the air suspension allowing for adjustable ground clearance.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade shared its body shell and chassis with other GM full-size SUVs, resulting in a spacious interior. 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, 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 limited storage space, and the front seats, while adjustable, lacked the premium feel expected in a luxury vehicle.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's extended wheelbase provided more legroom for second-row passengers, creating a spacious cabin. Second-row captain's chairs were standard, with a centre console available on higher trims. The third row, while power-folding, was best suited for children. The Grand Cherokee L offered ample cargo space, with 481 litres behind the three rows, 1,330 litres behind the second row, and 2,407 litres with both rows folded. The interior featured good visibility, though some infotainment graphics were hard to read. The Grand Cherokee L's design and functionality were well-suited for families and those needing extra space.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade featured a 38-inch curved OLED display, consisting of 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. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot were standard. The display integrated well into the dashboard, with functional icons and physical toggles for climate control. However, the radio station carousel format and rotary controller were less intuitive. 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.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's technology varied by trim, with the Laredo and Altitude featuring an 8.4-inch touchscreen and a 10-inch digital instrument panel. Higher trims offered a 10.1-inch touchscreen and navigation with full-screen maps. The Uconnect 5 system was generally user-friendly, though some legibility issues persisted. The McIntosh sound system, while good, lacked surround imaging. Night vision and Active Driving Assist were available on higher trims, enhancing safety and convenience. The passenger screen, active only when a passenger was present, allowed for independent media control and navigation assistance. The Grand Cherokee L's tech features provided a comprehensive and competitive package.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade came equipped with standard driver-assistance features, including cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, park assist, lane-keep assist, and lane-departure warning. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on higher trims. Super Cruise, a sophisticated driver-assist system, was available on most trims, offering hands-free driving on pre-mapped highways. While Super Cruise impressed with its smooth responses, safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available for this model year.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS for models built after May 2023, following frame reinforcements. It received five stars in most NHTSA tests, except for rollover, where it scored four stars. Standard safety features included front knee airbags, forward emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features on higher trims included front cross-traffic braking, 360-degree cameras, and night vision. The Grand Cherokee L's safety features and ratings made it a strong contender in its class.