2023 Jeep Wrangler 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. The Escalade offered different trim pieces for "sport" and "luxury" models, with the Luxury and Premium Luxury trims featuring bright exterior accents, 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.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Wrangler embraced a rugged, no-nonsense design with its boxy shape and iconic seven-slot grille. Available in two-door and four-door configurations, the Wrangler allowed for customization with removable doors and a fold-down windshield for an open-air experience. The Wrangler's design was simple and functional, with wide fenders, round headlights, and exterior hood latches. The limited-edition "Reign" purple paint added a touch of flair to the otherwise utilitarian design. Inside, the Wrangler prioritized practicality with easy-to-clean materials and a straightforward layout, though it lacked the luxury features found in more upscale SUVs.

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 hp and 460 lb-ft 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 comfortable experience compared to unibody SUVs. The Escalade's towing capacity was slightly lower than the Lincoln Navigator, and it lacked off-road capabilities.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler excelled in off-road performance, with solid axles and optional differential lockers. It offered a range of engine options, including a Pentastar V6 with 285 horsepower, a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with 270 hp, and a 3.0-litre Ecodiesel V6 with 260 hp. The Wrangler Rubicon 392 featured a 6.4-litre V8 engine with 470 hp, while the Wrangler 4xe was a plug-in hybrid with a 17.3-kWh battery pack. Our tester, the Rubicon 392, delivered exhilarating performance with its powerful V8, achieving 0-100 km/h in approximately 4.5 seconds. However, its brakes and steering were less refined, requiring early braking and careful steering inputs. The Wrangler's off-road capabilities were enhanced by different transfer cases, with the Xtreme Recon package offering a crawl ratio of 58:1.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade shared its platform 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. 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 seats lacked the luxury feel expected in a high-end SUV. Cadillac included dedicated buttons for seat heating and ventilation, enhancing comfort.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler's front seats were comfortable, but rear seating was tight, especially in the four-door models. Storage for small items was limited, with a flat dash and small glove box and centre console. The Wrangler's cargo space was 2,050 litres with the rear seats folded, slightly less than the Bronco. The Wrangler offered various top options, including a removable hard top, a Sunrider option, and the Sky One-Touch power soft top for quick open-air access. The Wrangler provided ample charging points, with USB-A and USB-C ports, 12-volt outlets, and a 115-volt outlet.

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, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot. The display integrated seamlessly into the dashboard, with functional icons and physical toggles for climate control. However, the radio station carousel format and rotary controller were less user-friendly. 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 Jeep Wrangler came with a 7-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect infotainment system, with an optional 8.4-inch touchscreen. The system appeared complex initially but was intuitive once familiar. Jeep's off-road pages provided valuable information for off-road enthusiasts. The Wrangler included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. While it lacked advanced tech features, it offered practical elements like a forward-facing camera and auxiliary switches for aftermarket accessories.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade included standard driver-assistance features such as cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and trailer blind-spot monitoring. Super Cruise, a sophisticated driver-assist system, was available on most trims, offering hands-free driving on pre-mapped highways. While the Escalade's safety features were impressive, it lacked crash test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler's standard safety features were limited to a rearview camera, electronic roll mitigation, and stability control. Advanced features like blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control were standard only on top trims or available as options. The Wrangler received mixed ratings from the IIHS, with some trims receiving Poor ratings for headlights. The NHTSA awarded the Wrangler four out of five stars for frontal crash tests and three out of five for rollover ratings.