2023 Kia Telluride 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 proportions, reminiscent of classic Cadillac tailfins. The front end, with its tall hood and vertical running lights, gave the impression of a diesel locomotive. The Escalade's styling set it 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 the Luxury and Premium Luxury trims featuring bright exterior trim, while the Sport trim had darkened trim, including a mesh grille. 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 upholstery, wood trim, and a panoramic sunroof.

The 2023 Kia Telluride, particularly the X-Line and X-Pro models, showcased fresh front and rear styling, updated headlights and taillights, and new wheel designs. New paint colours like Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red, and Jungle Green, along with interior colours such as Terracotta, Navy, and Sage Green, added to its appeal. The X-Line replaced the Nightfall Edition, featuring a raised suspension, unique grille design, raised roof rails, body-colour door handles, and black 20-inch wheels. The X-Pro took it further with exclusive 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, giving it a mildly aggressive off-road look. Inside, the Telluride featured a digital instrumentation panel and a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, housed under a curved 24-inch piece of glass, propelling the SUV into the future. Interior changes included new colours, minor trim updates, a new steering-wheel design, and a more functional centre console. The X-Line and X-Pro trims had their names embossed into the front seatbacks.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade offered two powertrain choices, both shared with other GM SUVs and trucks. The standard 6.2-litre gasoline V8 produced 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. Alternatively, for about $100 more, buyers could opt for GM’s Duramax 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six diesel engine, which delivered 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and, in Canada, a standard four-wheel-drive (4WD) drivetrain. The Escalade diesel impressed with its smooth power delivery and lower torque peak, making it adept at pulling away from stops. However, the hard brake pedal was less confidence-inspiring. The gasoline engine had a slight towing advantage, with a maximum capacity of 3,629 kilograms, compared to the diesel's 3,509 kilograms. Despite its independent rear suspension, the Escalade's ride felt unsettled, with vibrations from pavement imperfections. It lacked the off-road capability of its GM cousins and fell short of competitors like the Lincoln Navigator and Grand Wagoneer in comfort and composure.

The 2023 Kia Telluride retained its 3.8-litre V6 engine, producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Drivers could choose from Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow driving modes, with the AWD system offering a low-speed Lock setting for even power distribution. The V6 provided ample motivation, with the X-Line averaging 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres during testing. The X-Pro, with its off-road capabilities, returned 11.5 L/100 km. Kia raised the suspension by 10 mm, improved approach and departure angles, and modified the traction control system for better off-road performance. The X-Pro featured 18-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, and an improved cooling system, increasing towing capacity to 2,495 kilograms. The Telluride excelled off-road, showcasing its AWD Lock mode, ground clearance, and stability. On highways, it offered a smooth, quiet ride, though the all-terrain tires made it feel slightly squishier in turns.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade, sharing its body shell and chassis with other GM full-size SUVs, offered a cavernous cabin. The standard version measured 5,382 mm, while the extended Escalade ESV was 5,766 mm long. It boasted the most first-row and third-row legroom among full-size luxury SUVs, though the Lincoln Navigator offered more second-row headroom. Standard features included second-row captain’s chairs and a 60/40 power split-folding third-row bench seat, with a power-folding 60/40 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, though adjustable, felt similar to those in GM cousins. Cadillac did include dedicated buttons for seat heating and ventilation, and large sun visors for the expansive side-window glass.

The 2023 Kia Telluride accommodated seven or eight passengers, depending on the second-row seating configuration. Test vehicles featured premium Nappa leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated front- and second-row captain’s chairs. The driver’s seat and front passenger seat were comfortable, with a new power lumbar stabilization system to keep drivers alert on long trips. The second row offered manual side-window sunshades, adjustable armrests, USB ports, and storage pockets. A button on the second-row captain’s chairs facilitated access to the third-row seating area, which was more comfortable than in some midsize SUVs. The Telluride provided ample storage space in the front and second rows, with a "smart" power tailgate for easy cargo loading. Cargo space was generous, with 601 litres behind the third-row seat, 1,304 litres with the third row folded, and 2,455 litres with both rear rows folded.

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. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot. 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, though tuning it proved challenging.

The 2023 Kia Telluride came with a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, a navigation system, and Kia Connect services. The voice recognition system performed well, though it couldn't adjust the climate control system. Over-the-air updates kept the system current, and Bluetooth supported pairing two devices simultaneously. The Telluride included Driver Talk and Quiet Mode, allowing drivers to communicate with rear passengers or mute rear speakers. A wireless phone charger and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system were standard in Canada. Digital-key technology transformed smartphones or smartwatches into vehicle keys. The Telluride offered a Full Display rear-view mirror, a head-up display with a larger viewing area, and a Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system. The latter notified drivers when the car ahead moved, preventing delays at traffic lights.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade came with standard driver-assistance technology, including cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, front and rear park assist, lane-keep assist, and lane-departure warning. Warnings were dispatched through Cadillac’s vibrating Safety Alert Seat. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on Premium Luxury and higher trims, with trailer blind-spot monitoring also available. Super Cruise, a sophisticated driver-assist system, was an option on most trims, offering hands-free driving on pre-mapped highways. It used a driver-facing camera to ensure attention. While Super Cruise impressed with its smooth responses, the Escalade lacked safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2023 Kia Telluride offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, a junction turning system, and automatic emergency braking. It also included blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centring assist. A Safe Exit Assist system warned occupants when it wasn't safe to open the doors. Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and Intelligent Speed Limit Assist were standard. Highway Drive Assist 1.5 provided semi-autonomous driving assistance, with Advanced Highway Drive Assist adding Lane Change Assist. Additional features included front parking sensors, low-speed automatic braking, a surround-view camera, and a Blind-Spot View Monitor. The Telluride also had automatic high-beam headlights, a driver attention warning system, and a Rear Occupant Alert system. The IIHS rated the 2023 Telluride as a Top Safety Pick+.