2023 Land Rover Defender vs 2022 Cadillac Escalade

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade made a bold statement with its imposing size and design. Its massive grille, LED daytime running lights, and taillights were scaled to match its bulk, 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 elements emphasized its size, with 22-inch wheels appearing small against the vast sheet metal. Different trim pieces for "sport" and "luxury" models allowed for customization, with the Escalade Sport featuring darkened trim and a mesh grille. Despite sharing its body-on-frame architecture with other GM full-size 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 2023 Land Rover Defender, on the other hand, captivated with its boxy design, reminiscent of the old LR4. Its square-jawed face, rectangular hood, and doors, along with the abruptly chopped tail, defined a classic truck look. The Defender's design paid homage to the original 1980s model with tasteful accents like the dome and faux-metal step plates on the hood. Available in three body styles—90, 110, and 130—the Defender offered unmatched versatility. Its interior focused on function and durability, with rubbers and plastics designed to resist stains. Despite its high price, the Defender's interior was basic, with exposed screws and plain-looking air vents, maintaining its hardcore character. However, the Defender's build quality and fit were excellent, and it continued to sell well in Canada.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade offered two powertrain choices: 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 standard four-wheel-drive 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 feel compared to unibody SUVs. The Escalade's towing capacity was slightly lower than the Lincoln Navigator, and it lacked off-road capabilities.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender excelled off-road, with its incredible grip, wheel articulation, and clearance. Its permanent four-wheel drive and Terrain Response 2 system adapted the vehicle to various surfaces. On-road, the Defender's performance was less impressive, with excessive body roll, slow steering, and wind noise. The Defender's turbocharged inline-six and supercharged V8 engines provided ample power, with the V8 delivering 518 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque. The mild-hybrid inline-six offered seamless engine restarts and quick response, while the turbocharged four-cylinder engine was less suitable for highway speeds. The Defender's fuel economy varied, with the V8 being the least efficient.

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 standard second-row captain’s chairs and a power split-folding third-row bench seat. The Escalade excelled in cargo space, with up to 3,426 litres available. However, the raised centre console limited storage space, and the front seats lacked the luxury expected in a high-end vehicle. Cadillac did include useful features like dedicated buttons for seat heating and ventilation.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender stood out with its seating configurations, offering unmatched flexibility. The Defender 90 could seat six with a jump seat, while the 110 and 130 models offered optional third rows. The Defender 130 provided up to eight seats, with features like a separate moonroof, air vents, and USB ports for rear passengers. Cargo space varied across models, with the Defender 130 offering up to 2,180 litres with seats folded. The Defender also offered a range of accessories, including a metal roof rack, console refrigerator, and power-deployable side steps.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade featured a 38-inch curved OLED display, comprising three screens. The digital instrument cluster, touchscreen, and trip-computer screen provided a seamless infotainment experience. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot were standard. The Escalade's display was well-integrated into the dashboard, with functional icons and physical toggles for climate control. However, the radio station carousel and rotary controller were less user-friendly. The Escalade's OLED screens offered 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 Land Rover Defender offered two touchscreen infotainment systems with Pivi Pro software. The standard 10-inch screen and optional 11.4-inch touchscreen were quick and easy to use. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a voice assistant were standard, along with heated front seats and keyless entry. The Defender 110 S featured heated power seats and a Meridian sound system, while higher trims added features like air suspension, a head-up display, and a rearview mirror with a camera display. The Defender's tech offerings were comprehensive, with options for a cabin air purifier and configurable ambient lighting.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade came with standard driver-assistance features, including cruise control, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. 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 Land Rover Defender received a five-star rating in Euro NCAP crash testing, praised for its solid structure. It came with six airbags, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. The Defender offered a digital instrument panel, head-up display, and a 360-degree camera system. However, it lacked a self-steering highway assist.