2023 Subaru Outback vs 2022 Cadillac Escalade

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade made a bold statement with its imposing presence. It wasn't just another large SUV; it embraced its size with confidence. The oversized grille, LED daytime running lights, and taillights were designed to complement its massive frame, with the taillights subtly nodding to the iconic tailfins of classic Cadillacs. The front end, with its tall hood and vertical running lights, resembled a diesel locomotive more than a traditional car. The styling elements combined to create a distinct look that set the Escalade apart from other GM full-size SUVs, emphasizing its bulk. The 22-inch wheels on the test model appeared 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 and wheels, while the Sport trim had darkened trim, including a mesh grille. Despite sharing its body-on-frame architecture with other GM full-size SUVs and trucks, the Escalade maintained its luxury appeal, similar to the approach used by the Lincoln Navigator. Inside, the Escalade's interior featured leather upholstery, wood trim, and a panoramic sunroof, but lacked a cohesive design theme, with some materials appearing cheap.

The 2023 Subaru Outback underwent a facelift, giving it a more aggressive appearance. The new front end featured redesigned LED headlights, a restyled grille, and a revised bumper with dark gray vertical cladding, creating the illusion of large air intakes. The addition of a simulated skid plate, fog lights in oversized housings, and asymmetrical wheel arch trim reminiscent of the Wilderness model contributed to its bold look. The Outback's design changes were subjective, with dark paint colours helping to tone down the design's excesses. The Onyx Edition, with black wheels and trim, complemented the cladding. The Outback offered seven trim levels, with the Onyx Edition priced at $38,695 in Canada. The standard 2.5-litre engine was available in various trims, while the turbocharged XT models provided more power. The Limited trim, tested in Cosmic Blue paint with Java Brown Nappa leather, offered a cohesive and upscale interior. Despite some hard plastic elements, the interior didn't feel cheap, and the flat, textured door sills were practical for using the roof rack. The only downside was the large infotainment screen and gloss black trim, which easily collected dust and smudges.

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. Alternatively, the Duramax 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six diesel engine produced 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 Escalade diesel, tested for this review, impressed with its smooth power delivery and low torque peak, making it easy to drive in various situations. However, the hard brake pedal was a concern. The gasoline engine had a slight towing advantage, with a maximum capacity of 3,629 kilograms, but the Escalade's ride was unsettled, even with independent rear suspension and optional air suspension. The body-on-frame construction and 22-inch wheels contributed to a less comfortable ride compared to unibody SUVs like the BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS. The Escalade lacked off-road capability, unlike its GM cousins, making it less suitable for adventurous trips.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured horizontally opposed engines, known for their flat design and characteristic grumble. The standard engine produced 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, but the test vehicle felt underpowered, especially during passing and climbing. The CVT made good use of the power at lower speeds, but the engine's fuel efficiency was disappointing, with a combined rating of 9.2 L/100 km. The turbocharged XT models offered 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, providing better performance but at a higher cost. The XT models were less fuel-efficient, with ratings of 9.5 L/100 km combined, and the Wilderness trim rated at 10.1 L/100 km. The CVT mimicked an eight-speed automatic transmission, and paddle shifters were available. The Outback's AWD system varied power distribution based on driving conditions, and the X-Mode traction system optimized performance on challenging terrain. The Outback excelled off-road, handling mud and snow with ease. In urban settings, its visibility and size made parking and navigating tight spaces easy. However, the standard engine lacked urgency, and the CVT struggled at higher speeds. The suspension tuning was excellent, providing a firm ride at lower speeds and absorbing bumps at higher speeds. The Outback handled well, but wasn't a sports station wagon. Overall, the powertrain and fuel economy were the main disappointments, making the Outback XT a more appealing choice.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade, like its predecessors, was a high-end version of GM's full-size SUVs. The standard model shared its body shell and chassis with the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon, while the extended Escalade ESV was akin to the Chevrolet Suburban and GMC Yukon XL. The standard Escalade measured 5,382 mm, with the ESV extending to 5,766 mm. This platform sharing resulted in a spacious cabin, offering the most first-row and third-row legroom among full-size luxury SUVs. Second-row captain’s chairs and a power split-folding third-row bench seat were standard, with a power-folding second-row bench seat available as an option. The Escalade excelled in cargo space, with 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 other GM models. Cadillac did include useful features like dedicated buttons for seat heating and ventilation, and large sun visors.

The 2023 Subaru Outback prioritized utility without sacrificing comfort. The Limited test vehicle featured a 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with a thigh support bolster and an eight-way power-adjustable front passenger’s seat. Both seats were heated, and the steering wheel was also heated. The seats were wrapped in premium Nappa leather, and the rear outboard seats were heated as well. The Outback's interior was spacious, accommodating two adults and two teens comfortably during long trips. The only issue was wind noise on the highway, likely due to the roof rack design. The Outback's height made it easy to enter and exit, with height-adjustable front seats and a supportive rear seat cushion. The cargo space measured 923 litres behind the back seat and 2,141 litres with the back seat folded. The flat, textured plastic door sills were practical for accessing the roof rack. However, the Outback could benefit from more storage space, with the dashboard shelf helping but a redesigned transmission shifter potentially allowing for additional trays or cubbies.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade featured an elaborate 38-inch curved OLED display, consisting of 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 was well-integrated 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. The standard 19-speaker AKG Studio sound system was difficult to tune, with headrest-mounted speakers distorting sound for front-seat occupants.

The 2023 Subaru Outback, except for the Base trim, came with a Starlink 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system in portrait orientation. Physical controls included volume and tuning knobs, climate control buttons, and defroster buttons. The base model had a 7-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, wired Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Higher trims offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Starlink connected services, navigation, and a Harman Kardon audio system. A wireless charging pad was available on all trims except Convenience. The Starlink system was improved for 2023, but the graphics and colourful icons were not appealing. The wireless smartphone connectivity was a welcome addition, as the native voice recognition system was poor. The system struggled with basic commands, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto essential. Additional tech included a camera-based digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree front-view camera. A surround-view camera was not available.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade came with standard driver-assistance features, including cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, park assist, lane-keep assist, and lane-departure warning. The Safety Alert Seat provided warnings through vibrations. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on 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. Super Cruise impressed with its smooth responses, but occasionally disengaged unexpectedly. The Escalade lacked safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2023 Subaru Outback emphasized safety, with new EyeSight cameras and an electronic brake booster enhancing safety features. The IIHS awarded it top marks, including in the new side-impact crash test. EyeSight included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centring assist. Higher trims added blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane change assist. The Automatic Emergency Steering system could steer to avoid obstacles if necessary. The Premier XT trim featured a Wide-Angle Mono Camera for better pedestrian and cyclist detection. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assist systems felt artificial, and the rear automatic braking system was incompatible with some driveways.