2023 Cadillac Escalade vs 2022 Ford Bronco

The 2022 Ford Bronco was celebrated for its retro styling and robust off-road capabilities. It offered a wide range of trims, including the Everglades and Bronco Raptor, which were designed for extreme terrains like swamps and deep water. The Bronco's design was utilitarian, featuring short overhangs, low-profile bumpers, and a tall ride height to enhance its off-road prowess. Inside, it maintained a rugged theme with features like sealed switches, marine-grade vinyl upholstery, and drain plugs, allowing for easy cleaning after off-road adventures. Despite its ruggedness, the Bronco was equipped with modern technology, including G.O.A.T. modes, a digital instrument panel, and a large infotainment touchscreen, making it a versatile choice for both off-road enthusiasts and everyday drivers.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade was a symbol of luxury and space, towering nearly two metres above the ground and offering a spacious interior with three rows of leather seats. It was designed for show, with a sleek exterior featuring thin LED lights and a variety of grille designs. The Escalade's interior was rich, with a 38-inch curved screen across the dashboard and multiple wood trim options. However, some interior components were shared with cheaper GM vehicles, which detracted from its luxury appeal. The Escalade offered a range of trims, including the powerful Escalade-V with a supercharged V8 engine, but its standard V8 engine was more suited for gentle cruising. The Escalade's magnetic ride control dampers and optional air suspension provided a smooth ride, although wind noise was noticeable at highway speeds.

The 2022 Ford Bronco offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, and an optional 2.7-litre V6 engine producing 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. A seven-speed manual transmission was available for the two-door model with the four-cylinder engine, while a 10-speed automatic was standard for the V6 and all four-door models. The Bronco's off-road capabilities were impressive, with features like a crawl gear for low-speed driving and a two-speed transfer case. It excelled in challenging terrains, such as deep water crossings and steep rock climbs, and offered a smoother ride on pavement compared to its rival, the Jeep Wrangler.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade featured a standard 6.2-litre V8 engine with 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, suitable for towing up to 3,629 kilograms. However, its acceleration was not as sprightly as some competitors. The Escalade-V addressed this with a supercharged V8 engine producing 682 hp and 653 lb-ft of torque, making it the most powerful option. An optional 3.0-litre Duramax turbodiesel V6 offered better fuel economy and smooth torque delivery. The Escalade's 4WD system was more rudimentary compared to conventional SUVs, but its magnetic ride control dampers and optional air suspension improved handling and ride quality.

The 2022 Ford Bronco's boxy design contributed to its spacious interior, offering ample headroom and legroom for passengers. Cargo capacity varied depending on the model and roof type, with the two-door hard top accommodating up to 634 litres behind the rear seats and 1,481 litres with seats folded. The four-door hard top increased capacity to 1,008 litres and 2,197 litres, respectively. The Bronco featured clever storage solutions, such as netted door pockets and accessory rails, and offered stowable doors for added convenience.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade boasted the most space-efficient interior among large SUVs, with 722 litres of cargo space behind the third row, 2,064 litres behind the second row, and 3,426 litres with both rows down. The Escalade ESV offered even more space, maxing out at 4,044 litres. The interior was designed for comfort, with generous headroom and legroom in every row. The controls were user-friendly, and features like a front console refrigerator and power-retractable side steps added convenience. The air suspension could lower the vehicle for easier loading and unloading, and the tailgate had a separate glass window for added functionality.

The 2022 Ford Bronco integrated technology to enhance its off-road capabilities, with G.O.A.T. modes for different terrains and a forward-looking trail camera for better visibility. The Sync 4 infotainment system offered quick responses and sharp graphics, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard features. The Bronco also included a Trail Turn Assist feature for sharper turns in tight spaces.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade featured a span of OLED screens across the dash, providing sharp and clear displays. The front camera displayed a high-res feed of the road, and Super Cruise offered hands-free highway driving with infrared eye-tracking cameras. The Escalade also included a pedestrian-detection display, a 36-speaker AKG audio system, and massage seats. The rear-seat entertainment system could stream apps, and the LED headlights were exceptionally bright.

The 2022 Ford Bronco offered standard safety features like hill-start assist and trailer sway control, with optional features including frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The NHTSA awarded the four-door Bronco four stars for frontal crash protection and three stars for rollover protection. The IIHS gave it a "Good" rating in most tests.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade received four stars from the NHTSA, with a lower rating for front-passenger protection and rollover resistance. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera. Reverse emergency braking was optional but had some issues in testing. Night Vision and Super Cruise were also available as options.