2023 Cadillac Escalade vs 2022 Hyundai Tucson

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson presented a fresh design on a new platform, offering North American buyers a long-wheelbase model with two rows of seating and an expanded cargo area. Its front showcased Hyundai's new vehicle face, with a parametric grille that cleverly concealed LED daytime running lights, Bi-LED headlights, and LED front turn signals. The illuminated lights formed a distinctive shape reminiscent of the Aztec Spirit Bird's wings. The Tucson's side profile borrowed design elements from the Hyundai Elantra, featuring a silver D-pillar that created a floating roof effect. At the rear, the Tucson stood out with its LED-illuminated toothy taillights, and it rode on either 17- or 19-inch alloy wheels, depending on the trim level. High-end trims boasted premium fascias, gloss black pillars, and a panoramic sunroof, while the interior offered a well-appointed cabin with stain- and odour-resistant cloth seats, sport combination seats, and leather-trimmed options.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade was a towering presence, nearly two metres tall and requiring significant space to park. It was a motorized cargo container with three rows of leather seats and advanced technology. The Escalade's design aimed to impress, with thin LED taillights, headlights, and running lights that visually narrowed its girth. The Sport Platinum trim darkened chrome elements, enhancing its athletic appearance. The Escalade's interior was rich, featuring a 38-inch curved screen array, multiple wood trim options, and leather combinations. However, some components, like the heated seat controls and shifter, were shared with cheaper GM vehicles, detracting from the luxury experience. Despite this, the Escalade's driver-focused space was a highlight, offering a sense of opulence.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson offered two powertrain options: a 2.5-litre direct-injected four-cylinder engine and a hybrid powertrain with a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine and an electric motor. The ICE engine delivered 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid powertrain, with 226 combined horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, provided a more engaging driving experience. The Tucson Hybrid was notably more powerful than competitors like the Ford Escape Hybrid and Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. Front-wheel drive Tucsons were the most fuel-efficient, with an estimated 8.2 L/100 km combined, while the hybrid achieved 6.4 L/100 km combined. The upcoming plug-in hybrid version promised even more power and efficiency.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade featured a standard 6.2-litre gasoline V8 engine with 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. While the V8 provided ample towing capacity, it felt heavy in passing situations. The Escalade-V variant addressed this with a supercharged Corvette V8, delivering 682 horsepower and 653 lb-ft of torque. An optional 3.0-litre Duramax turbodiesel V6 offered smoother torque delivery and better fuel economy. The Escalade's 4WD system was more rudimentary compared to conventional SUVs, but its magnetic ride control dampers and optional air suspension improved maneuverability. Despite its size, the Escalade's ride was serene, though wind noise was noticeable at highway speeds.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson was a budget-friendly compact SUV with a well-appointed interior. It offered a six-way power-adjustable driver's seat as standard, with an eight-way version available on higher trims. Heated front seats were standard, and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and memory settings were available. The Tucson's new platform provided more passenger and cargo space, with 1,095 litres of cargo capacity. Its rear seats offered ample legroom, and the cabin comfortably accommodated a family of four. The Tucson's 60-40 split-folding rear bench seat and dual-level cargo floor added versatility.

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. Its independent rear suspension allowed for generous headroom and legroom in every row. The Escalade's controls were user-friendly, with a smart and fast infotainment system. An optional front console refrigerator and power-retractable side steps added convenience. The air suspension lowered the vehicle for easier loading, and the tailgate's separate glass window was a thoughtful touch.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson came equipped with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, a six-speaker audio system, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, and Bluetooth. Higher trims offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and a fully digital instrument cluster. The touchpoints on the centre console were responsive, though the lack of physical buttons made it challenging to operate while driving. Steering wheel controls and voice commands were essential for ease of use.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade featured a massive OLED screen array across the dash, providing sharp and clear visuals. A front camera displayed a high-resolution feed of the road, overlaying directional arrows and street names. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a head-up display, and Wi-Fi hotspot capability were standard. Super Cruise, a hands-free highway driving system, was a standout feature, offering advanced driver assistance. The Escalade also included night vision with pedestrian detection and a 36-speaker AKG audio system for an immersive experience.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson had not been tested by the IIHS or NHTSA. It featured the Hyundai SmartSense Safety Feature suite, including forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keeping assist, automatic high beams, and a driver attention monitor. Additional safety features were available, such as blind-spot warning, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera system. Hyundai offered a 5-year/100,000-kilometre limited warranty.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade received four out of five stars from the NHTSA, with lower ratings for front-passenger protection and rollover resistance. It included standard safety features like forward automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a surround-view camera. Optional features included reverse emergency braking and Super Cruise. The Escalade's safety features were comprehensive, though some optional systems had room for improvement.