2022 INFINITI QX60 vs 2023 Cadillac Escalade

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 sported a complete makeover, presenting a striking and modern exterior. The refreshed design featured a prominent grille, elegant slim LED headlights, and oversized air intakes that combined for a concept-car-like appearance. Side views highlighted a sleek, long hood and a steeply-raked windshield, accentuated by the floating roof effect created by blacked-out pillars. A contrasting black roof was available on the top Autograph trim, further enhancing this visual allure. Wheel sizes ranged from 18 inches on basic models to 20 inches on higher trims. At the back, the QX60's rear elevation appeared tasteful and planted, although the Autograph trim's lower corners of the rear fascia had rather superfluous chromed panels that could be swapped for matte black ones.

Inside, the QX60 provided a spacious, open feel. The horizontal layers and quilted leather upholstery, especially on the Autograph trim, gave the dashboard an elegant touch. The 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system was intuitively placed to keep the driver’s eyes on the road, while the instrument panel delivered clear graphics and data. Craftsmanship was evident, as expected from Infiniti, with build quality on point, evident in models manufactured in Nissan's Smyrna, Tennessee, plant.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade, standing tall at nearly six-and-a-half feet, epitomized grandeur and presence. The design cleverly masked its bulk with thin LED taillights, headlights, and running lights that narrowed its visual girth. Sport Platinum trims added to the aesthetics by darkening chrome accents, while the vehicle’s side profile featured subtle horizontal lines and contours for a touch of aerodynamics. All trims came standard with 22-inch wheels and an elaborate lighting sequence when unlocking the vehicle.

Inside, the Escalade showcased a rich cabin, complete with a leather-edged, 38-inch array of screens across the dashboard and seven types of wood trim. Higher trims boasted diverse leather combinations and intricate seat perforations. However, some controls and features were borrowed from cheaper GM vehicles, a drawback in a luxury SUV. While the driver’s space felt posh, rear occupants didn’t enjoy the same level of opulence despite optional rear entertainment screens.

Performance-wise, the 2022 INFINITI QX60 received significant updates, notably transitioning from a CVT to a nine-speed automatic transmission. This change markedly improved the driving experience, allowing crisp gear shifts and a smoother ride. Powered by a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine, the QX60 produced 295 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy was reasonable, with the FWD models achieving 21 mpg city/26 mpg highway/23 mpg combined, while AWD models delivered 20 mpg city/25 mpg highway/22 mpg combined. Infiniti's reworked suspension and rack-mounted electric power steering enhanced the vehicle's stability and road feel, but it remained more suited for comfortable rides rather than sporty handling.

Meanwhile, the 2023 Cadillac Escalade offered a standard 6.2-liter V8 engine with 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. This engine, coupled with a 10-speed automatic transmission, provided ample power for towing up to 8,200 pounds (RWD model) but felt less peppy compared to rivals. Fuel economy hovered at a combined 16 mpg with 4WD. For those seeking more power, the Escalade-V introduced a supercharged V8 with 682 hp and 653 lb-ft of torque, providing exhilarating performance and better braking capability with six-piston Brembo calipers. Cadillac also offered a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 engine, favored for its smooth torque and efficiency, achieving a combined 22 mpg with 4WD. The Escalade's magnetic dampers and air suspension, available on higher trims, delivered improved maneuverability and a composed ride, though wind noise was notable at highway speeds.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 mirrored luxury minivan functionality while maintaining its SUV persona. It provided ample storage, charging ports, and comfort across three rows. The reconfigurable second row, available as a bench or captain’s chairs, facilitated easy access to the third row, accommodating even adults comfortably. Cargo space was practical, offering 14.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expandable to 41.6 cubic feet with the third row down, and a maximum of 75.4 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. The QX60 also offered a 3,500-pound towing capacity, upgradeable to 6,000 pounds with an optional towing package.

In contrast, the 2023 Cadillac Escalade excelled in space efficiency. It boasted 25 cubic feet behind the third row, 73 cubic feet behind the second row, and a staggering 121 cubic feet with both rows down, outclassing competitors. The Escalade ESV variant provided even more room, maxing out at 143 cubic feet. The independent rear suspension contributed to exceptional passenger comfort in all three rows. The controls were user-friendly, and the cabin was equipped with multiple USB ports and an optional front console refrigerator. However, certain features like power second-row seats were lacking compared to other luxury SUVs.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 came loaded with technology, including standard LED lights, a power liftgate (motion-activated on higher trims), and a 12.3-inch InTouch Interactive display with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto. An onboard WiFi hotspot, six USB charge points (seven on higher trims), a wireless charging pad, and a standard navigation system (except on the base trim) ensured connectivity. A 10.8-inch head-up display, smart rearview mirror, and a nine-speaker audio system (upgradeable to a 17-speaker Bose system) enhanced the driving experience.

On the 2023 Cadillac Escalade, tech highlights included an extensive OLED screen setup across the dashboard, offering high-resolution displays with augmented reality navigation. The Super Cruise system, a $2,500 option, provided best-in-class hands-free highway driving with infrared eye-tracking cameras for driver monitoring. Night vision with pedestrian detection, a 36-speaker AKG audio system, massage front seats, and an advanced rear-seat entertainment system were available. However, some tech features and controls lacked the luxury feel expected in a vehicle of this caliber.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60, though not safety-rated yet, offered comprehensive safety features, including multiple airbags, LATCH connectors, and advanced driver assistance systems like forward emergency braking, predictive forward-collision warning, rear automatic braking, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot warning, and ProPilot Assist. Optional features included blind-spot intervention, lane-departure warning, lane-departure prevention, and an around-view monitor with moving object detection.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade earned four out of five stars from NHTSA, with subpar front-passenger and rollover crash test ratings. It included forward automatic emergency braking, a Safety Alert seat, rear parking sensors, and a rear seat reminder as standard. Optional features encompassed reverse emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, Super Cruise, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning.