2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer vs 2023 Cadillac Escalade

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer presented a classic SUV aesthetic, sharing its frame and body shell with the standard Wagoneer. This resulted in a traditional design featuring a tall hood, broad shoulders, and trapezoidal wheel arches. The Grand Wagoneer distinguished itself with a black roof, unique hood, front fascia, and grille, which leaned forward slightly with laser-etched knurling. The vehicle's interior mirrored the Wagoneer but boasted higher-quality materials and additional convenience features, such as 24-way power front seats with memory and massage functions, Nappa leather upholstery, and American Walnut wood trim.

In contrast, the 2023 Cadillac Escalade stood out with its imposing size and athletic appearance. It featured thin LED lights that visually narrowed its girth, while the Sport Platinum trim darkened chrome elements to mask its mass. The Escalade's interior was luxurious, with a 38-inch curved screen array and multiple wood trim options. However, some components, like the heated seat controls and shifter, were shared with cheaper GM vehicles, detracting from its luxury feel. Despite this, the Escalade's driver space was richly appointed, though the rear seats lacked the same level of luxury.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer was powered by a 6.4-litre Hemi V8 engine, delivering 471 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, allowed the Grand Wagoneer to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in about six seconds. The vehicle featured a standard Quadra-Drive II 4WD system with a two-speed transfer case and electronic limited-slip differential, along with a Quadra-Lift air suspension system. Despite its power, the Grand Wagoneer was best driven at a leisurely pace due to its bouncy ride and imprecise steering at higher speeds.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade offered a standard 6.2-litre V8 engine with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, suitable for towing up to 3,629 kilograms. The Escalade-V variant featured a supercharged V8 with 682 horsepower, providing a significant performance boost. The Escalade also offered a 3.0-litre Duramax turbodiesel V6, known for its smooth torque delivery and improved fuel economy. The vehicle's 4WD system was less sophisticated than some competitors, but its magnetic ride control dampers and optional air suspension enhanced maneuverability and ride comfort.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer accommodated seven passengers with standard second-row captain’s chairs or eight with an optional third-row bench seat. It offered more third-row headroom and second-row legroom than its competitors, though front-row space was more limited. The Grand Wagoneer provided 775 litres of cargo space with all seats in place and 2,667 litres with all rear seats folded. Its towing capacity was 4,472 kilograms, slightly less than the standard Wagoneer due to its additional weight.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade excelled in interior space, offering 722 litres behind the third row, 2,064 litres behind the second row, and 3,426 litres with both rows down. The Escalade ESV variant provided even more space, with a maximum of 4,044 litres. The vehicle's independent rear suspension contributed to generous headroom and legroom in all rows. The Escalade featured user-friendly controls, an optional front console refrigerator, and power-retractable side steps for easier access.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, dual touchscreens, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a McIntosh audio system. Second-row passengers had a 10.25-inch touchscreen for climate control, and an optional rear-seat entertainment system added two 10.1-inch screens. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system offered over-the-air updates, though its responsiveness was occasionally slow.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade boasted a span of OLED screens across the dash, providing sharp and clear visuals. It included wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a head-up display, and Wi-Fi hotspot capability. The optional Super Cruise system offered hands-free highway driving, using infrared eye-tracking cameras for safety. The Escalade also featured a 36-speaker AKG audio system and a rear-seat entertainment system capable of streaming apps like Hulu.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA. It came with standard safety features like a 360-degree camera system, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included intersection collision assist, night vision, and two levels of driver-assistance systems.

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 such as forward automatic emergency braking, a Safety Alert seat, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included reverse emergency braking, Night Vision, and Super Cruise.