2022 Jeep Wrangler vs 2023 Cadillac Escalade

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler offered a choice between a classic two-door or a more practical four-door body style. Buyers could select from a variety of powertrains, including a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a gasoline-powered V6, a turbodiesel V6, a gas V8, or the Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid. The standard six-speed manual transmission could be upgraded to an eight-speed automatic, and four-wheel drive was standard across all models. The Wrangler came in four core trim levels: Sport, Sport S, Sahara, and Rubicon, with numerous special editions like the Willys and Willys Sport, Sahara High Altitude, and Wrangler Rubicon 392. The High Tide model, based on the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport S trim, was a special edition in the US market, featuring LED exterior lighting, a body-colour hardtop with a Sunrider Fliptop, and a Gorilla Glass windshield upgrade.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade was a towering presence, nearly two metres high and requiring significant space to park. It was designed for show, with a sleek and athletic appearance despite its size. The Sport Platinum trim darkened the chrome bits, giving it a more refined look. The Escalade featured thin LED taillights, headlights, and running lights that visually narrowed the vehicle's girth. The interior was rich, with a curved, leather-edged array of screens spanning 38 inches across the dashboard. The base Luxury trim had leatherette upholstery, while other trims offered a variety of leather combinations. However, some parts, like the heated seat controls and shifter, were shared with cheaper GM vehicles, which was disappointing for a vehicle costing over $100,000.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler was equipped with a 3.6-litre V6 engine with eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, producing 285 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 260 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and the optional Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system. The Wrangler's fuel consumption was rated at 11.2 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving by Natural Resources Canada, but during testing, it averaged 14.0 L/100 km. The Wrangler was known for its unique and immersive driving experience, with a rough-and-tumble nature and a thirst for fuel. It was not a vehicle for those seeking comfort and refinement, but rather for those who appreciated its off-road capabilities and the sense of freedom it provided.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade came with a standard 6.2-litre gasoline V8 engine, producing 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. It offered a combined fuel economy of 15.0 litres per 100 kilometres. The Escalade-V variant featured a supercharged Corvette V8 with 682 hp and 653 lb-ft of torque, providing a significant boost in acceleration. The optional 3.0-litre Duramax turbodiesel V6 offered better fuel economy at 10.5 L/100 km. The Escalade's 4WD system was more rudimentary compared to conventional SUVs, but it featured magnetic ride control dampers and an optional air suspension, making it nimbler and more maneuverable than many large SUVs.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler's interior was basic, with comfortable seats and durable cloth upholstery. The driving position was close to the steering wheel, dashboard, and windshield, requiring some acclimation. Visibility was a mixed bag, with some areas offering excellent views and others being compromised. Rear-seat passengers faced entry and exit difficulties, but once inside, they found agreeable accommodations. The Wrangler Unlimited offered 898 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 2,050 litres with the rear seat folded.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade boasted the most space-efficient interior of any large SUV, with 722 litres 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 featured simple controls, an optional front console refrigerator, and power-retractable side steps for easier access. The air suspension could lower the vehicle for easier loading and unloading, and the tailgate had a separate glass window for added convenience.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler's infotainment system was basic, with a 7-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The optional Uconnect 8.4 system offered upgrades like satellite radio, connected services, and a navigation system. The Wrangler also featured remote engine starting, satellite radio, passive keyless entry, and single-zone automatic climate control with a new air filtration system.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade featured a span of OLED screens across the dash, providing sharp and clear displays. It offered wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, a head-up display, and Wi-Fi hotspot capability. The Super Cruise system was a standout feature, offering hands-free highway driving with infrared eye-tracking cameras. The Escalade also included a pedestrian-detection display, a 36-speaker AKG audio system, and massaging front seats.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler included the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group, offering features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and forward-collision warning. However, the Wrangler's crash-test ratings were mediocre, with a three-star rating for rollover resistance from the NHTSA and Marginal ratings from the IIHS.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade earned four out of five stars from the NHTSA, with a lower rating for front-passenger protection in a frontal crash test and rollover resistance. It featured standard safety and driver assistance features like forward automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included reverse emergency braking and Night Vision.