2023 Cadillac Escalade vs 2022 Kia Seltos

The 2022 Kia Seltos was positioned between the smaller Kia Soul and the larger Kia Sportage, offering a range of trim levels in Canada, including LX, EX, EX Premium, and SX. Most trims came with standard all-wheel drive, except for the LX, and prices ranged from $23,595 to $33,195, excluding the destination charge. The U.S. model, the Nightfall Edition, was similar to the top SX grade, featuring 18-inch alloy wheels, a turbocharged engine, and a dual-clutch transmission. The Seltos was a small SUV with a stylish interior, though it had an abundance of hard plastic that detracted from its appeal. The controls were logically arranged, but the infotainment system's purple accent colour was not to everyone's taste. Despite some design quirks, the Seltos was larger, more refined, and more powerful than many of its competitors.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade was a towering presence, nearly two metres tall and requiring significant space to park. It was a luxurious motorized cargo container with three rows of leather seats and advanced technology. The Escalade's design was athletic and trim, with thin LED lights and darkened chrome accents that masked its size. The Sport Platinum trim added a sleek touch, while the V-Series offered a more aggressive look. Inside, the Escalade featured a rich first-row interior with a 38-inch curved screen and various wood trim options. However, some components were shared with cheaper GM vehicles, and the rear seats lacked the luxury expected in a vehicle of its price. Cadillac aimed to improve with the 2023 Lyriq, which offered a more cohesive and brand-specific interior design.

The 2022 Kia Seltos offered a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine in the LX, EX, and EX Premium trims, producing 146 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. The SX trim featured a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine with 175 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The Seltos provided a choice of driving modes, including Normal, Sport, and Smart, with the latter balancing fuel efficiency and responsiveness. The AWD system had a Lock function for even power distribution at lower speeds, and the Seltos was capable in light off-roading conditions. However, the suspension tuning was less appealing, with noticeable body motion and limited bump isolation. Despite some handling issues, the Seltos was lively in urban environments and easy to park.

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. The 10-speed automatic transmission was responsive, but the powertrain felt heavy in passing situations. The Escalade-V offered a supercharged V8 with 682 hp and 653 lb-ft of torque, providing impressive acceleration. An optional 3.0-litre Duramax turbodiesel V6 was also available, offering better fuel economy and smooth torque delivery. The 4WD system was rudimentary, with a centre differential that locked torque 50:50 front to rear. The Escalade's magnetic ride control dampers and optional air suspension improved handling, but wind noise was noticeable at highway speeds.

The 2022 Kia Seltos excelled in form and function, offering a roomy interior with easy access due to its ride height and large door openings. The driver's seat was adjustable, and heated front seats were standard on most trims. The rear seat provided ample space for adults, with generous legroom and footroom. Cargo space was impressive, with 752 litres behind the back seat and 1,778 litres with the rear seat folded down. The Seltos also featured practical storage solutions, though the use of hard plastic in some areas was a drawback.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade boasted a spacious interior, 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 independent rear suspension allowed for generous headroom and legroom in all rows. The controls were user-friendly, with a smart and fast infotainment system. Optional features included a front console refrigerator and power-retractable side steps. The air suspension could lower the vehicle for easier loading, and the tailgate had a separate glass window for added convenience.

The 2022 Kia Seltos offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system on higher trims, paired with a Bose premium sound system on the SX trim. It included Bluetooth, navigation, satellite radio, and smartphone connectivity via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though a cable connection was required. The system was intuitive, with physical knobs and buttons for easy access. However, the voice recognition system was limited, and using a smartphone's digital assistant was recommended.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade featured a span of OLED screens across the dash, providing sharp and clear visuals. The front camera displayed a high-resolution feed with directional arrows and street names. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were standard, along with a head-up display and Wi-Fi hotspot. Super Cruise, a hands-free highway driving system, was available, offering advanced features like infrared eye-tracking cameras. The Escalade also included night vision with pedestrian detection and a 36-speaker AKG audio system for an immersive experience.

The 2022 Kia Seltos was equipped with numerous safety features, including blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward-collision avoidance, and lane-keeping assist. The SX trim offered adaptive cruise control and Highway Driving Assist. The Seltos received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with top marks for crashworthiness and crash-avoidance tech.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade earned four out of five stars from the NHTSA, with lower ratings for front-passenger protection and rollover resistance. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Optional features included reverse emergency braking, night vision, and Super Cruise.