2023 Cadillac Escalade vs 2022 Lexus RX

The 2022 Lexus RX presented a modern and sporty design, continuing the aesthetic updates from its 2020 facelift. Available in both standard and long-wheelbase versions, the RX 350 offered seating for five, while the RX 450h hybrid model provided a three-row, 7-passenger option. The RX's exterior was characterized by sharp character lines and angular features, creating an aggressive yet restrained design. The F Sport models added a performance-oriented appearance with 20-inch wheels, black-housing mirrors, and unique front fascia, enhancing the vehicle's sporty appeal. Inside, the RX maintained a luxury feel with soft-touch surfaces and high-quality materials, although the centre stack felt somewhat dated. The F Sport models featured specific badging and sporty trim elements, but the comfort of the NuLuxe seats was less than ideal, with limited lumbar support and challenging driving position adjustments.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade stood out with its imposing size and athletic design, despite its large dimensions. The standard Escalade and the longer ESV version offered a spacious interior with three rows of leather seats and advanced technology. The exterior design cleverly masked its mass with thin LED lights and darkened chrome elements in the Sport Platinum trim. The Escalade's interior was rich, featuring a 38-inch curved screen across the dashboard and luxurious materials like wood trim and leather upholstery. However, some components, such as the heated seat controls and shifter, were shared with cheaper GM vehicles, detracting from the overall luxury feel. The Escalade's interior space was unmatched, providing ample room for passengers and cargo, with thoughtful features like a front console refrigerator and power-retractable side steps for easy access.

The 2022 Lexus RX was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, while the hybrid RX 450h combined the V6 with electric motors for a total of 308 hp. All models featured an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. Despite its sporty appearance, the RX's performance was underwhelming, with a lack of sporty driving dynamics and a V6 engine that sounded more like a turbocharged four-cylinder. The F Sport models included performance dampers and adaptive variable suspension, but the drive modes offered minimal changes in driving behaviour. The RX excelled in comfort and cabin quietness, providing a smooth ride and isolated road noise. Fuel efficiency varied, with the RX 350 using 12.2 L/100 km in the city and 9.0 on the highway, while the RX 450h hybrid achieved 7.9 L/100 km combined.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade offered a standard 6.2-litre V8 engine with 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, providing ample power for towing but feeling heavy in passing situations. The 10-speed automatic transmission performed adequately, but the powertrain lacked enthusiasm in Sport mode. The Escalade-V addressed acceleration issues with a supercharged V8 producing 682 hp and 653 lb-ft of torque, though it seemed excessive. An optional 3.0-litre Duramax turbodiesel V6 offered better fuel economy at 10.5 L/100 km combined. The Escalade's 4WD system was rudimentary, with a centre differential locking torque 50:50 front to rear. The magnetic ride control dampers and optional air suspension improved handling and ride comfort, though wind noise was noticeable at highway speeds.

The 2022 Lexus RX provided 2,826 litres of passenger volume in the two-row version, comfortably seating four adults. The three-row L models offered a 2/3/2 seating configuration, but space was limited for anything beyond groceries. Cargo space varied, with 453 litres behind the second row in the standard RX and 210 litres in the three-row version. The RX featured thoughtful interior elements like a smartphone slot and adjustable-height cup holder, but the rear seats did not fold completely flat, and the load-in height was high due to the sporty bumper design.

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 provided even more room, with a maximum of 4,044 litres. The independent rear suspension allowed for generous headroom and legroom in all rows, accommodating six adults comfortably. The controls were user-friendly, with a smart and fast infotainment system. Features like a front console refrigerator, power-retractable side steps, and an air suspension that lowered the vehicle for easier loading added to the Escalade's practicality.

The 2022 Lexus RX featured an 8-inch touchscreen display, with a 12.3-inch version available for the 450h L and as an option for other trims. The touchscreens were moved closer to the driver in the 2020 refresh, but the positioning remained ergonomically unfriendly. The infotainment system was responsive, but the touchpad was hypersensitive and unintuitive. The RX offered a range of tech features, including six USB ports, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, Bluetooth, wireless charging, and a WiFi hotspot. The Lexus App allowed for remote engine start and vehicle settings customization.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade boasted a span of OLED screens across the dash, providing sharp and clear displays. The front camera projected a high-res feed of the road onto the instrument panel, enhancing navigation. 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 with infrared eye-tracking cameras. The Escalade also included night vision with pedestrian detection and a 36-speaker AKG audio system, providing an immersive audio experience.

The 2022 Lexus RX came with the Lexus Safety System 2.0+, featuring adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, road-sign recognition, and a pre-collision system with cyclist and pedestrian detection. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a head-up display. The RX was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, but only with optional triple-beam LED headlights. It received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with five stars in side crash tests but four in frontal crashes and rollover resistance.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade earned four out of five stars from the NHTSA, with lower ratings for front-passenger protection in frontal crashes and rollover resistance. Standard safety features included forward automatic emergency braking, a Safety Alert seat, rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning. Optional features like reverse emergency braking and Night Vision added to the Escalade's safety suite, though reverse emergency braking occasionally activated erroneously.