2023 Cadillac Escalade vs 2022 Mazda CX-5

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 presented a subtle yet refined exterior update, featuring new LED headlights and taillights that offered more distinctive illumination. This change aimed to address the common issue of owners driving without their regular lights on. The CX-5 also sported new bumpers, a revised grille, a redesigned rear liftgate, and fresh alloy wheel designs. The top-tier Signature trim received body-colour lower exterior trim, emphasizing Mazda's ambition to position itself as a premium brand. Inside, the CX-5 maintained its luxurious appeal with premium Nappa leather upholstery, real wood trim, and polished metallic accents. The new seats provided enhanced comfort, and the driving position was sportier, offering a more natural relationship to the steering wheel and controls.

In contrast, the 2023 Cadillac Escalade stood as a towering presence, nearly two metres high and requiring significant space to park. It was a motorized cargo container with three rows of leather seats and advanced technology. The Escalade's design cleverly masked its mass with thin LED lights and darkened chrome bits on the Sport Platinum trim. The interior was rich, featuring a 38-inch curved array of screens and a variety of wood trims. However, some elements, like the heated seat controls and shifter, were borrowed from cheaper GM vehicles, detracting from the luxury experience. Despite this, the Escalade's spaciousness and design made it a popular choice for those seeking a large, luxurious SUV.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 offered a Skyactiv-G 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a revised six-speed automatic transmission for more responsive performance, and all models came standard with all-wheel drive. Fuel consumption was rated at 9.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. For those seeking more power, the turbocharged engine delivered 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque on premium gas, with a slightly higher fuel consumption of 9.8 L/100 km. The CX-5's driving dynamics were improved with increased structural rigidity and reworked suspension tuning, providing a quieter and smoother ride with reduced body roll and enhanced grip.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade featured a standard 6.2-litre gasoline V8 engine producing 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, suitable for towing up to 3,629 kilograms. However, its performance felt heavy in passing situations. The Escalade-V variant addressed this with a supercharged Corvette V8 engine delivering 682 horsepower and 653 pound-feet of torque. The optional 3.0-litre Duramax turbodiesel V6 offered 277 horsepower and better fuel economy at 10.5 L/100 km. The Escalade's 4WD system was more rudimentary, but its magnetic ride control dampers and optional air suspension provided a nimble and maneuverable driving experience. Despite its serene ride, wind noise was noticeable at highway speeds.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 addressed previous complaints with new, supportive seats and a sportier driving position. The interior featured leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, and heated and ventilated front seats. However, the back seat remained snug, and the infotainment system's control layout was frustrating due to the lack of a touchscreen and natural voice recognition. Cargo space was adequate, with 871 litres behind the rear seats and 1,680 litres with the seats folded, comparing favourably to entry-level luxury SUVs.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade boasted an exceptionally spacious interior, with 722 litres 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 every row. The controls were user-friendly, and features like an optional front console refrigerator and power-retractable side steps added convenience. The air suspension eased loading and unloading, and the tailgate's separate glass window was a practical touch. However, the second-row seats were not powered like the third row.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 retained its Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display and Bluetooth, but lacked a touchscreen and natural voice recognition. Users had to rely on centre console and steering wheel controls, which could be cumbersome. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system on higher trims. Mazda Connected Services offered a two-year trial subscription for new owners.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade featured a vast array of OLED screens across the dash, providing sharp and clear displays. The front camera offered a high-resolution feed with directional arrows and street names, 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, using infrared eye-tracking cameras for safety. The Escalade also offered night vision with pedestrian detection and a 36-speaker AKG audio system for an immersive experience.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 came equipped with a comprehensive i-Activsense package, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and more. Higher trims added features like adaptive headlights and a surround-view camera system. The CX-5 received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS, highlighting its robust safety credentials.

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 forward automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and more. Optional features like reverse emergency braking and Super Cruise enhanced safety, though the former occasionally stopped the vehicle erroneously.