2023 Cadillac Escalade vs 2022 Nissan Rogue

The 2022 Nissan Rogue continued to build on its reputation as a top seller in the compact crossover segment. Its design, which had matured from its earlier, more playful styling, was characterized by a sophisticated exterior that shared design cues with other Nissan models like the Pathfinder. The Rogue featured a V-motion grille, multi-level LED headlights, and a sleek floating roof design. Inside, the Rogue offered a layered dash with contrasting colours and surfaces, an electronic gear selector, and a spacious centre console. The Zero Gravity front seats provided comfort, while the second row offered ample legroom, making it a practical choice for families.

In contrast, the 2023 Cadillac Escalade was a statement of luxury and size, towering nearly two metres above the ground. Its design was both athletic and imposing, with thin LED lights that visually narrowed its girth. The Sport Platinum trim added a touch of elegance with darkened chrome accents. Inside, the Escalade boasted a rich interior with a 38-inch curved screen array and luxurious materials like leather and wood trim. However, some elements, like the seats and controls, borrowed from less expensive GM models, detracted from its luxury appeal. Despite this, the Escalade's spaciousness and design made it a popular choice for those seeking a commanding presence on the road.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue's performance was enhanced by its new 1.5-litre VC-Turbo engine, which delivered 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. This represented a significant improvement over the previous model, with an 11% increase in horsepower and 24% more torque. The engine's variable compression technology allowed for efficient power delivery, while the new CVT transmission provided a smooth driving experience. The Rogue's fuel efficiency was impressive, with estimates of 7.8 L/100 km city and 6.5 highway. The chassis and suspension offered a controlled ride with minimal body roll, and the steering was responsive, making it a well-rounded performer.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade, on the other hand, offered a range of powertrains, starting with a standard 6.2-litre V8 engine producing 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. While adequate for towing and cruising, the Escalade felt heavy in passing situations. The Escalade-V variant addressed this with a supercharged V8 delivering 682 hp and 653 lb-ft of torque, providing exhilarating acceleration. An optional 3.0-litre Duramax turbodiesel V6 offered a balance of power and efficiency, with a combined fuel economy of 10.5 L/100 km. The Escalade's 4WD system was more rudimentary, but its magnetic ride control dampers and air suspension enhanced its manoeuvrability and ride comfort.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue excelled in interior practicality, offering numerous storage options, including bottle holders, cupholders, and various cubbies. The second-row seat was a 60/40 split reclining bench, and the cargo area provided up to 1,033 litres of space, expanding to 2,098 litres with the seats folded. The Rogue's interior was designed with families in mind, offering convenience and versatility.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade, however, was a marvel of space efficiency, with 722 litres of cargo space behind the third row, 2,064 litres behind the second row, and a massive 3,426 litres with both rows down. The Escalade ESV variant offered even more space. The interior was designed for comfort, with generous headroom and legroom in all rows. The controls were intuitive, and features like an optional front console refrigerator and power-retractable side steps added to its practicality. However, the second-row seats lacked power adjustment, which was a minor drawback.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue featured a technology upgrade with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a 10.8-inch head-up display. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with wireless Apple CarPlay available on upper trims. ProPilot Assist, a hands-on driver-assist system, was available, offering advanced features like adaptive cruise control and navigation integration.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade was a tech powerhouse, featuring a vast array of OLED screens across the dash, providing sharp and clear displays. The front camera displayed a high-res feed with augmented reality navigation. Super Cruise, an optional hands-free highway driving system, was a standout feature, offering advanced driver assistance. The Escalade also offered night vision, a 36-speaker AKG audio system, and massaging front seats, making it a tech-savvy luxury SUV.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue came equipped with the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite, including automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning. ProPilot Assist enhanced safety with adaptive cruise control and steering assist. The Rogue received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade earned four out of five stars from the NHTSA, with standard safety features like forward automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included reverse emergency braking and Super Cruise. However, the Escalade had not been rated by the IIHS.