2022 Porsche Macan vs 2022 Cadillac Escalade

The 2022 Porsche Macan continued to embody the brand's commitment to performance and style, maintaining its sleek and athletic design that had evolved subtly since its debut in 2015. With a refreshed exterior featuring larger standard wheels and a new centre console with haptic touch controls, the Macan offered a modern yet familiar look. The test vehicle, a Macan S, showcased its sporty elegance with Volcano Gray paint and 21-inch RS Spyder Design wheels, while the interior exuded luxury with red leather and metallic accents, drawing inspiration from other Porsche models.

In contrast, the 2022 Cadillac Escalade made a bold statement with its unapologetically massive presence. Its design elements, including a prominent grille and LED lighting, emphasized its size and luxury status. The Escalade's styling was distinct from other GM full-size SUVs, with options for sport and luxury trims. Despite its imposing exterior, the Escalade's interior lacked a cohesive design theme, though it offered ample space and luxury features like leather upholstery and a panoramic sunroof. However, some materials appeared less refined compared to its competitors.

The 2022 Porsche Macan offered a range of powertrains, with the Macan S featuring a twin-turbo 2.9-litre V6 engine producing 375 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. This engine, previously used in the Macan GTS, allowed the Macan S to accelerate to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono Package. The Macan's seven-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission and all-wheel-drive system provided a dynamic driving experience, with re-tuned steering and suspension enhancing ride and handling. The Macan S excelled on twisty roads, offering precise steering and impressive grip, though the brake pedal required a firm push to initiate a stop.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade offered two powertrain options: a standard 6.2-litre V8 with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six diesel engine with 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive in Canada. The diesel engine provided smooth power delivery and a low torque peak, making it suitable for various driving situations. However, the Escalade's ride was less refined, with its body-on-frame construction and 22-inch wheels contributing to an unsettled ride compared to unibody SUVs.

The 2022 Porsche Macan offered a comfortable driving experience for front-seat occupants, with optional 14-way power-adjustable seats providing support and comfort. However, rear-seat space was limited, especially for taller passengers. The redesigned centre console with haptic touch controls added a modern touch, though it required drivers to look away from the road to use. Cargo space was modest, with 488 litres available behind the rear seats, expandable to 1,503 litres with the seats folded.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade boasted a spacious interior, offering the most first-row and third-row legroom among full-size luxury SUVs. The standard version shared its body shell with other GM SUVs, providing ample cargo space with 722 litres behind the third row, 2,064 litres with the third row folded, and 3,426 litres with all rear seats folded. However, the raised centre console offered limited storage space, and the seats, while adjustable, lacked the luxury feel expected in a high-end SUV.

The 2022 Porsche Macan featured a 10.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Porsche Communication Management, offering wireless Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM, and a navigation system. While the user experience was generally intuitive, the voice recognition system was less reliable compared to competitors. Fortunately, frequently used features like stereo volume and climate controls were accessible without using the touchscreen.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade impressed with its 38-inch curved OLED display, comprising three screens for a comprehensive infotainment experience. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The display integrated seamlessly into the dashboard, with functional icons and physical toggles for climate control. However, the radio station carousel and rotary controller were less user-friendly. The Escalade's OLED screens provided excellent resolution for the 360-degree camera system, enhancing visibility and safety.

The 2022 Porsche Macan came equipped with standard lane-departure warning and a reversing camera, with optional features like blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. While these systems performed as expected, the Macan lacked advanced driving assistance technologies found in some competitors. Parking assistance features, including a surround-view camera and Park Assist, were available for added convenience.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade offered a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance technologies, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keep assist. The Safety Alert Seat provided tactile feedback for various warnings. Super Cruise, an advanced hands-free driving system, was available on most trims, offering smooth and natural responses on pre-mapped highways. However, safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available for this model year.