2022 Subaru Forester vs 2023 Cadillac Escalade

The 2022 Subaru Forester was a practical compact SUV that offered a range of trim levels, from the base model to the Premier, with prices starting at $29,495 and reaching $40,595. All-wheel drive was standard across the lineup, and the Forester was known for its functional interior, which combined hard plastic and soft surfaces. The Wilderness trim, with its white paint and dark grey interior, featured a suspension lift and higher ride height, giving it a rugged appearance. However, the oversized cladding and matte-black hood decal were not universally appealing. Inside, the Forester emphasized function over form, with an 8-inch Starlink infotainment system that was intuitive to use, despite having three display screens.

In contrast, the 2023 Cadillac Escalade was a large luxury SUV that stood out with its imposing size and athletic design. The Escalade's Sport Platinum trim featured darkened chrome accents, which helped mask its mass, while the thin LED lights added a touch of elegance. The interior was rich, with a 38-inch curved screen array and a choice of wood trims. However, some components, like the heated seat controls and shifter, were shared with cheaper GM vehicles, detracting from the luxury experience. The Escalade's spacious interior could comfortably accommodate six adults, and its cargo space was unmatched in the segment. Despite its size, the Escalade was surprisingly nimble, thanks to its magnetic ride control dampers and optional air suspension.

The 2022 Subaru Forester was powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. While it lacked a turbocharger, the Forester's continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive system provided a smooth driving experience. The Wilderness model featured a CVT design that increased initial torque supply by 25%, doubling its towing capacity to 1,360 kilograms. The Forester's fuel consumption was rated at 9.0 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. The SUV excelled in various environments, from city streets to off-road trails, thanks to its dual-function X-Mode system and re-tuned suspension, which improved ride and handling.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade came with a standard 6.2-litre V8 engine, delivering 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. While it was suitable for towing up to 3,629 kilograms, the Escalade felt heavy during acceleration. The 10-speed automatic transmission performed adequately, but the powertrain was not as eager as some competitors. The Escalade-V variant addressed this with a supercharged V8 engine, producing 682 horsepower and 653 pound-feet of torque. An optional 3.0-litre Duramax turbodiesel V6 offered better fuel economy at 10.5 litres per 100 kilometres. The Escalade's 4WD system was more rudimentary, but its magnetic ride control dampers and optional air suspension made it more maneuverable than many large SUVs.

The 2022 Subaru Forester was designed with functionality in mind, offering easy entry and exit, thanks to its tall seating hip points. The Wilderness trim featured water-resistant StarTex upholstery and all-weather floor mats, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. The upgraded roof rails could accommodate a three-person roof tent, and the interior provided ample comfort for both front and rear passengers. Cargo space was generous, with 818 litres available without the panoramic sunroof and 2,101 litres with the rear seats folded down.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade boasted an exceptionally 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 every row. The Escalade's controls were user-friendly, with a smart and simple infotainment system. An optional front console refrigerator and power-retractable side steps added convenience, while the air suspension eased loading and unloading of cargo.

The 2022 Subaru Forester came equipped with a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims featured an 8-inch screen with available navigation and a Harman Kardon sound system. The Wilderness trim included a 180-degree forward-view camera, useful for off-roading. The infotainment system was intuitive, though the voice recognition system was inconsistent.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade featured a cutting-edge OLED screen array across the dash, providing sharp and clear visuals. The front camera displayed a high-resolution feed of the road, enhancing navigation. Standard features included wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a head-up display, and Wi-Fi hotspot capability. Super Cruise, an advanced hands-free highway driving system, was available as an option. The Escalade also offered a 36-speaker AKG audio system, front seat massage functions, and a rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2022 Subaru Forester introduced the EyeSight 4.0 safety system, offering improved accuracy and smoother operation. Standard features included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centring assist. The Forester earned a 5-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA, with a 4-star rating for rollover resistance. The IIHS had not rated the 2022 model, but it was expected to retain the 2021 model's "Top Safety Pick+" rating.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade received a 4-star overall rating 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 a surround-view camera. Optional features included reverse emergency braking, Night Vision, and Super Cruise.