2023 Cadillac Escalade vs 2022 Subaru Outback

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was a rugged take on the traditional Outback, offering a higher stance and a more adventurous aesthetic. With 23 centimetres of ground clearance, it was designed to tackle more challenging terrains, resembling a Jeep more than a station wagon. The vehicle featured aggressive all-terrain tires, oversized fender protection, and restyled bumpers for improved approach and departure angles. Its unique design elements included a distinctive grille, black 17-inch wheels, and Anodized Copper accents, all contributing to its bold appearance. Inside, the cabin was outfitted with StarTex water-repellant upholstery, a black headliner, and Anodized Copper stitching, creating a durable and stylish interior.

In contrast, the 2023 Cadillac Escalade was a symbol of luxury and size, towering nearly two metres above the ground. It was a motorized cargo container with three rows of leather seats and advanced technology, designed for those who wanted to make a statement. The Escalade's design was athletic and trim, with thin LED lights and darkened chrome bits that masked its mass. The interior was rich, featuring a 38-inch curved screen array, multiple wood trim options, and leather combinations. However, some elements, like the heated seat controls and shifter, were shared with cheaper GM vehicles, detracting from its luxury status. Despite this, the Escalade's spaciousness and design made it a popular choice for those seeking a large, luxurious SUV.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-litre 4-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), provided adequate power for its 3,896-pound weight and a towing capacity of 3,500 lbs. While the CVT offered eight programmed ratios and paddle shifters, its droning and soft gear changes were less satisfying during aggressive driving. The Outback Wilderness excelled off-road, with 23 cm of ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and a dual-function X-Mode traction system. It was capable of climbing steep grades and navigating challenging terrains, making it the most capable Outback ever.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade offered a standard 6.2-litre V8 engine with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, suitable for towing up to 3,629 kilograms. However, its acceleration felt heavy, and the 10-speed automatic transmission was more suited for gentle cruising. The Escalade-V variant addressed this with a supercharged V8 producing 682 hp and 653 lb-ft of torque, offering impressive acceleration. An optional 3.0-litre Duramax turbodiesel V6 provided better fuel economy and smooth torque delivery. The Escalade's 4WD system was rudimentary, with a centre differential locking torque 50:50 front to rear. Its magnetic ride control dampers and optional air suspension improved handling, making it more maneuverable than other large SUVs.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured a practical interior with dark gray StarTex upholstery, which was water-repellant but could be uncomfortable in hot weather. The front seats offered 10-way power adjustment for the driver and 4-way manual adjustment for the passenger, with heated seats for both front and rear. The rear seat provided generous head and legroom, suitable for two adults or three children. The cargo area offered 920 litres behind the rear seat and 2,144 litres with the seat folded flat, with waterproof materials and a robust roof rack for additional storage.

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. Its independent rear suspension allowed for generous headroom and legroom in all rows, accommodating six adults comfortably. The controls were intuitive, with a smart touchscreen interface and multiple gauge layouts. An optional front console refrigerator and power-retractable side steps added convenience. The air suspension could lower the vehicle for easier loading, and the tailgate featured a separate glass window for pets.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, integrating climate control and offering physical knobs for volume and tuning. However, the voice recognition technology required learning specific prompts, making Apple CarPlay and Android Auto preferable for voice commands. Despite its target demographic, the Outback Wilderness lacked a premium sound system, which was available in other Outback trims.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade was equipped with cutting-edge technology, including a vast array of OLED screens across the dash, providing sharp and clear displays. The navigation system featured augmented reality with directional arrows and street names overlaid on the instrument panel. 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, offering impressive functionality and safety features. The Escalade also included a 36-speaker AKG audio system, night vision with pedestrian detection, and massaging front seats.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was equipped with the EyeSight suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. It also featured steering-responsive LED headlights and a blind-spot warning system. While crash-test results for the Wilderness were unavailable, the standard Outback earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

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 like reverse emergency braking and Super Cruise enhanced safety, though the former occasionally stopped the vehicle erroneously.