2023 Cadillac Escalade vs 2022 Toyota 4Runner

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner was a throwback to the rugged SUV era of the 1980s, maintaining its robust construction and close ties to the Toyota Tacoma pickup. Unlike many modern SUVs that evolved into car-based platforms, the 4Runner stayed true to its adventurous roots, appealing to those who ventured off-road. Toyota strategically positioned the 4Runner as a niche vehicle, allowing it to retain its rugged charm while the Highlander catered to family-hauling needs. Its design, with high ride height, boxy proportions, and a sharply angled front bumper, emphasized its off-road capabilities. Inside, the 4Runner's late-2000s dash layout was a reminder of its last full redesign in 2009, prioritizing function over form.

In contrast, the 2023 Cadillac Escalade was a symbol of luxury and presence, towering nearly two metres above the ground and stretching up to six metres in length. It was designed for show, with its massive size and opulent features appealing to a diverse range of buyers, from pop musicians to large families. The Escalade's athletic and trim appearance was achieved through clever design elements like thin LED lights and darkened chrome bits on the Sport Platinum trim. Inside, the Escalade boasted a rich interior with a 38-inch curved screen array, luxurious leather options, and intricate wood trim. However, some components borrowed from cheaper GM vehicles detracted from its overall luxury feel.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner was powered by a single 4.0-litre V6 engine, producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. While reliable, this engine felt dated and underwhelming in most driving situations, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD with low range. The 4Runner's ride was harsh and cumbersome on paved roads, with noticeable body roll and a rough suspension. However, off-road, the 4Runner excelled, with its suspension absorbing obstacles effortlessly. The TRD Pro and TRD Off-Road models featured Crawl Control and a locking differential, enhancing their off-road prowess. The 4Runner's towing capacity was up to 2,268 kilograms, more than most car-based crossovers.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade offered a more powerful performance with its standard 6.2-litre gasoline V8 engine, delivering 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. While suitable for towing up to 3,629 kilograms, the Escalade felt heavy in passing situations. The 10-speed automatic transmission was responsive, but the powertrain lacked enthusiasm in Sport mode. The Escalade-V variant addressed this with a supercharged Corvette V8, producing 682 horsepower and 653 pound-feet of torque, though it seemed excessive. An optional 3.0-litre Duramax turbodiesel V6 provided smoother torque delivery and better fuel economy. The Escalade's 4WD system was rudimentary, but its magnetic ride control dampers and optional air suspension improved handling and maneuverability.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner offered a maximum cargo capacity of 2,540 litres in its two-row version, with 1,337 litres behind the second row. The three-row model reduced maximum cargo space to 2,514 litres, with 1,311 litres behind the second row and 254 litres behind the rear seats. The 4Runner lacked a power rear liftgate but featured a power-open/close rear window for easy access. While not the most spacious SUV, the 4Runner provided ample storage spaces, though it could have been more efficient given its age.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade excelled in interior space, offering 722 litres 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 further increased cargo capacity to 4,044 litres. Its independent rear suspension allowed for generous headroom and legroom in all rows, accommodating six adults comfortably. The Escalade's controls were user-friendly, with a smart and fast infotainment system. Optional features like a front console refrigerator and power-retractable side steps added convenience, while the air suspension eased loading and unloading.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It included Bluetooth connectivity, SiriusXM satellite radio, and multiple USB ports. While not the most advanced system, it offered tactile controls, making it user-friendly, especially for those who appreciated its analog driving style. However, it lacked features like a head-up display.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade was a tech powerhouse, featuring a vast array of OLED screens across the dash, providing sharp and clear visuals. Its front camera displayed a high-res feed with navigation overlays, enhancing driver awareness. Standard features included wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a head-up display, and Wi-Fi hotspot capability. The optional Super Cruise system offered hands-free highway driving, using infrared eye-tracking cameras for safety. The Escalade also featured night vision with pedestrian detection and a 36-speaker AKG audio system, providing an immersive experience.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense, offering forward automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and lane-departure warning. It received four out of five stars from the NHTSA for frontal and side-impact testing, and three stars for rollover testing. The 4Runner was backed by a five-year/100,000-kilometre powertrain warranty.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade earned four out of five stars from the NHTSA, with a lower rating for front-passenger protection in a frontal crash test and rollover resistance. It featured standard safety and driver assistance features like forward automatic emergency braking, a Safety Alert seat, rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and more. Optional features included reverse emergency braking, night vision, and Super Cruise.