2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2023 Cadillac Escalade

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid borrowed styling cues from Toyota's Tacoma, featuring a trapezoidal grille and upright fascia that gave it a rugged look. However, the design softened on the sides with a swooping character line, creating a somewhat disjointed appearance. The rear echoed the front's trapezoidal theme, but overall, the design felt less cohesive compared to competitors like the Kia Telluride and Honda Pilot. Inside, the Highlander Hybrid's asymmetrical dash and metallic styling element added interest, while the high-mounted infotainment screen reduced driver distraction. The Bronze Edition's light grey fabric seats, though unique, were prone to dirt and lacked the premium feel of genuine leather found in higher trims.

In contrast, the 2023 Cadillac Escalade stood out with its imposing size and athletic design. Its sleek LED lights and darkened chrome elements on the Sport Platinum trim masked its mass, while horizontal lines and contours added a touch of aerodynamics. The interior boasted a luxurious first row with a 38-inch curved screen and fine wood inlays. However, the second and third rows lacked the same level of refinement, sharing parts with cheaper GM models. Despite this, the Escalade's spaciousness and premium driver-focused features made it a standout in the luxury SUV market.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine producing 243 horsepower, paired with a CVT and standard FWD. It offered AWD through an electric motor for the rear axle. The Highlander Hybrid reached 60 mph in just over 8 seconds, with a smooth transition from electric to gasoline power. The ride was comfortable, with a soft suspension that handled bumps well, though the engine's drone during acceleration was a downside. The cabin remained quiet, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade offered a standard 6.2-liter V8 engine with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, achieving a combined 16 mpg with 4WD. While powerful for towing, it felt heavy during acceleration. The Escalade-V variant, with a supercharged V8 producing 682 hp, addressed this with impressive performance. An optional 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 provided smooth torque and better fuel economy. The Escalade's magnetic dampers and air suspension improved handling, though wind noise was noticeable at highway speeds.

The 2022 Highlander Hybrid provided comfortable front seats with ample adjustments, though the driver's armrest was awkwardly positioned. Storage was plentiful, with various trays and bins for personal items. The second row offered generous space and versatility, while the third row was less accommodating, suitable for children or short trips. Cargo space ranged from 16 to 84.3 cubic feet, depending on seat configuration.

The 2023 Escalade excelled in interior space, offering 25 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 121 cubic feet with seats down. Its independent rear suspension allowed for generous headroom and legroom in all rows. The controls were intuitive, with a smart infotainment system and optional features like a front console refrigerator. Power-retractable side steps and an air suspension enhanced accessibility and cargo handling.

The Highlander Hybrid's technology included an 8-inch standard touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch option for higher trims. It featured Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration, along with a wireless charging pad for XLE trims and above. Navigation and a JBL audio system were available on higher trims.

The Escalade impressed with its OLED screens and advanced navigation system, displaying high-res road feeds directly in the driver's view. Super Cruise, a hands-free driving system, offered superior highway assistance. Additional tech included night vision, a 36-speaker AKG audio system, and massaging front seats, enhancing the luxury experience.

The Highlander Hybrid earned a five-star NHTSA rating and IIHS Top Safety Pick+. It included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. However, some systems required fine-tuning for smoother operation.

The Escalade received four stars from NHTSA, with lower ratings for frontal crash and rollover resistance. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking and a Safety Alert seat. Optional features like reverse emergency braking and Super Cruise added to its safety suite, though some systems showed room for improvement.