2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2023 Cadillac Escalade

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid borrowed styling elements from Toyota's Tacoma pickup, notably its trapezoidal grille and upright fascia, giving it a rugged look that was popular among midsized SUVs. However, the design softened on the sides with a swooping character line over the rear wheel arch, reminiscent of the Toyota Supra and Sienna. This added unnecessary visual weight, making the Highlander appear somewhat bloated. The rear design echoed the trapezoidal grille, but the overall body felt disjointed compared to more cohesive designs like the Kia Telluride or Honda Pilot. Inside, the Highlander featured an unconventional yet less jarring interior with an asymmetrical dash and a metallic styling element that created a helpful storage tray. The infotainment touchscreen was positioned high on the dash, reducing driver distraction.

In contrast, the 2023 Cadillac Escalade stood out with its towering presence and substantial length, making it a motorized cargo container with three rows of leather seats and advanced technology. The standard Escalade was already impressive, but the ESV version extended the wheelbase by 38 centimetres. Despite its size, the Escalade managed to look athletic and trim, thanks to thin LED lights and darkened chrome bits on the Sport Platinum trim. The interior was rich, with a 38-inch curved screen array and luxurious wood trim. However, some parts, like the heated seat controls and shifter, were shared with cheaper GM vehicles, detracting from the luxury experience. The Escalade's finest features were concentrated in the driver's space, leaving the rear rows less luxurious.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and hybrid system, producing 243 horsepower. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive, with an electric motor powering the rear axle for additional traction. The Highlander Hybrid could reach 100 km/h in just over eight seconds, slightly slower than gasoline-only SUVs in its class. The electric motors provided a quick but tepid response from a standstill, with the gasoline engine supplying more power as speed increased. The CVT's uninspired drone was noticeable when ascending hills. The Highlander offered a soft ride quality, with a suspension that smoothed over bumps while maintaining adequate cornering confidence. The cabin remained mostly free of wind and road noise on the highway.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade offered a standard 6.2-litre gasoline V8 engine with 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, suitable for towing up to 3,629 kilograms. However, the Escalade felt heavy in passing situations, and the 10-speed automatic transmission, while responsive, struggled in Sport mode. The Escalade-V addressed acceleration issues with a supercharged Corvette V8, delivering 682 horsepower and 653 pound-feet of torque. Cadillac also offered a 3.0-litre Duramax turbodiesel V6, providing better fuel economy and smooth torque delivery. The Escalade's 4WD system was rudimentary, with a centre differential that locked torque 50:50 front to rear. The magnetic ride control dampers and optional air suspension improved maneuverability, but wind noise was noticeable at highway speeds.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid offered well-cushioned front seats with ample adjustments for drivers of all sizes. However, the driver's door armrest was awkwardly positioned. The Highlander provided plenty of storage options, including a deep tray under the infotainment screen and a large centre armrest bin. The second-row seats were spacious, with sliding and reclining captain's chairs for added versatility. A second-row bench was available, increasing passenger capacity to eight. The third-row seat was less accommodating, suitable for occasional use by children. Cargo space behind the third row was 453 litres, expanding to 1,370 litres with the seatbacks folded and 2,387 litres with the second row stowed.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade boasted the most space-efficient interior among large SUVs, 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 Escalade ESV offered even more space, maxing out at 4,044 litres. The independent rear suspension provided generous headroom and legroom in every row, accommodating six adults comfortably. The controls were user-friendly, with a smart and fast infotainment system. An optional front console refrigerator and power-retractable side steps added convenience. The air suspension lowered the truck for easier loading, and the tailgate featured a separate glass window for pets.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch option available on the top trim. The system was quick to respond, with logically organized menus and physical shortcut buttons. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity were standard, with wireless charging available on Limited and Platinum trims. Navigation and an 11-speaker JBL premium audio system were also standard on these trims.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade introduced several automotive tech firsts, including a span of OLED screens across the dash. A front camera displayed a high-res feed of the road, overlaying directional arrows and street names. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, a head-up display, and Wi-Fi hotspot capability were standard. Super Cruise, a hands-free highway driving system, was a standout feature, using infrared eye-tracking cameras to ensure driver attention. The Escalade also offered night vision with pedestrian detection and a 36-speaker AKG audio system.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid received an overall five-star rating from the NHTSA, with four stars for frontal collision and rollover protection. The IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick+. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The systems generally worked well but required some fine-tuning.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade earned four out of five stars from the NHTSA, with lower ratings for front-passenger protection and rollover resistance. Standard safety features included forward automatic emergency braking, a Safety Alert seat, rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a surround-view camera. Reverse emergency braking was optional but prone to false stops.