2023 Cadillac Escalade vs 2022 Volkswagen Atlas

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas carried over from its 2021 predecessor with only minor modifications, maintaining its appeal with a big and boxy design. Available in four trim levels in Canada—Trendline, Comfortline, Highline, and Execline—the Atlas offered a range of pricing from $41,595 to $57,695, plus a $1,950 destination charge. The Execline trim, which was the top of the Canadian lineup, featured standard R-Line design elements, including 21-inch alloy wheels that enhanced its upscale look. Despite its bold exterior styling, the interior, while excellent in design, was let down by low-cost materials, with hard, shiny plastics that detracted from the overall quality. The Atlas's interior was simple yet premium, but improvements in material quality were needed to match its price point.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade, towering nearly two metres above the ground, was a statement of luxury and size. With a length that required significant parking space, the Escalade was designed for show, appealing to those who wanted to make an impression. The Sport Platinum trim darkened chrome elements to mask its mass, while thin LED lights gave it a more athletic appearance. The interior was rich, featuring a 38-inch curved screen across the dashboard and a variety of leather options. However, some components, like the heated seat controls and shifter, were shared with cheaper GM vehicles, which was disappointing for a vehicle priced over $100,000. Despite this, the Escalade's spaciousness and luxury features, such as a wool-like fabric in certain trims, reminded occupants of its Cadillac heritage.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered a choice between a standard turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and an optional 3.6-litre V6 engine. The turbocharged engine produced 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, requiring premium fuel for optimal performance. It had a towing capacity of 907 kilograms and a fuel consumption rating of 10.6 litres per 100 kilometres. The V6 engine, standard on the Execline trim, delivered 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, with a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. Despite its power, the V6's acceleration was leisurely, and its fuel consumption was higher at 12.2 L/100 km. The Atlas featured various driving modes and an AWD system with Active Control calibrations, but its ride quality was affected by its large wheels and low-profile tires, leading to a busy ride on uneven surfaces.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade came with a standard 6.2-litre V8 engine producing 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, allowing for a towing capacity of 3,629 kilograms. Despite its power, the Escalade felt heavy in passing situations. The Escalade-V variant addressed this with a supercharged V8 engine delivering 682 horsepower and 653 pound-feet of torque, though it seemed excessive. An optional 3.0-litre Duramax turbodiesel V6 offered better fuel economy at 10.5 L/100 km. The Escalade's 4WD system was more rudimentary, with a centre differential locking torque 50:50 front to rear. Its magnetic ride control dampers and optional air suspension improved handling and ride quality, though wind noise was noticeable at highway speeds.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in interior space and comfort, seating seven people with ample head and legroom, even in the third row. The step-in height was low, making entry and exit easy. The Atlas offered numerous storage areas, though many were unlined, leading to unwanted noise. Cargo space was exceptional, with 583 litres behind the third row, 1,572 litres with the third row folded, and 2,741 litres with both rear rows down.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade boasted the most space-efficient interior among large SUVs, with 722 litres behind the third row, 2,064 litres behind the second row, and 3,426 litres with both rows down. The Escalade ESV variant offered even more space. The interior was designed for comfort, with generous headroom and legroom in all rows. The controls were intuitive, and features like a front console refrigerator and power-retractable side steps added convenience. The air suspension could lower the vehicle for easier loading, and the tailgate had a separate glass window for added functionality.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas featured the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrument cluster as standard, with an 8-inch display that expanded to 10.25 inches on higher trims. The Trendline trim had a 6.5-inch touchscreen with basic connectivity features, while other trims offered the MIB3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 12-speaker Fender audio system. However, the user experience was hindered by slow loading times and a cumbersome interface.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade was equipped with a span of OLED screens across the dash, providing sharp and clear displays. It featured 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, offering a superior experience compared to competitors. The Escalade also included night vision with pedestrian detection and a 36-speaker AKG audio system, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered a comprehensive list of safety features, including automatic post-collision braking, Front Assist, Side Assist, and Rear Traffic Alert. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. However, the Lane Assist technology had issues with old construction markings, and the Atlas did not earn a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, receiving four-star ratings in frontal-impact tests from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade received four out of five stars from the NHTSA, with lower ratings for front-passenger protection and rollover resistance. It included standard safety features like forward automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera. Optional features included reverse emergency braking and Super Cruise. The Escalade's safety systems were generally effective, though reverse emergency braking occasionally activated erroneously.