2022 Volkswagen Taos vs 2023 Cadillac Escalade

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos was positioned as a compact SUV with a spacious interior, fitting comfortably within Volkswagen's lineup between the subcompact and compact segments. It was available in three trims: Trendline, Comfortline, and Highline, with a single engine option. The Taos offered a choice between front-wheel drive and 4Motion all-wheel drive on the base model, with prices ranging from $26,695 to $36,695. The SUV's design was consistent with Volkswagen's aesthetic, featuring roof rails, dark grey plastic cladding, and simulated skid plates. However, the interior was criticized for its hard plastic materials, though it did offer soft-touch surfaces in key areas.

In contrast, the 2023 Cadillac Escalade was a behemoth in the luxury SUV market, towering nearly two metres high and offering a spacious interior with three rows of leather seats. The Escalade's design was both athletic and imposing, with thin LED lights and a variety of grille designs that masked its size. The Sport Platinum trim added a sleek, darkened look to the vehicle. Inside, the Escalade boasted a rich first-row experience with a 38-inch curved screen and luxurious materials, though some components were shared with less expensive GM vehicles. The Escalade's interior was designed to impress, but the luxury was primarily focused on the driver's area.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos was powered by a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. The engine's torque delivery was robust but suffered from turbo lag, leading to delayed throttle response. The seven-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission paired with the 4Motion AWD system offered spirited performance but was criticized for harsh shifting. The standard 8-speed automatic transmission provided smoother driving but was limited to front-wheel drive. The Taos excelled in handling, with responsive steering and effective brakes, but its ground clearance was less than some competitors, limiting its off-road capability. Fuel efficiency was rated at 8.5 L/100 km in combined driving.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade offered a standard 6.2-litre V8 engine with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, providing ample power for towing but feeling heavy during acceleration. The 10-speed automatic transmission was responsive, but the powertrain was not as eager as some competitors. The Escalade-V variant featured a supercharged V8 with 682 horsepower, offering impressive acceleration and appropriately sized brakes. An optional 3.0-litre Duramax turbodiesel V6 provided smooth torque delivery and better fuel economy at 10.5 L/100 km. The Escalade's 4WD system was rudimentary, but its magnetic ride control dampers and optional air suspension improved handling and ride comfort.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos offered a spacious interior, with deeply bolstered front seats and generous rear legroom. The Highline trim included heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Cargo space varied depending on the drive system, with up to 1,866 litres available in the front-wheel-drive model. The Taos featured a centre pass-through for skis, enhancing its practicality for outdoor activities.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade excelled in interior space, offering 722 litres behind the third row and up to 3,426 litres with both rows down. The Escalade ESV variant provided even more room. The interior was designed for comfort, with simple controls and an optional front console refrigerator. Power-retractable side steps and an air suspension made access and loading easier. The tailgate's separate glass window was a thoughtful touch for pet owners.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos came with a Digital Cockpit instrument cluster and a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen, with higher trims featuring an 8-inch display and wireless smartphone integration. However, the infotainment system was criticized for its complexity and slow response. The Highline trim added a navigation system and an eight-speaker BeatsAudio sound system, though the transition from Fender to BeatsAudio was not seen as an improvement.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade was a technological marvel, featuring a vast array of OLED screens and a high-resolution front camera display. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were standard, along with a head-up display and Wi-Fi hotspot. Super Cruise, an advanced hands-free driving system, was a standout feature, offering a seamless highway driving experience. The Escalade also included night vision and a 36-speaker AKG audio system, providing an immersive audio experience.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos required higher trims for popular safety features like forward-collision warning and blind-spot monitoring. The Highline trim offered additional features like lane-keeping assistance and Travel Assist, a Level 2 advanced driving assistance system. Emergency Assist was a unique feature, bringing the vehicle to a safe stop if the driver became unresponsive. The Taos had not been crash-tested by major safety organizations at the time of review.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade received a four-star rating from the NHTSA, with lower scores for front-passenger protection and rollover resistance. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera. Optional features like reverse emergency braking and Super Cruise enhanced safety, though the reverse braking system occasionally activated erroneously.