2023 Cadillac Escalade vs 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan presented a refined and conservative design that stood out among its competitors. Its creased and symmetrical styling, while not overly emotional, was appreciated for its simplicity and timelessness. The updated front styling aligned it with Volkswagen’s larger models, featuring a restyled grille with the new VW logo and standard LED headlights. The Tiguan offered four trim levels in Canada, all with standard 4Motion AWD, and prices ranged from $33,395 to $43,395. The Highline R-Line trim, with its sportier look and available 18-inch alloy wheels, was particularly striking in Atlantic Blue Metallic. Inside, the Tiguan Highline R-Line boasted a luxurious cabin with leather upholstery, new technology, and ambient lighting, though the hard plastic in the lower cabin hinted at its mass-market status. Standard features included heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, with additional options like a panoramic sunroof available.

In contrast, the 2023 Cadillac Escalade was a behemoth of luxury and space. Its imposing size was matched by its athletic and trim appearance, thanks to clever design elements like thin LED lights and darkened chrome bits on the Sport Platinum trim. The Escalade offered six trims, all with 22-inch wheels and elaborate lighting sequences. The interior was opulent, with a 38-inch curved screen dashboard and a variety of leather options. However, some components borrowed from cheaper GM vehicles detracted from its luxury status. The Escalade’s spaciousness was unmatched, with generous headroom and legroom across all rows. The controls were intuitive, and features like a front console refrigerator and power-retractable side steps added convenience. Despite some shortcomings in the second and third rows, the Escalade’s interior was a testament to Cadillac’s commitment to luxury.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan retained its turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. The power was managed by an eight-speed automatic transmission and VW’s 4Motion AWD system, which could decouple the rear axle to save fuel. Drivers had access to various driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual, along with Offroad settings. The Tiguan’s Hill Descent Control system operated at speeds up to 30 km/h, but its 19 cm ground clearance limited its off-road capabilities. The suspension system provided a balanced ride, though the engine’s torque delivery resulted in some turbo lag. Fuel efficiency was a focus, with a combined rating of 9.8 L/100 km, though real-world testing showed a slightly better 9.5 L/100 km. The Tiguan was nimble and responsive in normal driving but lacked the excitement for more spirited driving.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade offered a standard 6.2-litre V8 engine with 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, suitable for towing up to 3,629 kg. However, its performance felt heavy, and the 10-speed automatic transmission was more suited for cruising than spirited driving. The Escalade-V variant addressed acceleration concerns with a supercharged V8 producing 682 hp and 653 lb-ft of torque, though it seemed excessive. An optional 3.0-litre Duramax turbodiesel V6 provided smoother torque delivery and better fuel economy at 10.5 L/100 km. The Escalade’s 4WD system was basic, with a centre differential locking torque 50:50 front to rear. The magnetic ride control dampers and optional air suspension improved handling, but wind noise at highway speeds detracted from the luxury experience.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan was a spacious compact crossover, comparable to smaller midsize SUVs. It offered an optional third row, though cargo space was compromised with it in use. The Highline R-Line trim featured comfortable leather seats with power adjustments and excellent visibility. The second row provided ample headroom and legroom, accommodating adults and children alike. The switch to touch controls on the steering wheel and dashboard was a mixed blessing, offering sophistication but also potential distraction. Cargo space was generous, with up to 2,078 litres available in the two-row configuration.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade excelled in interior space, offering 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 provided even more room. The independent rear suspension allowed for generous space in the third row, accommodating six adults comfortably. The controls were user-friendly, with a smart and fast interface. Features like a front console refrigerator and power-retractable side steps added convenience, while the air suspension eased loading and unloading. The tailgate’s separate glass window was a thoughtful touch, though the second-row seats lacked power adjustment.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan featured standard digital gauges, with the Highline R-Line offering a more advanced Digital Cockpit Pro system. The MIB3 infotainment system, available on most trims, included an 8-inch touchscreen, Car-Net connected services, and smartphone mirroring. The Highline R-Line added a redesigned navigation system and a nine-speaker Fender audio system. However, the natural voice recognition was disappointing, and the Park Assist system was standard on the Highline R-Line.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade boasted a span of OLED screens across the dash, providing sharp and clear displays. The front camera offered a high-res feed with navigation overlays, enhancing the driver’s experience. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a head-up display, and Wi-Fi hotspot capability were standard. Super Cruise, a hands-free highway driving system, was a standout feature, offering advanced functionality and safety. The Escalade also included night vision with pedestrian detection and a 36-speaker AKG audio system, providing an immersive experience.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan came with standard safety features like Front Assist and Side Assist. Travel Assist combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assistance, though the touch-sensing controls could be challenging. Emergency Assist was another upgrade, bringing the vehicle to a stop if the driver became unresponsive. The 2021 Tiguan earned a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the IIHS, and the 2022 model’s improvements aimed to enhance its safety credentials.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade received 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, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features like reverse emergency braking and Super Cruise added to its safety suite, though some systems had limitations.