2022 Volvo XC60 vs 2022 Cadillac Escalade

The 2022 Volvo XC60 underwent subtle styling changes, enhancing its sporty appearance with a new front fascia featuring "air blades" and a reworked grille that cleverly concealed sensors behind a heated Volvo logo. The rear bumper was redesigned to hide the tailpipes, and new wheel designs were introduced across all models. Built on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform, the XC60 shared its underpinnings with other Volvo models like the XC90 and S90. Inside, the XC60 retained its clean design, with a new digital instrument cluster and a portrait-oriented touchscreen. While the interior was generally subdued, the B6 R-Design model added flair with aluminum mesh speaker grilles and textured seats. The Inscription trim offered Nappa leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade made a bold statement with its unapologetically massive size and distinct styling elements. Its front end, reminiscent of a diesel locomotive, featured a tall hood, vertical running lights, and horizontal headlights. The Escalade's design emphasized its bulk, with 22-inch wheels appearing small against the vast sheet metal. Different trim pieces distinguished the "sport" and "luxury" models, with bright exterior trim for Luxury and Premium Luxury, and darkened trim for the Sport. Sharing its body-on-frame architecture with other GM full-size SUVs, the Escalade offered a spacious interior with leather upholstery, wood trim, and a panoramic sunroof. However, it lacked a cohesive design theme, and some materials appeared cheap. Despite this, the Escalade's imposing presence and luxury features made it a standout in its class.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 introduced new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains, replacing the previous T5 and T6 versions. Both featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a 48-volt electrical system and an integrated starter generator, adding 13 horsepower in short bursts. The B6 also included an electric supercharger. The B5 delivered 258 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque, while the B6 offered 295 hp and 310 lb-ft. Both used an eight-speed automatic transmission and came with standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The XC60 B5 accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, and the B6 in 5.9 seconds. The XC60 Recharge plug-in hybrid offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft, achieving zero to 60 mph in 5 seconds, while the Polestar Engineered version increased output to 415 hp and 494 lb-ft, with a 4.9-second sprint. The XC60 prioritized a quiet cabin and comfortable ride, enhanced by optional air suspension, over sportiness.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade offered two powertrain choices: a standard 6.2-litre gasoline V8 with 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, and a Duramax 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six diesel engine with 277 hp and 460 lb-ft. Both engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive in Canada. The Escalade diesel impressed with smooth power delivery and a low torque peak, although the brake pedal felt hard. The gasoline engine had a slight towing advantage, with a maximum capacity of 3,629 kg, compared to the diesel's 3,509 kg. Despite independent rear suspension, the Escalade's ride felt unsettled, with vibrations from pavement imperfections. It lacked off-road capability compared to GM cousins, making it less suitable for rugged adventures.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 maintained its competitive passenger space, with above-average front-seat headroom but limited rear-seat headroom, tying with the Audi Q5. Legroom was average for the segment. Mild-hybrid models offered 611 litres of cargo space with rear seats up and 1,410 litres with them folded, while plug-in hybrids had slightly less capacity. The XC60 provided a commanding driving position with good visibility, aided by large exterior mirrors.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade shared its body shell and chassis with other GM full-size SUVs, resulting in a cavernous cabin. It offered the most first-row and third-row legroom among full-size luxury SUVs, with second-row captain’s chairs and a power-folding third-row bench seat. Cargo space was impressive, with 722 litres with all seats in place, 2,064 litres with the third row folded, and 3,426 litres with all rear seats down. However, the raised centre console limited storage space, and the front seats felt similar to those in GM cousins. Cadillac included dedicated buttons for seat heating and ventilation, and large sun visors for the expansive side-window glass.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 received a tech overhaul with a 9-inch touchscreen running Android Automotive, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. Android-specific features included Google Assistant for voice control, Google Maps for navigation, and access to third-party apps via the Google Play Store. The system supported over-the-air updates and promised full iPhone compatibility. The infotainment redesign featured a new layout with sideways swiping for menu access, and a "Calm" setting for the digital instrument cluster to minimize distraction.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade featured a 38-inch curved OLED display, comprising three screens: a 14.2-inch digital instrument cluster, a 16.9-inch touchscreen, and a 7.2-inch screen for trip-computer functions. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot were standard. The display blended seamlessly with the dashboard, and icons were arranged to fit its shape. Physical toggles for climate control were retained. However, the carousel format for radio stations was awkward, and the rotary controller felt like an afterthought. The Escalade's OLED screens provided excellent resolution for the 360-degree camera system, and the rearview camera mirror eliminated blind spots. Additional tech features included night vision, augmented-reality navigation, and a 19-speaker AKG Studio sound system.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but the 2021 model received top ratings. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross traffic alert. An optional driver assistance system combined adaptive cruise control and automated lane centring.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade included standard driver-assistance features like cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, park assist, lane-keep assist, and lane-departure warning. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on higher trims. Super Cruise, a sophisticated driver-assist system, was available on most trims, offering hands-free driving on pre-mapped highways. The Escalade's safety ratings were not published by the IIHS or NHTSA.