2023 Cadillac Escalade vs 2022 Volvo XC60

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 foundation 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 2023 Cadillac Escalade stood out with its imposing size, towering nearly two metres above the ground and stretching up to six metres in length. The standard Escalade was already a motorized cargo container with three rows of leather seats and advanced technology, while the Escalade ESV extended the wheelbase by 38 centimetres. Despite its size, the Escalade managed to look athletic, thanks to thin LED lights and darkened chrome elements on the Sport Platinum trim. The interior was luxurious, with a 38-inch curved screen array and various wood trim options. However, some components, like the heated seat controls and shifter, were shared with cheaper GM vehicles, detracting from the overall luxury feel. The Escalade's interior was most impressive in the driver's space, with features like a thick, wool-like fabric and a centre console refrigerator.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 introduced new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains, replacing the previous T5 and T6 versions. Both powertrains combined a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt electrical system, providing an additional 13 horsepower in short bursts. The B6 variant also included an electric supercharger, delivering 295 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. The XC60's eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada ensured smooth power delivery. The B5 version offered 258 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque, with a 0 to 60 mph time of 6.5 seconds, while the B6 achieved it in 5.9 seconds. The XC60 Recharge plug-in hybrid boasted 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in 5 seconds. The Polestar Engineered model further increased output to 415 hp and 494 lb-ft, with a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.9 seconds.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade featured a standard 6.2-litre gasoline V8 engine, producing 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. While it excelled in towing capacity, the Escalade felt heavy during acceleration. The 10-speed automatic transmission performed adequately, but the powertrain lacked enthusiasm in Sport mode. The Escalade-V addressed this with a supercharged Corvette V8, delivering 682 hp and 653 lb-ft of torque, along with appropriately sized front brakes. Cadillac also offered a 3.0-litre Duramax turbodiesel V6, providing 277 hp and improved fuel economy. The Escalade's 4WD system was more rudimentary, with a centre differential locking torque 50:50 front to rear. The magnetic ride control dampers and optional air suspension enhanced manoeuvrability, though wind noise was noticeable at highway speeds.

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

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade boasted an exceptionally spacious interior, 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 room, maxing out at 4,044 litres. The independent rear suspension contributed to generous headroom and legroom in all rows. The controls were user-friendly, with a smart touchscreen interface and multiple gauge layouts. An optional front console refrigerator and power-retractable side steps added convenience, while the air suspension eased loading and unloading.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 received a tech overhaul, featuring a 9-inch touchscreen running Android Automotive, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. The system integrated Google Assistant for voice control and Google Maps for navigation. Android users could sync their profiles, while iPhone compatibility was also promised. The infotainment system allowed over-the-air updates and offered a new layout with sideways swiping for menu access. The digital instrument cluster displayed a map or a "Calm" setting to minimize distraction.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade introduced a span of OLED screens across the dash, providing sharp and clear visuals. A front camera displayed a high-res feed of the road, overlaying directional arrows and street names. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were standard, along with a head-up display and Wi-Fi hotspot. Super Cruise, a hands-free highway driving system, was available, using infrared eye-tracking cameras for driver monitoring. The Escalade also featured night vision with pedestrian detection and a 36-speaker AKG audio system. The front seats offered massage functions, and the rear-seat entertainment system could stream apps like Hulu.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA for the 2022 model year, 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 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, rear cross-traffic alert, a surround-view camera, lane-departure warning, and lane keep assist. Reverse emergency braking and Super Cruise were optional.