2023 Cadillac Escalade vs 2022 Volvo XC90

The 2022 Volvo XC90 represented a significant evolution from the brand's earlier boxy designs, maintaining its family-friendly and safety-oriented image while stepping into the luxury class. After Volvo's acquisition by Zhejiang Geely Holding in 2010, the company developed new platforms, leading to the current XC90, which launched in 2016 as the flagship SUV on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform. The XC90's design was sleek and athletic, with a long roofline and pronounced wheel arches, complemented by the iconic "Thor's Hammer" LED headlights. The interior was a testament to Scandinavian Modern and Swedish Luxury, featuring natural wood and metal trims, with options for Nappa leather or a tailored wool blend upholstery.

In contrast, the 2023 Cadillac Escalade was a behemoth, towering nearly two metres high and stretching up to six metres in length. It was designed for show, with a bold presence that made it a favourite among pop musicians and large families. Despite its size, the Escalade's design was athletic, with thin LED lights and darkened chrome elements on the Sport Platinum trim, which helped mask its mass. The interior was rich, with a 38-inch curved screen across the dashboard and various leather options. However, some elements, like the seats and controls, were shared with cheaper GM vehicles, detracting from its luxury appeal. The Escalade's spaciousness was unmatched, offering ample room for passengers and cargo.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains: the T5 with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, the T6 with a supercharged and turbocharged version delivering 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, and the Recharge plug-in hybrid with a combined 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque. All models featured all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The XC90's driving experience was superb, with minimal body roll and smooth power delivery, especially in the Recharge Inscription extended range model, which provided spirited acceleration and a fun driving experience.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade came standard with a 6.2-litre V8 engine producing 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, suitable for towing up to 3,629 kilograms. However, its acceleration was less impressive compared to competitors. The Escalade-V addressed this with a supercharged V8 delivering 682 hp and 653 lb-ft of torque, though it seemed excessive. An optional 3.0-litre Duramax turbodiesel V6 offered better fuel economy and smooth torque delivery. The Escalade's 4WD system was rudimentary, but its magnetic ride control dampers and optional air suspension improved handling and maneuverability, though wind noise was noticeable at highway speeds.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered six- and seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row, though it was best suited for children. Cargo capacity was 357 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,855 litres with all seats folded. The XC90 could tow up to 2,250 kilograms, making it suitable for light towing. The interior was spacious and comfortable, with ample storage and a standard panoramic moonroof. The climate control system performed well, even in extreme heat, and the AWD system and heated features made it winter-ready.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade boasted the most space-efficient interior among large SUVs, with 722 litres behind the third row and 3,426 litres with all seats down. The Escalade ESV offered even more space. The independent rear suspension provided generous headroom and legroom in all rows. The controls were intuitive, with a smart touchscreen interface and multiple gauge layouts. Optional features included a front console refrigerator and power-retractable side steps. The air suspension eased loading, and the tailgate's separate glass window was convenient for pet owners.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a nine-inch touchscreen and smartphone-like gestures. While intuitive, it was occasionally glitchy, but Apple CarPlay improved its performance. The digital instrument panel and optional head-up display enhanced driver awareness. The Advanced package added a 360-degree camera and advanced air cleaner. USB ports were available for device charging.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade introduced a span of OLED screens across the dash, providing sharp visuals and augmented reality navigation. 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 a standout feature, offering advanced driver assistance. The Escalade also included night vision with pedestrian detection and a 36-speaker AKG audio system, providing an immersive experience.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 was renowned for its safety, featuring blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and more. The Pilot Assist system offered semi-autonomous driving on highways. The XC90 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and a five-star NHTSA rating.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade earned four stars from the NHTSA, with lower ratings for front-passenger protection and rollover resistance. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist. Optional features like reverse emergency braking and Super Cruise enhanced safety, though some systems had limitations.