2023 Cadillac Escalade vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade stood as a towering presence, nearly two metres above the ground, with a length that required between five and a half to six metres to park. It was a motorized cargo container, equipped with three rows of leather seats and more technology than a command centre. The standard Escalade was already impressive, but the Escalade ESV extended its length by 38 centimetres, primarily stretching the wheelbase. This SUV was designed for show, appealing to pop musicians, large families, and those who wanted to make a statement. Despite its size, Cadillac managed to give the Escalade an athletic and trim appearance, using thin LED lights and darkened chrome bits to mask its mass. The interior was rich, with a 38-inch curved screen and luxurious wood trim, though some elements borrowed from cheaper GM vehicles detracted from its luxury status.

In contrast, the 2023 Acura MDX offered a more subtle approach to luxury. Available in standard and Type S versions, the MDX provided a range of trim packages, with prices ranging from $59,300 to $84,400. The Type S, with its Apex Blue Pearl paint and Orchid interior, set a high expectation for quality and driving dynamism. The fourth-generation MDX was the first Acura SUV to wear the Type S badge, featuring chicane-design LED lights and 21-inch wheels. Inside, the Type S Ultra trim boasted quilted leather, aluminum trim, and a Sport Appearance package. However, some design choices, like the gloss black plastic on the dashboard, made controls challenging to use. Despite these nit-picks, the MDX Type S remained an attractive luxury SUV.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade offered a pleasant driving experience, though its standard 6.2-litre V8 engine, with 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, did not deliver the speed its sound suggested. It excelled in gentle cruising, with a combined fuel consumption of 15.0 litres per 100 kilometres. The Escalade's towing capacity reached up to 3,629 kilograms with the towing package. For those seeking more power, the Escalade-V featured a supercharged Corvette V8 with 682 hp and 653 lb-ft of torque, though it seemed excessive. An optional 3.0-litre Duramax turbodiesel V6 offered better fuel economy at 10.5 L/100 km. The Escalade's 4WD system was rudimentary, but its magnetic ride control dampers and superbly tuned steering made it nimble for its size.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S was unique for its turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, producing 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. Despite weighing more than the standard MDX, it used a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system. The MDX Type S featured an Integrated Dynamics System with various driving modes, including an exclusive Lift mode. However, the performance upgrades did not create a cohesive driving experience. The transmission was indecisive, and the ride lacked compliance. The MDX Type S averaged 13.9 litres per 100 kilometres, falling short of its official rating. While it was mostly agreeable in Normal mode, the Type S struggled as a driver's SUV, with issues like brake pedal response and tire squeal detracting from its performance.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade boasted an incredibly spacious interior, with 722 litres of cargo space behind the third row, 2,064 litres behind the second row, and a massive 3,426 litres with both rows down. The Escalade ESV offered even more space, maxing out at 4,044 litres. The independent rear suspension provided generous headroom and legroom in every row. The controls were user-friendly, with a smart and fast infotainment system. An optional front console refrigerator and power-retractable side steps added convenience. However, the second-row seats were not powered like the third row.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered three rows of seats, with the option to remove the centre section of the second row for a pass-through. The Type S Ultra trim featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row seats were comfortable and supportive, with heating available in Canada. However, the third row was best suited for children. The MDX's interior prioritized style over storage space, with a small bin under the front centre armrest. The cargo area provided 461 litres of space behind the third row, 1,107 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 2,021 litres with both rear rows down.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade featured a span of OLED screens across the dash, offering sharp and clear displays. A front camera provided a high-resolution feed of the road, and the navigation system overlaid directional arrows and street names. 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, using infrared eye-tracking cameras to ensure driver attention. The Escalade also offered night vision with pedestrian detection and a 36-speaker AKG audio system.

The 2023 Acura MDX's Digital Precision Cockpit included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display. However, the infotainment screen was not touch-sensitive, requiring the use of a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) on the centre console. The TTI design limited storage space and partially blocked the wireless charging pad. The MDX featured Bluetooth and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, as well as Amazon Alexa Built-In. The top-shelf Signature Edition ELS Studio 3D audio system with 25 speakers delivered impressive sound quality. The MDX also included a 10.5-inch head-up display with navigation instructions and driving assistance status.

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.

The 2023 Acura MDX's safety features included a collision mitigation braking system, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centring assist, adaptive cruise control, and Traffic Jam Assist. In Canada, rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert were standard. The MDX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA, though it earned four-star protection ratings for the driver and front passenger in the frontal-impact test.