2023 Cadillac Escalade vs 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade was a towering presence, nearly two metres high and stretching up to six metres in length. It was designed as a motorized cargo container with three rows of leather seats and advanced technology. The Escalade ESV extended this length by 38 centimetres, emphasizing its showy nature. With its imposing size, the Escalade was often associated with pop musicians, large families, or those seeking attention. Despite its bulk, Cadillac managed to give it an athletic appearance with thin LED lights and darkened chrome accents in the Sport Platinum trim. The interior boasted a luxurious first row with a 38-inch curved screen and fine wood inlays, though some elements borrowed from cheaper GM vehicles detracted from its overall luxury.

In contrast, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe had a more conservative design compared to other Hyundai models. It maintained the same look as the 2022 version, available in four trims in Canada, all with standard all-wheel drive. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim, tested in the U.S., featured a distinctive wide grille and thin LED headlights. Inside, the Santa Fe offered a high-quality, albeit dark, interior with Nappa leather seats. The cabin was comfortable, with heated and cooled front seats and heated second-row seats. The Santa Fe's design was practical and understated, focusing on comfort and functionality rather than flashy aesthetics.

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 kilograms. However, its acceleration felt heavy, and the 10-speed automatic transmission was more suited for gentle cruising. The Escalade-V variant addressed this with a supercharged V8 producing 682 hp, 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 magnetic ride control dampers and air suspension enhanced its maneuverability, though wind noise was noticeable at highway speeds.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe came with a 2.5-litre engine, available in naturally aspirated and turbocharged versions. The turbocharged engine in the Urban and Ultimate Calligraphy trims delivered 281 hp and 311 pound-feet of torque, offering brisk acceleration without turbo lag. The eight-speed dual-clutch transmission performed smoothly, and the Santa Fe's handling was composed with minimal body lean. While not tested off-road, the turbo version could tow up to 1,587 kilograms. The Santa Fe's performance was impressive for its class, providing a balance of power and refinement.

The Cadillac Escalade excelled in interior space, offering 722 litres behind the third row, 2,064 litres behind the second, and 3,426 litres with both rows down. The Escalade ESV extended this to 4,044 litres. Its independent rear suspension allowed for generous passenger space, and controls were intuitive. Features like a front console refrigerator and power-retractable side steps added convenience, though the second-row seats lacked power adjustment.

The Hyundai Santa Fe, with its two-row configuration, provided ample rear-seat legroom at 1,060 millimetres and 1,032 litres of cargo space behind the second row. Folding the seats expanded this to 2,041 litres. The Santa Fe prioritized comfort with standard heated front seats and dual-zone climate control. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim included advanced features like a head-up display and Remote Smart Parking Assist. Despite minor ergonomic issues, the Santa Fe offered a well-thought-out interior.

The Cadillac Escalade featured cutting-edge technology with OLED screens, a high-res front camera, and Super Cruise, a leading hands-free highway driving system. It also offered wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 36-speaker AKG audio system, and night vision. The Escalade's tech was both innovative and luxurious, enhancing the driving experience.

The Hyundai Santa Fe excelled in infotainment and safety technology. It included a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system in higher trims. The system was customizable, though voice recognition had mixed results. The Santa Fe's tech was user-friendly and comprehensive, offering great value for its class.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade received four out of five stars from NHTSA, with standard safety features like forward automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included reverse emergency braking and Super Cruise.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe earned a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick+" from IIHS. It came with a suite of standard safety features, including forward-collision avoidance and lane-keeping assist. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim added Highway Driving Assist, enhancing its safety credentials.