2023 Cadillac Escalade vs 2023 Mazda CX-5

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade was a towering presence, nearly two metres high and requiring up to six metres of length to park. It was a motorized cargo container with three rows of leather seats and an array of advanced technology. The Escalade ESV extended this length by 38 centimetres, enhancing its wheelbase. Designed for show, the Escalade was a favourite among pop musicians, large families, and those seeking a commanding road presence. Its athletic appearance was achieved through clever design elements like thin LED lights and darkened chrome on the Sport Platinum trim, which masked its mass. The interior boasted a luxurious first row with a 38-inch curved screen and premium materials, though some components borrowed from cheaper GM vehicles detracted from its overall luxury.

In contrast, the 2023 Mazda CX-5, despite its impending redesign and renaming to the CX-50, remained a stylish and high-quality choice in the compact crossover segment. It exuded a small luxury SUV feel, with high-quality materials and a sophisticated design. The CX-5 offered two engine options: a standard 187-horsepower four-cylinder and a turbocharged variant with up to 256 horsepower. The interior featured premium Nappa leather in the Signature trim, enhancing its luxury appeal. However, the CX-5's smaller size resulted in limited rear-seat and cargo space, which could be a drawback for some buyers.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade featured 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 competitors like the Grand Wagoneer and Navigator offered more spirited performance. The Escalade-V addressed this with a supercharged V8 producing 682 horsepower, 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 optional air suspension improved handling, but wind noise at highway speeds was noticeable.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 offered a standard 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, achieving 9.0 L/100 km in combined driving. The turbocharged variant delivered up to 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque on premium fuel, with a combined fuel economy of 9.8 L/100 km. The CX-5's structural and suspension updates improved its driving dynamics, making it feel more solid and reducing body roll. The turbo engine provided quick acceleration, though fuel consumption increased during spirited driving. The CX-5 excelled on winding roads, offering a firm and communicative ride.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade boasted an exceptionally spacious interior, with 722 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 3,426 litres with seats folded. The Escalade ESV offered even more room, maxing out at 4,044 litres. Its independent rear suspension allowed for generous passenger space in all rows. The controls were intuitive, with a smart infotainment system and optional features like a front console refrigerator. However, some conveniences, like powered second-row seats, were lacking.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5, while offering improved front seat comfort, had limited rear-seat and cargo space. It provided 871 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 1,680 litres with seats folded. The infotainment system, though visually appealing, was frustrating to use due to its non-touchscreen interface and awkward controls. Despite this, the CX-5 offered features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Bose audio system in higher trims.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade featured cutting-edge technology, including a vast OLED screen array, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a head-up display. Super Cruise, a hands-free highway driving system, was a standout feature, offering advanced driver assistance. Night vision and a 36-speaker AKG audio system added to its tech appeal, though some features were optional.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5's Mazda Connect infotainment system, despite its sophisticated graphics, was a source of frustration due to its non-touchscreen interface and complex controls. It offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Bose audio system in higher trims. The system's user experience was less intuitive compared to competitors, though it provided essential connectivity features.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade received four out of five stars from the NHTSA, with lower ratings for front-passenger protection and rollover resistance. It offered standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included reverse emergency braking and Super Cruise.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 excelled in safety, earning five-star ratings from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS. Its i-Activsense suite included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. However, it lacked a warning for driving without headlights at night, a notable oversight.