2023 Cadillac Escalade vs 2023 Nissan Rogue

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade was a commanding presence on the road, standing nearly two metres tall and stretching up to six metres in length. It was a luxurious motorized cargo container, equipped with three rows of leather seats and an array of advanced technology. The Escalade ESV variant extended the wheelbase by an additional 38 centimetres, further enhancing its imposing stature. Despite its size, the Escalade managed to appear athletic and trim, thanks to design elements like thin LED lights and darkened chrome accents on the Sport Platinum trim. The interior was opulent, featuring a 38-inch curved screen across the dashboard and a selection of fine wood trims. However, some components, such as the heated seat controls and infotainment knob, were shared with less expensive GM vehicles, detracting from the overall luxury experience.

In contrast, the 2023 Nissan Rogue was a more understated yet appealing vehicle, with a design that balanced ruggedness and sophistication. It was available in several trims, including the Platinum, which offered upscale features like diamond-pattern leather seats and soft-touch materials. The Rogue's interior was comfortable for four passengers, with a fifth able to fit in a pinch. The Platinum trim came with amenities such as a dual-panel panoramic sunroof and a heated steering wheel. However, the rear seats were less comfortable, and the key fob design was criticized for its lack of user-friendliness. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Rogue's practicality and thoughtful design made it a strong contender in the compact SUV segment.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade offered a range of powertrains, starting with a standard 6.2-litre V8 engine producing 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. This engine was suitable for towing up to 3,629 kilograms but felt heavy during passing manoeuvres. The Escalade-V variant addressed this with a supercharged Corvette V8, delivering an impressive 682 hp and 653 lb-ft of torque. An optional 3.0-litre Duramax turbodiesel V6 was also available, providing 277 hp and better fuel economy at 10.5 L/100 km combined. The Escalade's 4WD system was rudimentary, requiring manual engagement for low-traction surfaces. However, its magnetic ride control dampers and optional air suspension enhanced manoeuvrability and ride comfort, despite some wind noise at highway speeds.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue featured a new 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine with variable compression technology, producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a CVT, offering responsive performance in urban settings but lacking highway passing power. The Rogue's fuel economy was slightly below expectations, averaging 8.1 L/100 km. The SUV's ride quality was enhanced by Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, though the steering felt lifeless. The Rogue handled speed bumps well but exhibited more body motion on undulating roads. Overall, it provided a balanced ride with secure handling.

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 all seats folded. The Escalade ESV offered even more room, maxing out at 4,044 litres. The independent rear suspension contributed to generous passenger space, allowing six adults to sit comfortably. The controls were intuitive, with a smart touchscreen interface and multiple gauge layouts. Features like a front console refrigerator and power-retractable side steps added convenience, though the second-row seats lacked power adjustment.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue served as a practical family vehicle, accommodating four passengers comfortably, with a fifth fitting in the rear middle seat if needed. The Platinum trim included premium features like a triple-zone climate control system and a panoramic sunroof. The front seats were designed for comfort, though the rear seats were less supportive. The Rogue offered ample storage, with up to 1,028 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats and 2,064 litres with them folded. However, some storage areas were unlined, potentially causing noise. The rear doors opened wide for easy access, and the cargo area featured Nissan's Divide-N-Hide system for versatile storage solutions.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade was equipped with cutting-edge technology, including a vast array of OLED screens across the dashboard, providing sharp and clear displays. The navigation system featured augmented reality, displaying directional arrows and street names directly in the driver's line of sight. Standard features included wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a head-up display, and Wi-Fi hotspot capability. The optional Super Cruise system offered hands-free highway driving, using infrared eye-tracking cameras for safety. Additional tech highlights included a 36-speaker AKG audio system, night vision with pedestrian detection, and a rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue featured an older infotainment system with an 8-inch or optional 9-inch touchscreen. The test vehicle included the larger screen, Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and a navigation system. The voice recognition system struggled with certain requests, and the key fob design was criticized for its lack of visibility in low light. The Rogue also offered a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a head-up display, both of which performed well during testing.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with lower scores for front-passenger protection and rollover resistance. Standard safety features included forward automatic emergency braking, a Safety Alert seat, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a surround-view camera. Optional features included reverse emergency braking, night vision, and Super Cruise.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was well-equipped with safety features, earning a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard equipment included 10 airbags, Safety Shield 360, and a rear-seat reminder system. Higher trims offered ProPilot Assist with Navi-link, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assistance. The system performed well during testing, though braking could be abrupt. The Rogue's safety ratings were strong, though it received lower scores in updated crash tests.