2023 Toyota RAV4 vs 2023 Cadillac Escalade

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, featuring three rows of leather seats and an array of computers. The Escalade ESV extended 38 centimetres longer than the standard version, primarily stretching the wheelbase. The Escalade, along with its Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban and GMC Yukon/Yukon XL counterparts, was designed for show, appealing to pop musicians, overzealous parents, wannabe federal agents, or boaters with large families. Its athletic and trim appearance was achieved through thin LED lights and darkened chrome bits, masking its mass. The interior boasted a rich first-row experience with a 38-inch curved screen and luxurious wood trim, though the allure faded with cheaper GM parts in the second and third rows.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4, in its gas-powered form, was offered in four trim levels in Canada, ranging from the RAV4 LE to the RAV4 Limited. The design closely followed the 2019 introduction, with the Trail trim featuring a two-part face and blacked-out wheels. The Trail trim added orange accents to the interior, with seats sporting a stripe and contrast stitching. The RAV4 provided a frameless rearview mirror, adding a premium touch to an otherwise basic interior. The LE and XLE trims offered fabric upholstery and standard heated front seats, while the XLE Premium package upgraded to synthetic leather. The Limited trim featured heated and ventilated power-adjustable seats with memory settings, and heated rear seats.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade offered a standard 6.2-litre gasoline V8 engine, producing 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. It was suitable for towing up to 3,629 kilograms but felt heavy in passing situations. The 10-speed automatic transmission performed adequately, though the powertrain seemed reluctant in Sport mode. The Escalade-V variant addressed acceleration issues with a supercharged Corvette V8, delivering 682 hp and 653 lb-ft of torque. An optional 3.0-litre Duramax turbodiesel V6 provided 277 hp and better fuel economy at 10.5 L/100 km. The 4WD system was rudimentary, with a centre differential locking torque 50:50 front to rear. The Escalade's magnetic ride control dampers and optional air suspension enhanced maneuverability, though wind noise was noticeable at highway speeds.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, generating 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, it offered unobjectionable performance, though not particularly exciting. The RAV4 Trail trim included 19-inch wheels with all-season tires and shared the same suspension setup as other RAV4s. The AWD system was standard across all trims, with a Snow drive mode for added traction.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade boasted an exceptionally spacious interior, with 722 litres of cargo space behind the third row, 2,064 litres behind the second row, and 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, though the second-row seats lacked power adjustment.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 accommodated five passengers, with 958 millimetres of headroom in the front row and 1,001 mm in the back seats. Legroom measured 1,039 mm in the front and 960 mm in the second row. The RAV4 offered convenient storage options, including a shelf along the glove compartment and generous door pockets. Cargo space was 1,059 litres behind the second row, expanding to 1,977 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade featured a vast array of OLED screens across the dash, providing sharp and clear displays. A front camera offered a high-resolution feed with navigation overlays. 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 available as an option. The Escalade also included night vision with pedestrian detection and a 36-speaker AKG audio system. The front seats offered massage functions, and the rear-seat entertainment system could stream apps.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 introduced a new infotainment system with an 8.0-inch touchscreen, upgraded to a 10.5-inch screen in the Limited trim. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with voice command and connected services. The Limited trim featured an 11-speaker JBL Premium audio system and a 12.3-inch driver-information display. The Trail trim retained the base multimedia system.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade received 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, and more. Reverse emergency braking and Super Cruise were optional.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 came with standard safety features such as lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, automatic high-beam LED headlights, and a pre-collision system. The TSS 2.5 suite included Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. The RAV4 earned a 2023 Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS.