2023 Cadillac Escalade vs 2023 Volvo XC90

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade was a commanding presence on the road, towering nearly two metres above the ground and stretching up to six metres in length. This motorized cargo container, with its three rows of leather seats and an array of advanced technology, was designed for those who wanted to make a statement. The Escalade ESV, an even longer version, added to its imposing stature. Despite its size, Cadillac managed to give the Escalade an athletic and trim appearance, using design elements like thin LED lights and darkened chrome bits to mask its mass. The interior was luxurious, especially in the first row, with a 38-inch curved screen and fine wood inlays. However, the allure faded in the back rows, where the materials and features did not match the front's opulence.

In contrast, the 2023 Volvo XC90 showcased a more understated elegance. Gone were the days of Volvo's boxy designs; the XC90 presented a purposeful yet refined look. Its front end was solid without being ostentatious, and the signature "Thor’s Hammer" headlights added a modern touch. The XC90's dimensions leaned towards a rectilinear shape, but it was far from the toasters of Volvo's past. Inside, the XC90 exuded Scandinavian minimalism with a touch of luxury. The interior featured a blend of high-quality materials, including Nappa leather and wood deco inlays. The design was clean and elegant, with minimal physical controls, which contributed to a serene driving experience.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade offered a range of powertrains, starting with a standard 6.2-litre V8 engine producing 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. While it provided ample power for towing up to 3,629 kilograms, the Escalade felt heavy during acceleration. The 10-speed automatic transmission was responsive, but the powertrain seemed more suited for cruising than spirited driving. For those seeking more power, the Escalade-V featured a supercharged Corvette V8 with 682 hp and 653 lb-ft of torque, making it the most powerful option. Additionally, a 3.0-litre Duramax turbodiesel V6 was available, offering better fuel economy and smooth torque delivery. The Escalade's 4WD system was rudimentary, but its magnetic ride control dampers and optional air suspension improved handling and ride comfort.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 introduced the B6 engine, a mild-hybrid powertrain with 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. While it sacrificed some power compared to its predecessor, the B6 offered improved fuel efficiency and smoother operation. The mild-hybrid system used a lithium-ion battery to power a 13-volt starter generator, reducing the load on the engine. The XC90's eight-speed automatic transmission was smooth, and the vehicle handled corners well despite its size. The brakes provided a solid pedal feel, and road noise was kept to a minimum. Unlike some competitors, the XC90 did not offer extensive off-road capabilities, focusing instead on a straightforward driving experience.

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 folded. The Escalade ESV offered even more room, making it a leader in passenger and cargo space. The interior featured simple and intuitive controls, with a smart infotainment system and multiple gauge layouts. An optional front console refrigerator and power-retractable side steps added convenience, while the air suspension eased loading and unloading. However, the second-row seats were not powered, which was a minor drawback.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's interior was elegant but had some space and storage limitations. The front seats were comfortable, but there was limited cubby space for smaller items. The second row was reasonably spacious, but accessing the third row was challenging, especially with the standard seven-passenger seating. The XC90 offered 356 litres of cargo space with the third row in place, expanding to 1,183 litres with the seats folded. While it fell short of some competitors in cargo capacity, the XC90 drove like a smaller vehicle, making it more maneuverable in urban settings.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade featured cutting-edge technology, including a vast array of OLED screens across the dashboard. The front camera displayed a high-resolution feed with navigation overlays, enhancing the driver's field of view. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a head-up display, and Wi-Fi hotspot capability were standard. Super Cruise, an optional hands-free highway driving system, was a standout feature, offering advanced driver assistance with infrared eye-tracking cameras. The Escalade also included night vision with pedestrian detection and a 36-speaker AKG audio system for an immersive experience.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's tech offering was centred around a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment display running Google OS. This system integrated Google Maps, Spotify, and Google Assistant, providing a seamless user experience. Natural-language recognition was a highlight, allowing for intuitive voice commands. However, some functions were buried within the touchscreen interface, which could be frustrating. Keyless entry was standard, and a head-up display was optional. While the minimalist design was appealing, more physical controls would have improved usability.

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

The 2023 Volvo XC90 was renowned for its safety, earning a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. Volvo's Pilot Assist technology provided additional support for maintaining distance and lane position, enhancing the XC90's reputation as a safe family vehicle.