2023 Cadillac Escalade vs 2024 Lexus TX

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, boasting three rows of leather seats and an array of computers. The Escalade ESV extended this length by 38 centimetres, 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 on the Sport Platinum trim, masking its mass. The interior featured a rich first row with a 38-inch curved screen array and luxurious wood trim, though the allure faded with cheaper GM parts in the second and third rows.

The 2024 Lexus TX, based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, convincingly served as a luxury SUV with its upscale appearance. The TX's styling was toned down compared to other Lexus models, resulting in a more conservative look. The TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid model series offered a range of prices, with the TX 350 likely being the volume seller. The TX 350 featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and standard all-wheel drive, with options for Ultra Luxury or Executive packages. The interior, while luxurious, felt dark with the Peppercorn interior and black-grained trim. Despite this, the TX 350's interior was luxurious enough to wear a Lexus badge.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade offered a pleasant driving experience, though the standard 6.2-litre gasoline V8 engine's 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque did not translate to rapid acceleration. It excelled in gentle cruising, with a combined fuel economy of 15.0 litres per 100 kilometres. The Escalade-V addressed acceleration with a supercharged Corvette V8, delivering 682 hp and 653 lb-ft of torque. The optional 3.0-litre Duramax turbodiesel V6 provided smooth torque and better fuel economy at 10.5 L/100 km. The Escalade's 4WD system was rudimentary, but its magnetic ride control dampers and optional air suspension enhanced maneuverability. However, wind noise was noticeable at highway speeds.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated to 100 km/h in roughly eight seconds, with a combined fuel economy rating of 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres. During testing, the TX 350 averaged 13.8 L/100 km. The suspension provided a firm yet comfortable ride, with commendable body motion control and accurate steering. The interior remained quiet on the highway, though the brake pedal felt too soft in the pre-production test vehicle.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade boasted the most space-efficient interior among large SUVs, with 722 litres 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 allowed for generous headroom and legroom in every row. The controls were user-friendly, with a smart and fast infotainment system. Optional features included a front console refrigerator and power-retractable side steps. However, the second-row seats were not powered like the third row.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs. The TX 350 test unit featured premium semi-aniline leather and artificial suede upholstery, with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel as standard. The second-row seat, while not as welcoming, offered triple-zone climate control and USB charging ports. The third-row seat was habitable for adults, with a stadium-style bottom cushion and large side windows. Cargo space measured 572 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,625 litres with the third-row seats folded and 2,746 litres with the second-row seats down. However, the second-row legroom was limited when accommodating third-row passengers.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade featured a span of OLED screens across the dash, providing sharp and clear displays. The front camera displayed a high-res feed with directional arrows and street names. 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 a standout feature, using infrared eye-tracking cameras for driver monitoring. The Escalade also offered night vision with pedestrian detection and a 36-speaker AKG audio system.

The 2024 Lexus TX included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a digital rearview mirror. The Executive packages added a head-up display, surround-view camera, and semi-autonomous parking assist. The Lexus Interface infotainment system featured a 14-inch touchscreen display, with Drive Connect offering a cloud-based navigation system and digital assistant. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, along with free subscriptions to Service Connect and Safety Connect. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system provided impressive fidelity.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade earned 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, rear cross-traffic alert, a surround-view camera, lane-departure warning, and lane keep assist. Reverse emergency braking and Super Cruise were optional.

The 2024 Lexus TX was equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, intersection assist, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centring assist, road sign assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Proactive Drive Assist and additional features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and safe exit assist were included. The Executive packages offered front and rear parking sensors, front cross-traffic alert, lane change assist, and traffic jam assist.