2023 Kia Telluride vs 2023 Cadillac Escalade

During our time in Texas, we experienced the 2023 Kia Telluride X-Line and X-Pro models, which featured fresh front and rear styling, updated headlights and taillights, and new wheel designs. The Telluride offered new paint colours like Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red, and Jungle Green, while the interior introduced Terracotta, Navy, and Sage Green options. The X-Line model replaced the Nightfall Edition, boasting a raised suspension, unique grille design, raised roof rails, body-colour door handles, and black 20-inch wheels. The X-Pro model took it further with exclusive 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, enhancing its off-road appeal.

Inside, the Telluride's updates were subtle, with a notable addition of a digital instrumentation panel and a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. These were housed under a curved 24-inch piece of glass, giving the SUV a modern touch. Other interior changes included new colours, minor trim updates, a redesigned steering wheel, and a more functional centre console. The X-Line and X-Pro trims featured their names embossed on the front seatbacks. In Canada, the Telluride was available in EX, SX, SX Limited, X-Line, and X-Pro trims, with prices starting at $50,195 for the EX and reaching $62,795 for the X-Pro, excluding a $1,950 destination charge.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade stood out with its towering presence, nearly two metres high and requiring up to six metres of length for parking. It was a motorized cargo container with three rows of leather seats and advanced technology. The standard Escalade was already impressive, but the Escalade ESV extended the wheelbase by 38 centimetres, offering even more space. The Escalade's design was meant for show, appealing to pop musicians, overzealous parents, wannabe federal agents, or boaters with big families. Its athletic and trim appearance was achieved through thin LED taillights, headlights, and running lights that visually narrowed the vehicle's girth. The Sport Platinum trim darkened the chrome bits, masking the Escalade's mass, while horizontal leading lines and contours added a touch of aerodynamics.

The Escalade's interior was rich, with a curved, leather-edged array of screens spanning 38 inches across the dashboard. It featured seven choices of wood trim with exquisite inlays, reminiscent of a Rolls-Royce. While the base Luxury trim had leatherette upholstery, other trims offered single- and two-tone leather combinations with intricate details. However, some parts, like the heated seat controls and shifter, were shared with cheaper GM vehicles, detracting from the luxury experience. The Escalade's finest features were restricted to the driver's space, leaving the rear rows lacking in luxury treatment. Cadillac acknowledged this shortcoming, with the 2023 Lyriq offering a fresher cabin crafted exclusively for the brand.

The 2023 Kia Telluride retained its 3.8-litre V6 engine, producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Drivers could choose from Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow driving modes, with the AWD system offering a low-speed Lock setting for power distribution. The V6 provided ample motivation, with the X-Line averaging 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres during a drive that included heavy traffic and twisty roads. The X-Pro was less efficient, returning 11.5 L/100 km, but it included off-roading with the drivetrain in Lock mode. Official ratings suggested 11.4 L/100 km in combined driving.

Kia raised the suspension by 10 mm, improving ground clearance to 21.3 mm, approach and departure angles, and traction control for off-road performance. The Telluride also featured a new Downhill Brake Control system, which worked effectively after a brief moment of unexpected speed. The X-Pro model was ideal for off-roading, with 18-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, and an improved cooling system that increased towing capacity to 2,495 kilograms. A self-levelling rear air suspension was available. The Telluride excelled on highways, offering a smooth ride with minimal wind noise, though the off-road tires made it feel slightly squishier in turns.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade offered a standard 6.2-litre gasoline V8 engine with 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, suitable for towing up to 3,629 kilograms. However, it felt heavy in passing situations, and the 10-speed automatic transmission, while responsive, didn't enhance the powertrain's performance in Sport mode. The Escalade-V addressed acceleration with a supercharged Corvette V8, delivering 682 hp and 653 lb-ft of torque. The V-Series featured appropriately sized front brakes, but the output seemed excessive. Cadillac also offered a 3.0-litre Duramax turbodiesel V6, providing smooth torque delivery and better fuel economy at 10.5 L/100 km.

The Escalade's 4WD system was rudimentary, with a centre differential locking torque 50:50 front to rear. It required manual engagement of 4H for low-traction surfaces, while an "auto" mode engaged 4H when rear wheels slipped. The Escalade's magnetic ride control dampers reduced body roll, and its steering was superbly tuned, making it nimbler than many big SUVs. The ride was serene, though wind noise was noticeable at highway speeds, giving it a pickup truck-like feel.

The 2023 Kia Telluride accommodated seven or eight passengers, depending on the second-row seating configuration. Test vehicles featured premium Nappa leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated front- and second-row captain's chairs. The second row offered comfort with manual side-window sunshades, adjustable armrests, USB ports, and storage pockets. A button on the second-row captain's chairs facilitated access to the third-row seating area, which was more comfortable than many midsize SUVs. The Telluride provided ample storage space, with a "smart" power tailgate and generous cargo capacity. It offered 601 litres behind the third row, 1,304 litres with the third row folded, and 2,455 litres with both rear rows down.

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 contributed to generous headroom and legroom in every row, accommodating six adults comfortably. The controls were user-friendly, with a smart and fast infotainment system. An optional front console refrigerator, power-retractable side steps, and an air suspension for easier loading and unloading added to its practicality. The tailgate featured a separate glass window, ideal for pets.

The 2023 Kia Telluride featured a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation, and Kia Connect services. The voice recognition system performed well, though climate control adjustments required manual input. Over-the-air updates kept the system current, and Bluetooth supported pairing two devices simultaneously. The Telluride included Driver Talk and Quiet Mode, a wireless phone charger, a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, and digital-key technology. A Full Display rear-view mirror and an optional head-up display with a larger viewing area were available. The Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system was a standout feature.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade introduced OLED screens across the dash, offering sharp and clear visuals. A front camera displayed a high-res feed of the road, with directional arrows and street names overlaid. 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, a 36-speaker AKG audio system, massaging front seats, and a rear-seat entertainment system with streaming capabilities.

The 2023 Kia Telluride offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and automatic emergency braking. It also included blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centring assist. The adaptive cruise control system could reduce speed based on navigation data, and Highway Drive Assist provided semi-autonomous driving assistance. The Telluride earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

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 lane-departure warning. Reverse emergency braking was optional, and Night Vision and Super Cruise were available.