Cadillac Escalade vs Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade stood as a towering presence, nearly two metres above the ground, with a length stretching between five and a half to six metres, making it a challenge to park. It was a motorized cargo container, boasting three rows of leather seats and an array of computers, reminiscent of a command centre. The Escalade ESV extended this grandeur by an additional 38 centimetres, primarily in 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, despite its size, was achieved through clever design elements like thin LED lights and darkened chrome bits in the Sport Platinum trim. The interior exuded luxury in the first row, with a 38-inch curved screen and exquisite wood trim, though the allure faded in the second and third rows, where cheaper GM parts were evident.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid offered a more subdued appearance, with minimal changes for the year, including a new Cypress Green paint colour. The Highlander Hybrid was over-styled, with exaggerated forms and a visual assault of scowling headlights and flared fenders. Inside, the cabin continued this theme with oversized elements like large air vents and a giant 12.3-inch touchscreen. However, the interior lacked quality, with primary controls feeling inexpensive and storage areas unlined, leading to potential noise. The leather upholstery struggled to stay in place, and the overall interior quality was questionable. Despite these drawbacks, the Highlander Hybrid provided a quiet ride on the road, with Toyota focusing on this aspect.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade offered a driving experience that was both enjoyable and pleasant. Its standard 6.2-litre gasoline V8 engine, producing 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, was more suited for gentle cruising, with the ability to shut off up to six cylinders for improved fuel efficiency, achieving a combined 15.0 litres per 100 kilometres. While towing capacity reached up to 3,629 kilograms, the Escalade felt heavy during passing situations. The 10-speed automatic transmission performed adequately, though the powertrain seemed to plead for a more relaxed driving style. The Escalade-V variant addressed acceleration concerns with a supercharged Corvette V8, delivering 682 horsepower and 653 pound-feet of torque, though this seemed excessive. An optional 3.0-litre Duramax turbodiesel V6 offered a smoother torque delivery and better fuel economy at 10.5 L/100 km. The 4WD system was rudimentary, requiring manual engagement for low-traction surfaces. The Escalade's magnetic ride control dampers and optional air suspension contributed to a nimble and maneuverable ride, though wind noise was noticeable at highway speeds.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with two electric motor-generators, producing 243 combined horsepower. This setup powered the 2,060-kilogram SUV, with electric assist motors aiding acceleration and an EV mode for low-speed electric-only driving. However, the gas engine's 175 pound-feet of torque limited high-speed passing power, and towing capacity was a modest 1,588 kilograms. The Highlander Hybrid offered Eco, Normal, and Sport driving modes, with an optimistic Trail mode for light off-road work. Its 20.3 centimetres of ground clearance and electric AWD were better suited for winter traction. Fuel economy was a focus, with a Predictive Efficient Drive system learning driving habits, though it returned 8.2 L/100 km, higher than the expected 6.7 L/100 km. The Highlander Hybrid's driving experience was uninspiring, with soft suspension, a groaning CVT, and disengaging steering. It excelled in city and suburban environments, providing a compliant and quiet ride.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade boasted an exceptionally spacious interior, offering 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 down. This surpassed competitors like the Lincoln Navigator L and Jeep Grand Wagoneer L. The Escalade's independent rear suspension contributed to generous headroom and legroom in all rows, accommodating six adults comfortably. The controls were user-friendly, with a smart and fast interface. An optional front console refrigerator, power-retractable side steps, and an air suspension that lowered the vehicle for easier loading were notable features. However, the second-row seats lacked power adjustment, unlike the third row.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, while accommodating seven or eight passengers depending on the trim, was better suited as a two-row model due to the limited third-row space. Standard features included three-zone automatic climate control and heated front seats, with the Platinum package adding a heated steering wheel and ventilated front seats. The second-row captain's chairs provided comfort, with sunshades for added convenience. However, accessing the third row was challenging, and the seats were uncomfortable for adults. The Highlander Hybrid offered 453 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,370 litres with the seats folded. The centre armrest storage console design was unnecessarily complex, and the optional all-weather cargo mat compromised utility.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade featured cutting-edge technology, including a vast array of OLED screens across the dash, providing sharp and clear visuals. A front camera displayed a high-resolution feed with navigation overlays, enhancing the driver's field of view. Standard features included wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a head-up display, and Wi-Fi hotspot capability. Super Cruise, a hands-free highway driving system, was a standout feature, offering superior performance compared to competitors. Night Vision and a 36-speaker AKG audio system added to the Escalade's tech offerings, while the rear-seat entertainment system provided streaming capabilities.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid introduced new technology, with upper trims receiving a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a new Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system. The Limited trim featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen, offering over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Connected service plans, including Remote Connect and Drive Connect, enhanced the infotainment experience. The test vehicle included a head-up display and an 11-speaker JBL sound system, though the graphics could benefit from sharper contrast. Overall, the technology was user-friendly, with the Drive Connect subscription providing additional features.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade received a four-star rating 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 was optional but had issues with false activations. Night Vision and Super Cruise were available as options.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid excelled in safety, equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, offering adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard, with higher trims gaining parking sensors and a surround-view camera. The ADAS performed well, with occasional challenges in specific scenarios. Safety Connect provided emergency assistance and vehicle location services. The Highlander Hybrid received excellent crash-test ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.