2022 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2023 Cadillac Escalade

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT trim did not impress with its new treatment. The lack of a suspension lift and aggressive tread pattern tires made it less convincing for off-road enthusiasts. The side steps, while useful for roof rack access, hindered entry and exit and reduced the breakover angle. The XRT trim, priced between the SE/SEL and Limited/Calligraphy trims, offered little visual contrast with its Portofino Gray paint and black cloth interior. Despite this, the interior design was thoughtful and of high quality for its price point, though not as upscale as higher trims.

In contrast, the 2023 Cadillac Escalade stood out with its imposing size and luxurious design. The standard Escalade was nearly six-and-a-half feet tall and required significant parking space. It featured three rows of leather seats and advanced technology, making it a showpiece for those who wanted to make a statement. The Sport Platinum trim added a sleek look with darkened chrome elements, while the Escalade's design cleverly masked its mass with thin LED lights and horizontal lines. The interior boasted a rich first-row experience with a 38-inch curved screen and premium materials, though some components were shared with less expensive GM models, detracting from its luxury status.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT was equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. While not built for speed, it was adequate for highway cruising and daily driving. The eight-speed automatic transmission performed smoothly, and various driving modes, including Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow, allowed for tailored driving experiences. The XRT's ride was composed and quiet, with excellent suspension isolation and minimal road noise. However, the engine struggled on hills and during rapid acceleration, and the XRT's cosmetic enhancements did not improve off-road capabilities.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade offered a standard 6.2-liter V8 engine with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, suitable for towing up to 8,200 pounds. While the V8 provided a satisfying rumble, it felt heavy during acceleration. The 10-speed automatic transmission was responsive, but the powertrain was not as eager as competitors. The Escalade-V variant addressed this with a supercharged V8 delivering 682 horsepower and 653 lb-ft of torque, along with upgraded brakes. An optional 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 offered better fuel economy and smooth torque delivery. The Escalade's 4WD system was basic, but magnetic dampers and optional air suspension improved handling and ride quality.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT featured a dual-zone climate control system and stain-resistant fabric seats. The driver's seat was power-adjustable, but the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. Rear-seat accommodations were spacious, with ample legroom and rear air vents. The Smart Tailgate feature allowed hands-free access to the 36.4 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 72.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. However, the tailgate could open unintentionally, and the rear seats required manual folding.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade excelled in interior space, offering 25 cubic feet behind the third row, 73 cubic feet behind the second row, and 121 cubic feet with both rows down. The Escalade ESV variant provided even more room. The interior was user-friendly, with simple controls and a smart infotainment system. Optional features included a front console refrigerator and power-retractable side steps. The air suspension eased loading, and the tailgate's separate glass window was convenient for pet owners. However, the second-row seats were not powered like the third row.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT came with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and Bluelink connected services. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with large knobs and clear graphics. Hyundai's digital key technology allowed Android users to unlock and start the vehicle, but it was incompatible with iPhones. The Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system was a thoughtful addition for distracted drivers.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade featured a cutting-edge OLED screen setup across the dashboard, providing sharp visuals and augmented reality navigation. Super Cruise, a $2,500 option, offered hands-free highway driving with eye-tracking cameras for safety. 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 supported streaming apps. The LED headlights were notably bright, enhancing nighttime visibility.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT was equipped with Hyundai SmartSense, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Junction Turning Detection system and Safe Exit Assist added extra layers of safety. The Santa Fe earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover resistance score.

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, and rear parking sensors. Optional features included reverse emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and Super Cruise. However, reverse emergency braking was prone to false activations during testing.