2023 Cadillac Escalade vs 2022 Lexus GX

The 2022 Lexus GX delivered a distinctly bold presence, especially in its new Black Line Special Edition trim. Decked in Black Onyx paint, the GX exuded an aura of dark sophistication, as the Black Line treatment extinguished nearly all chrome, making the SUV resemble a rolling black hole. However, it required significant upkeep to keep clean, and merely 24 hours in windy conditions were enough to dust it with brown dirt, detracting from its otherwise sharp appearance.

Despite these efforts, the overall design of the GX felt archaic. The signature Lexus spindle grille and updated LED headlights were the distinguishing modern features, yet the SUV's overall shape echoed the first-generation GX 470 from two decades prior. Inside, though, Lexus didn't skimp on quality. The cabin was constructed with a silky smoothness characteristic of the brand. Comfort was high, with plush materials and a nearly silent ride interrupted only by the gentle purr of the V8 engine.

Contrasting this was the 2023 Cadillac Escalade, which stood as a towering behemoth nearly six-and-a-half feet tall. Spanning up to 19 feet in length, it required considerable real estate to park. The Escalade's massive structure and presence clearly catered to those needing ample space or wishing to make a bold statement. Cadillac managed to soften the vehicle’s imposing silhouette with sleek LED taillights and headlights that visually reduced the SUV's bulk. On the Sport Platinum trim, the blackened chrome accents further camouflaged its true size.

Cadillac's approach to design was meticulous, with horizontal lines on the Escalade’s profile suggesting movement even when stationary. The interior was a paragon of luxury, particularly in the first row, where a 38-inch curved array of screens and finely wrought wood trims echoed opulence reminiscent of a Rolls-Royce. However, the luxury slightly diminished as one moved to the second and third rows, where standard GM components dispelled some of the magic.

The 2022 Lexus GX housed a hardy yet thirsty 4.6-liter V8 engine under its hood, producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm. Coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission and a full-time 4WD system, the GX wasn't a speed demon. It took a leisurely 7.8 seconds to reach 60 mph. Still, it managed to tow up to 6,500 pounds efficiently. The tall, narrow design contributed to a high drag coefficient of 0.35, influencing its less-than-stellar fuel economy, which combined driving returned around 16.8 mpg.

Crucially, the GX was endowed with a Kinetic Dynamics Suspension System (KDSS), ideal for both off-road articulation and suppressing excess body motion on pavement. This balance made the GX more stable and predictable, though the slow, heavy steering and touchy brake pedal were notable drawbacks in urban environments.

In contrast, the 2023 Cadillac Escalade’s performance was centered around its potent 6.2-liter V8 engine, with 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. While great for towing up to 8,200 pounds, it displayed a heavy and sluggish demeanor, particularly when passing. Although capable of 16 mpg in combined driving with the 4WD model, the Escalade only truly came alive in its V-Series variant. This powerhouse featured a supercharged Corvette V8 delivering a staggering 682 hp and 653 lb-ft of torque.

Further, Cadillac offered a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 with 277 hp and 460 pound-feet of torque, which balanced power with efficiency, achieving 22 mpg combined. The Escalade’s 10-speed automatic transmission, magnetic dampers, and optional air suspension provided a blend of smooth cruising and robust handling, though occasional wind noise and a pickup-like ride on rough surfaces were evident.

Climbing into the 2022 Lexus GX offered an expansive view courtesy of its elevated driving position and 10-way power-adjustable seat. However, its narrow width and short length facilitated easier handling in tight spots, offset by its slow steering. The cabin featured NuLuxe upholstery and black ash trim, combining comfort and timeless elegance. Rear seat entry was awkward due to narrow door openings, and though the second-row seats provided adequate space, the third-row was tight and challenging to access, making it suitable only for children at best.

Cargo space in the GX was limited, especially with the third-row seats in use, offering only 11.6 cubic feet. Folding them down increased capacity to 46.7 cubic feet, but maximum cargo space was a modest 64.7 cubic feet, hindered by the side-hinged tailgate which complicated loading in tight spaces.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade, however, was a spatial triumph. With 25 cubic feet behind the third row, 73 cubic feet with the second row folded, and up to 121 cubic feet with both rows down, it far outmatched the GX in cargo capacity. The ESV variant further expanded these figures, showcasing Cadillac’s prowess in intelligent design. Passenger space, including generous third-row legroom thanks to the independent rear suspension, was substantial and comfortably accommodated six adults.

The Escalade’s controls were straightforward and intuitively arranged, complementing the array of innovative features like optional power-retractable side steps and an air suspension that facilitated easier entry and cargo loading.

Technological advancements in the 2022 Lexus GX focused mainly on its new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and a navigation system. However, outdated physical controls persisted, and some ergonomic mistakes, like the confusion between DAC and stereo knobs, were notable. Still, the voice recognition system was highly effective, and the dual-view infotainment display added practicality.

In stark contrast, the 2023 Cadillac Escalade was a tech hub. Its sweeping OLED screens offered crystal-clear visuals, with front cameras displaying real-time navigation aids directly in the driver’s line of sight. Super Cruise stood out as the best hands-free highway driving system, surpassing Tesla with its infrared eye-tracking and hassle-free lane changes. Night vision, an upgraded 36-speaker AKG audio system, comprehensive massage settings, and rear-seat entertainment solidified the Escalade's high-tech credentials.

The 2022 Lexus GX, structurally one of the oldest in its class, lacked modern crash-test ratings, raising concerns particularly about third-row safety. Yet, it came with Lexus Safety System+ which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. However, some advanced features increasingly standard in competitors were missing.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade earned mixed safety ratings, with an overall four-star NHTSA rating, falling short in frontal crash and rollover resistance. Standard safety gear included forward emergency braking, a Safety Alert seat, and parking sensors, with options for reverse emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warnings, and adaptive cruise control. Super Cruise offered an innovative approach to highway safety.