2023 Genesis GV70 vs 2022 Cadillac Escalade

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade made a bold statement with its imposing size and distinctive design elements. Its massive grille, LED daytime running lights, and taillights were scaled to match its substantial dimensions, evoking the grandeur of classic Cadillacs. The front end, with its tall hood and vertical running lights, resembled a diesel locomotive, setting it apart from other GM full-size SUVs. The Escalade offered different trim pieces for "sport" and "luxury" models, with the Luxury and Premium Luxury trims featuring bright exterior trim, while the Sport trim had darkened accents. Despite sharing its body-on-frame architecture with other GM SUVs and trucks, the Escalade maintained its luxury appeal, although its interior lacked a cohesive design theme, with a mix of leather upholstery, wood trim, and a panoramic sunroof.

In contrast, the 2023 Genesis GV70 exuded a sense of luxury and sophistication, drawing styling cues from the G70 compact luxury sedan. Its split-bar headlights and chrome line above the belt-line connected it visually to its sedan counterpart, creating a coupe-like SUV appearance without sacrificing versatility. The GV70's interior was a testament to Genesis's commitment to luxury, featuring top-notch materials and a contemporary yet classic design. The climate controls were seamlessly integrated into a curving bezel, and the touchscreen rose organically from the dash. The GV70's dash included a full touchscreen backed by a rotary dial and button controls, offering a user-friendly experience. The GV70's interior was a harmonious blend of style and functionality, with thoughtful design elements that enhanced the overall driving experience.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade offered two powertrain options, both shared with other GM SUVs and trucks. The standard 6.2-litre gasoline V8 delivered 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, while the optional Duramax 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six diesel engine produced 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel-drive in Canada. The diesel engine, despite its lower horsepower, provided smooth power delivery and a lower torque peak, making it an asset for city driving. However, the Escalade's ride was unsettled, with its body-on-frame construction and 22-inch wheels contributing to a less comfortable experience compared to unibody SUVs. The Escalade's towing capacity was slightly lower than the Lincoln Navigator, and it lacked off-road capabilities found in some of its GM cousins.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 offered a choice between a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The GV70's turbo-four provided ample power for most driving situations, while the V6 catered to performance enthusiasts with its extra grunt and throaty engine note. The GV70 excelled in blending comfort and sharp handling, offering a refined driving experience. The Electrified GV70 featured a 77.4-kWh battery pack powering two electric motors, delivering 429 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. It offered a smooth acceleration experience, with a Boost Mode for an extra power surge. The electric GV70 had a range of 383 kilometres and supported fast charging, making it a practical choice for electric vehicle enthusiasts.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade shared its body shell and chassis with other GM full-size SUVs, resulting in a spacious cabin. It offered the most first-row and third-row legroom among full-size luxury SUVs, with second-row captain’s chairs and a power split-folding third-row bench seat as standard. The Escalade excelled in cargo space, providing 722 litres with all seats in place, 2,064 litres with the third-row seats folded, and 3,426 litres with all rear seats folded. However, the raised centre console limited storage space, and the front seats, while adjustable, lacked the luxury feel expected in a high-end SUV.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 offered 1,611 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded, which was average for the compact luxury SUV segment. With the rear seats in use, it provided 818 litres, above average for its class. The GV70 featured a hands-free power liftgate, enhancing convenience. The front seats were comfortable and easy to adjust, but the rear seats had tighter legroom, requiring front-row occupants to slide their seats forward. The rear bench reclined for added comfort, but finding an ideal seating position required some adjustment.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade featured a 38-inch curved OLED display, comprising three screens: a 14.2-inch digital instrument cluster, a 16.9-inch touchscreen, and a 7.2-inch screen for trip-computer functions. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot. The display was well-integrated into the dashboard, with icons arranged to fit its shape. However, the carousel format for changing radio stations was awkward, and the rotary controller felt like an afterthought. The Escalade's OLED screens provided excellent resolution for the 360-degree camera system, and the rearview camera mirror eliminated blind spots. Additional tech features included a head-up display, night vision, and an augmented-reality navigation system.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 came with a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The touchscreen was user-friendly, with large icons and logical menu navigation. Genesis included helpful buttons in the centre console and a rotary dial for scrolling and selecting, though its proximity to the rotary shifter could cause confusion. The GV70 offered four USB ports, wireless device charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a nine-speaker stereo system. Available features included ambient lighting, a digital instrument panel, a Lexicon 18-speaker audio system, and the Genesis digital key.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade came with standard driver-assistance technology, including cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on higher trims, with Super Cruise available as an option. Super Cruise offered hands-free driving on pre-mapped highways, using a driver-facing camera for safety. However, the Escalade lacked safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and blind-spot monitoring. The 2.5T Advance Plus added a blind-spot camera system and a 360-degree parking camera system, while reverse automatic emergency braking was part of the Prestige grade. The Electrified GV70 included much of this equipment as standard. The GV70 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, highlighting its safety credentials.