2023 Cadillac Escalade vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

The 2022 Toyota Sienna stood out in the minivan market, a segment that had seen a decline with the rise of SUVs. Despite this trend, Toyota remained committed to the minivan, evolving its design over the years. The fourth-generation Sienna, launched in 2021, embraced a more SUV-like style while retaining its minivan identity, evident from its sliding side doors. The Sienna featured a bold front end and cleverly engineered door hinges that concealed the slider channel, giving it a sleek profile. The interior was designed with family needs in mind, offering ample storage and comfortable seating across all rows, including available second-row captain’s chairs with ottomans and a spacious third-row bench.

In contrast, the 2023 Cadillac Escalade was a symbol of luxury and size, towering nearly two metres above the ground. It was designed for those who wanted to make a statement, with its massive body and athletic appearance. The Escalade featured thin LED lights that visually narrowed its girth, and the Sport Platinum trim added a touch of sophistication with darkened chrome accents. Inside, the Escalade boasted a rich interior with a 38-inch curved screen dashboard and luxurious materials. However, the rear seats and some controls borrowed from cheaper GM vehicles detracted from its premium feel. Despite these shortcomings, the Escalade's spaciousness and bold design made it a popular choice among luxury SUV buyers.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was powered by a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 243 horsepower. This setup offered a smooth and efficient driving experience, aided by an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Sienna's handling was surprisingly agile for a minivan, thanks to its Toyota Next Generation Architecture (TNGA) platform. Fuel efficiency was a highlight, with FWD models achieving 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres in city driving and AWD models slightly higher at 6.8 L/100 km city. The Sienna's hybrid system was complemented by a 288-volt nickel metal-hydride battery pack, backed by a 10-year/240,000-kilometre warranty.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade offered a different driving experience, with its standard 6.2-litre gasoline V8 engine delivering 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. While this power was sufficient for towing up to 3,629 kilograms, the Escalade felt heavy during acceleration. The 10-speed automatic transmission was responsive, but the powertrain seemed more suited for cruising than spirited driving. The Escalade-V variant addressed this with a supercharged Corvette V8, producing 682 hp and 653 lb-ft of torque, though it felt excessive. An optional 3.0-litre Duramax turbodiesel V6 provided a smoother and more efficient alternative, with a combined fuel economy of 10.5 L/100 km. The Escalade's 4WD system was basic, but its magnetic ride control dampers and optional air suspension improved handling and comfort.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was designed as a versatile family vehicle, capable of carrying a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. Its sliding second row added flexibility for cargo loading, with measurements of 949 litres behind the third row, 2,129 litres behind the second row, and 2,860 litres behind the first row. The Sienna also offered a 1,585-kilogram towing capacity. Power-operated sliding doors and liftgate, with available foot-motion triggers, enhanced convenience for busy families.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade excelled in interior space, offering 722 litres behind the third row, 2,064 litres behind the second row, and 3,426 litres with both rows down. The Escalade ESV variant provided even more room, maxing out at 4,044 litres. The independent rear suspension contributed to generous headroom and legroom in all rows, accommodating six adults comfortably. The Escalade's controls were intuitive, with a smart infotainment system and optional features like a front console refrigerator and power-retractable side steps. However, the second-row seats lacked power adjustment, which was a minor drawback.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came equipped with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. While wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was absent, the Sienna offered a range of telematics services and audio upgrades, including a 12-speaker JBL system on higher trims. A rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display was available, enhancing the family-friendly appeal.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade was a tech powerhouse, with a vast array of OLED screens across the dash providing sharp visuals. The front camera offered a high-resolution feed with navigation overlays, enhancing driver awareness. Standard features included wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a head-up display, and Wi-Fi hotspot capability. The optional Super Cruise system was a standout, offering hands-free highway driving with advanced safety features. The Escalade also featured a 36-speaker AKG audio system, massaging front seats, and a rear-seat entertainment system with streaming capabilities.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna received top safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering adaptive cruise control, lane centring, forward collision warning, and more. The Sienna also featured 10 airbags, LATCH connectors, and a rear-seat reminder system, ensuring comprehensive safety for families.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade earned 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, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a surround-view camera. Optional features like reverse emergency braking and Night Vision added to its safety suite, though some systems had room for improvement.