2023 Cadillac Escalade vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade was a towering presence on the road, nearly two metres high and requiring a substantial length for parking. It was a motorized cargo container with three rows of leather seats and an array of advanced technology. The standard Escalade was already impressive, but the Escalade ESV extended its length by 38 centimetres, offering even more space. The Escalade's design was meant to make a statement, appealing to a diverse range of drivers from pop musicians to large families. Despite its size, the Escalade managed to look athletic and trim, thanks to design elements like thin LED lights and darkened chrome bits on the Sport Platinum trim. The interior was luxurious, with a 38-inch curved screen and high-quality materials, although some components borrowed from cheaper GM vehicles detracted from the overall luxury experience.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus GX had a distinctive visual presence with its large spindle grille and significant ground clearance. The GX Black Line Special Edition returned for 2023, offering exclusive paint colours and a limited production run. While the GX's dimensions seemed to shrink from the side, it was engineered for off-road capability, with a short wheelbase and minimal overhangs. The interior, however, was a mix of luxury and practicality, with some plastic materials betraying its luxury badge. Despite this, the GX offered features like heated and cooled front seats and impressive leather upholstery, maintaining a level of comfort and style.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade offered a pleasant driving experience, though its standard 6.2-litre V8 engine, with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, was more suited for gentle cruising than spirited driving. It achieved a combined fuel economy of 15.0 L/100 km with its 4WD system. The Escalade-V variant addressed acceleration concerns with a supercharged Corvette V8, delivering 682 hp and 653 lb-ft of torque. An optional 3.0-litre Duramax turbodiesel V6 provided a smoother torque delivery and better fuel economy at 10.5 L/100 km. The Escalade's 4WD system was rudimentary, but its magnetic ride control dampers and optional air suspension enhanced its maneuverability and ride comfort.

The 2023 Lexus GX featured a naturally aspirated 4.6-litre V8 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque through a 6-speed automatic transmission. While not the most powerful on paper, the GX's V8 offered a satisfying linear power delivery. Its towing capacity was 2,948 kg, but its fuel economy was less impressive at 14.5 L/100 km combined. The GX's weight contributed to body roll, but it remained predictable and controllable. The 4WD system, with a Torsen limited-slip differential, provided a 40:60 front:rear torque split, adjusting based on wheel slip for improved off-road capability.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade boasted an exceptionally spacious interior, with 722 litres of cargo space behind the third row, 2,064 litres behind the second row, and 3,426 litres with both rows down. The Escalade ESV offered even more room, maxing out at 4,044 litres. The interior was designed for comfort, with generous headroom and legroom in all rows. The controls were intuitive, and features like an optional front console refrigerator and power-retractable side steps added convenience. However, the second-row seats were not powered like the third row.

The 2023 Lexus GX provided ample cubby space for small items, with a deep centre console bin and convenient cupholders. The decision to use hard buttons instead of touch interfaces was appreciated, though the abundance of buttons required some getting used to. The second row was comfortable, with captain's chairs and good legroom, but the third row was tight and best suited for emergencies. The GX's cargo space was limited, with 328 litres behind the third row, 1,322 litres with the third row folded, and 1,832 litres with both rows down.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade featured cutting-edge technology, including a vast array of OLED screens across the dash, providing sharp and clear displays. The front camera offered 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, an advanced hands-free highway driving system, was a standout feature, offering impressive functionality and safety measures. The Escalade also included night vision with pedestrian detection and a 36-speaker AKG audio system.

The 2023 Lexus GX's infotainment system, updated in 2022, already felt dated compared to other Lexus models. The 10.3-inch touchscreen was an improvement, offering features like SiriusXM, Bluetooth, and smartphone compatibility. However, the graphics and responsiveness lagged behind competitors. The GX excelled in off-road technology, with a real 4WD system, downhill assist, and the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) for improved driving dynamics. Additional features included a multi-terrain monitor and crawl control.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade received a four-star rating from the NHTSA, with lower scores for front-passenger protection and rollover resistance. Standard safety features included forward automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and more. Optional features like reverse emergency braking and Super Cruise enhanced safety, though the former had some issues in testing.

The 2023 Lexus GX had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it included the Lexus Safety System+ with features like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. Despite its older design, the GX's safety features were up-to-date, providing a solid level of protection.