2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2023 Cadillac Escalade

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade stood as a towering presence, nearly two metres above the ground, and required a substantial length of up to six metres to park. It was a motorized cargo container, equipped 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, primarily stretching the wheelbase. This SUV was designed for show, appealing to pop musicians, large families, and those who wanted to make a statement. 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 fine wood inlays, though some components borrowed from cheaper GM vehicles detracted from the overall luxury experience.

In contrast, the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 featured subtle styling changes, including gloss black trim on the front bumper and a squared-off rear bumper design. It was easily distinguishable as an EV, though it lacked the traditional SUV profile and ground clearance. Built on VW's MEB platform, the ID.4 shared its modularity with other EVs, promising versatility. The interior boasted a minimalist design with a quality feel, even in the base model. Leatherette upholstery with recycled fibres was standard, and the ID.4 offered more interior space than other affordable EVs, with ample legroom and headroom. The cargo space was substantial, and the ID.4 even provided some towing capability, making it a practical choice for those seeking an affordable electric SUV.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade offered a pleasant driving experience, though its standard 6.2-litre V8 engine, with 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, didn't deliver the acceleration its sound suggested. It excelled in gentle cruising, with cylinder deactivation improving fuel efficiency to 15.0 litres per 100 kilometres. The Escalade-V variant addressed acceleration concerns with a supercharged Corvette V8, producing 682 hp and 653 lb-ft of torque. The optional 3.0-litre Duramax turbodiesel V6 provided smooth 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 manoeuvrability. Despite its serene ride, wind noise was noticeable at highway speeds.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered two battery options: a new 62-kWh pack for the base model and an 82-kWh pack for the Pro. The single-motor RWD models delivered 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, while the dual-motor AWD version increased output to 295 hp and 339 lb-ft, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The smaller battery reduced curb weight, improving acceleration and handling. The ID.4's AWD version rivalled hot hatchbacks in acceleration but lacked their handling prowess. Regenerative braking was present, but VW opted for a more traditional driving experience, allowing coasting in default settings. The ID.4's driving dynamics were comfortable and refined, though not particularly engaging on twisty roads.

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 a massive 3,426 litres with both rows folded. The Escalade ESV offered even more space, maxing out at 4,044 litres. The independent rear suspension contributed to generous headroom and legroom in all rows, accommodating six adults comfortably. The controls were user-friendly, with a smart and fast infotainment system. Optional features included a front console refrigerator and power-retractable side steps for easy access. The air suspension facilitated loading and unloading, and the tailgate's separate glass window was a practical touch.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 provided more interior space than other affordable EVs, with ample legroom and headroom. It offered 858 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,818 litres with them folded. While it fell short of gasoline crossovers like the Honda CR-V in terms of space, it was the most practical SUV among affordable EVs. The ID.4 also offered some towing capability, with a capacity of 1,000 kilograms for RWD models and 1,225 kg for AWD models. Interior updates for 2023 included a conventional lid for the centre console and improved phone storage. Three-zone climate control with rear-seat controls and heated outboard rear seats enhanced comfort.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade featured a vast array of OLED screens across the dash, providing sharp and clear visuals. A front camera displayed a high-resolution feed of the road, overlaying directional arrows and street names. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a head-up display, and Wi-Fi hotspot capability were standard. Super Cruise, a hands-free highway driving system, was a standout feature, using infrared eye-tracking cameras for driver monitoring. The Escalade also offered night vision with pedestrian detection and a 36-speaker AKG audio system. The front seats provided massage functions, and the rear-seat entertainment system could stream apps like Hulu.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 came standard with a 12.0-inch touchscreen, offering improved responsiveness and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The infotainment system featured sharp graphics and natural-language voice recognition. However, the haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel were less intuitive than conventional buttons. The ID.4's user interface included ID.Light, an ambient lighting system that provided visual cues for navigation. While the system was clever, it could be easily overlooked during normal driving.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade received a four-star overall safety rating 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, rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and more. Optional features included reverse emergency braking, night vision, and Super Cruise.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with top scores in frontal and side crash tests. The 2022 model received the IIHS's highest "Top Safety Pick+" rating. Standard driver-assist features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, and VW's Travel Assist 2.0. New for 2023 were Park Assist Plus, automated lane-change, and a 360-degree camera system.