2023 Cadillac Escalade vs 2022 Toyota Sequoia

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia, a continuation of its second generation, showcased a mature design that had remained largely unchanged since 2008. Its exterior maintained a classic appeal with a modestly sized grille and elegant wheel arches, avoiding the oversized trends seen in other SUVs. The Sequoia's dimensions were substantial, standing 77 inches tall, 79.9 inches wide, and 205.1 inches long, with a 122-inch wheelbase. Inside, the Sequoia's age was more apparent, with a somewhat dated dashboard and a 7-inch touchscreen that paled in comparison to the larger screens found in newer models. However, the interior was built with high-quality materials, ensuring durability and longevity, making it suitable for families.

In contrast, the 2023 Cadillac Escalade presented a more modern and luxurious appearance. Its imposing size was complemented by design elements that made it look athletic and trim. The Escalade's Sport Platinum trim featured darkened chrome accents, enhancing its sleekness. The interior was a testament to luxury, with a 38-inch curved screen array and multiple wood trim options. While the front row exuded opulence, the rear rows lacked the same level of refinement, borrowing elements from less expensive GM vehicles. Despite this, the Escalade's spaciousness and advanced technology made it a standout in the luxury SUV market.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia was powered by a 5.7-liter i-Force V8 engine, producing 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and offered a reliable and durable performance. The Sequoia's truck-based roots provided a payload capacity of around 1,300 pounds and a towing capacity of 7,400 pounds. However, its weight of up to 6,000 pounds contributed to its less-than-stellar fuel economy, with ratings of 13 mpg city and 17 mpg highway for both RWD and 4WD models. Despite its heft, the Sequoia delivered a smooth and stable ride, with excellent off-road capabilities thanks to its body-on-frame construction and independent suspension.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade offered a more powerful standard 6.2-liter V8 engine, delivering 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. This engine allowed for a towing capacity of up to 8,200 pounds in the RWD model. The Escalade's 10-speed automatic transmission provided a decent driving experience, though it felt heavy during acceleration. For those seeking more power, the Escalade-V featured a supercharged V8 with 682 horsepower and 653 pound-feet of torque. Additionally, a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 was available, offering better fuel economy at 22 mpg combined with 4WD. The Escalade's magnetic dampers and air suspension contributed to its nimble handling, though wind noise was noticeable at highway speeds.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia prioritized passenger comfort, offering spacious seating across all three rows. It featured three-zone climate control, a power moonroof, and available heated and ventilated front seats. The Sequoia's cargo space was versatile, with 18.9 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 66.6 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 120.1 cubic feet with both rear rows down. Storage compartments were abundant, catering to families on the go.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade excelled in interior space, boasting 25 cubic feet behind the third row, 73 cubic feet behind the second row, and a total of 121 cubic feet with both rows folded. The Escalade ESV offered even more room, with up to 143 cubic feet of cargo space. The interior was designed for ease of use, with intuitive controls and a smart infotainment system. Optional features like a front console refrigerator and power-retractable side steps added convenience, while the air suspension facilitated loading and unloading.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia's technology was somewhat outdated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.5-inch driver information screen. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, the overall system felt clunky compared to competitors. The Sequoia did offer a premium audio package with 14 JBL speakers, but it lacked the advanced powertrain technologies seen in newer models. However, all exterior lighting was LED, and safety features like a rear backup camera and parking sonar were included.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade was a technological powerhouse, featuring a vast array of OLED screens across the dashboard. Its front camera provided a high-resolution feed with navigation overlays, enhancing the driving experience. Super Cruise, an optional hands-free highway driving system, was a standout feature, offering advanced capabilities and safety measures. The Escalade also included night vision with pedestrian detection and a 36-speaker AKG audio system, providing an immersive experience. Additional features like massaging front seats and a rear-seat entertainment system further elevated its tech offerings.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia had not been rated by NHTSA or IIHS, but it came equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense P suite, which included pre-collision systems, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure alerts. The STAR safety system added stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes. A full complement of airbags and other safety features ensured passenger protection.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade received a four-star rating from NHTSA, with lower scores for front-passenger protection and rollover resistance. Standard safety features included forward automatic emergency braking, a Safety Alert seat, and rear parking sensors. Optional features like reverse emergency braking and Super Cruise enhanced its safety profile, though some systems, like reverse emergency braking, had occasional false activations.