2023 Cadillac Escalade vs 2023 Acura RDX

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade was a commanding presence on the road, towering nearly six-and-a-half feet above the ground and stretching up to 19 feet in length. It was a motorized cargo container with three rows of leather seats and an array of advanced technology. The Escalade ESV variant extended the wheelbase by 15 inches, further enhancing its imposing stature. 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 in the first row, featuring a 38-inch curved screen and high-quality wood trim, but the allure faded in the back rows, where cheaper GM parts were evident.

In contrast, the 2023 Acura RDX had a sharp, angular style that was unique yet conventional enough to blend in. The signature Acura grille, flanked by sleek wraparound headlights, gave the front a sporty look, while the side featured a distinctive character line suggesting forward movement. The interior of the RDX took a vertical layout approach, with a center stack of controls flowing into the console. The cockpit emphasized performance with gear-selector buttons and a drive-mode dial. While the RDX's cabin wasn't as modern as some rivals, it offered a familiar feel for those averse to oversized touchscreens, though it might disappoint those seeking the latest design trends.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade offered a standard 6.2-liter gasoline V8 engine with 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, suitable for towing up to 8,200 pounds on the RWD model. However, its acceleration felt heavy, and the 10-speed automatic transmission was more responsive in gentle cruising than in Sport mode. The Escalade-V variant addressed acceleration issues with a supercharged Corvette V8, delivering 682 hp and 653 lb-ft of torque, but it seemed excessive. An optional 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 provided smoother torque and better fuel economy at 22 mpg combined with 4WD. The Escalade's magnetic dampers and air suspension improved maneuverability, though wind noise was noticeable at highway speeds.

The 2023 Acura RDX was powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It accelerated to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds, offering immediate throttle response and a pleasing engine sound. The RDX's handling inspired confidence with well-managed body roll and Acura's advanced AWD system providing ample traction. It cornered with sporty prowess while maintaining ride comfort, smoothing over road imperfections with ease. The RDX's performance was broad and easy to drive, appealing to many shoppers.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade boasted a spacious interior, offering 25 cubic feet behind the third row, 73 cubic feet behind the second row, and 121 cubic feet with both rows down. The Escalade ESV variant maxed out at 143 cubic feet, making it a packaging marvel with generous headroom and legroom in every row. The controls were user-friendly, 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 Acura RDX provided ample space in the front seats, with additional power adjustments in top trims. The rear seats accommodated average-sized adults comfortably, though taller passengers might find headroom limited. The cabin felt open and airy, thanks to a large panoramic sunroof. Cargo space was up to 31.1 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 79.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. The RDX offered plenty of storage options for smaller items, though the center stack's design could be more space-efficient.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade featured a span of OLED screens across the dash, providing sharp and clear displays. A front camera offered a high-res feed with navigation overlays, enhancing the driver's field of view. Super Cruise, a $2,500 option, was the best hands-free highway driving system available, using infrared eye-tracking cameras for safety. The Escalade also offered night vision with pedestrian detection and a 36-speaker AKG audio system, among other luxurious features.

The 2023 Acura RDX's infotainment system used a touchpad controller, which was challenging to use, especially while driving. The dashtop display was not a touchscreen, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto improved the experience. The system had sharp graphics and quick responses, but the interface was one of the least user-friendly. The RDX came standard with a Wi-Fi hotspot and remote monitoring via the Acuralink app, with options for premium audio.

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, a Safety Alert seat, and rear parking sensors. Optional features included reverse emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and Super Cruise.

The 2023 Acura RDX received five stars from the NHTSA for overall and side crash protection and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. The Technology package added parking sensors, while the Advance package included a surround-view camera and head-up display.