2023 Cadillac Escalade vs 2023 Mazda CX-5

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade stood as a towering presence, nearly six-and-a-half feet above the ground, requiring a significant 18 to 19 feet of length to park. It was a motorized cargo container, equipped with three rows of leather seats and an array of computers, reminiscent of a command center. The Escalade ESV extended this grandeur by being 15 inches longer, primarily stretching the wheelbase. The Escalade, along with its Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban and GMC Yukon/Yukon XL counterparts, was designed for show, appealing to pop musicians, overzealous parents, wannabe federal agents, or boaters with large families. Its athletic and trim appearance, despite its size, was achieved through design elements like thin LED lights and darkened chrome bits on the Sport Platinum trim, which helped mask its mass. The interior boasted a rich first-row experience with a 38-inch curved screen and luxurious wood trim, though the allure faded in the second and third rows, where cheaper GM parts were evident.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5, despite its age, remained a stylish and high-quality choice in the compact crossover SUV segment. It exuded a small luxury SUV feel, with high-quality materials and a sophisticated design. The available turbocharged engine provided impressive power, and the CX-5 earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. The model was redesigned and renamed as the CX-50, a strategic move by Mazda to transition its loyal customers. The CX-5 offered a choice between a standard 187-hp four-cylinder engine and a more powerful 256-hp turbocharged variant. The 2.5 Turbo Signature model, with its premium Nappa leather upholstery and additional features, justified its higher price point, offering a refined and sophisticated driving experience.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade offered a pleasant driving experience, though its standard 6.2-liter gasoline V8 engine, with 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, did not deliver the acceleration its sound suggested. It was suitable for gentle cruising, with a combined fuel economy of 16 mpg in the standard length with optional 4WD. The Escalade's towing capacity reached up to 8,200 pounds on the RWD model. The Escalade-V variant addressed acceleration issues with a supercharged Corvette V8, producing 682 hp and 653 lb-ft of torque, though this seemed excessive. An optional 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6, with 277 hp and matching torque to the regular V8, offered a combined 22 mpg with 4WD. The Escalade's 4WD system was rudimentary, requiring manual engagement for low-traction surfaces. Its magnetic dampers and air suspension, available on higher trims, enhanced maneuverability and ride quality, though wind noise was noticeable at highway speeds.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5, with its standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivered 187 hp and 186 pound-feet of torque, achieving a combined fuel economy of 26 mpg. The 2.5 Turbo variant, with its turbocharged engine, offered 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular gas, with a combined fuel economy of 24 mpg. The CX-5's structural rigidity, improved suspension dampening, and reduced interior noise contributed to a refined driving experience. The turbocharged engine provided a quick and responsive performance, with torque arriving at 2,000 rpm on regular gas and 2,500 rpm on premium. The CX-5 excelled on twisting roads, with minimal body roll and a firm, connected ride quality. The six-speed automatic transmission, perfectly tuned steering, and responsive brakes made the CX-5 a joy to drive daily.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade boasted a spacious interior, with 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 offered even more space, with a maximum of 143 cubic feet. The independent rear suspension provided generous headroom and legroom in every row, accommodating six adults comfortably. The controls were user-friendly, with a smart and fast infotainment system. An optional front console refrigerator, power-retractable side steps, and an air suspension that lowered the vehicle for easier loading were notable features. However, the second-row seats were not powered like the third row.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5, with its 2022 updates, featured improved front seats for better comfort and support. The Signature trim offered luxurious Nappa leather upholstery and a range of features, including power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated seats, and dual-zone automatic climate control. However, the CX-5's technology, storage space, rear-seat room, and cargo space were lacking. The infotainment system lacked a conversational voice recognition system, and the control knob was awkward to use. The CX-5 offered 30.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat and 59.3 cubic feet with the back seat folded down, less than many rivals.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade featured a span of OLED screens across the dash, providing sharp and clear displays. A front camera displayed a high-resolution feed of the road, with directional arrows and street names overlaid when navigation was active. Super Cruise, a $2,500 option, offered the best hands-free highway driving system, using infrared eye-tracking cameras to ensure driver attention. The Escalade also included night vision with pedestrian detection, a 36-speaker AKG audio system, massaging front seats, and a rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5's Mazda Connect infotainment system, with its 10.25-inch display, was visually appealing but functionally frustrating. The lack of a helpful voice recognition system and awkward physical controls made it distracting to use. The system required memorization and conscious thought to operate, and the user experience often fell flat. However, Mazda Connect offered features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a three-year trial subscription to Mazda Connected Services. The test vehicle included a front-facing camera and a surround-view camera system for easier parking.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade earned four out of five stars from the NHTSA, with a lower rating for front-passenger protection in a frontal crash test and rollover resistance. It featured standard safety equipment like forward automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, a Safety Alert seat, rear parking sensors, and a rear seat reminder. Optional features included reverse emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and Super Cruise.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 excelled in safety, with most i-Activsense technology offered as standard equipment. Exclusive features for the 2.5 Turbo Signature included a surround-view camera system, parking sensors, rear low-speed automatic emergency braking, and Traffic Jam Assist. The i-Activsense tech operated smoothly and accurately, with an Active Driving Display showing operational status and alerts. The CX-5 received five-star ratings from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. However, it lacked a warning message for driving without headlights at night, a common issue with the model.