2023 Cadillac Escalade vs 2024 Chevrolet Suburban

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade stood as a towering presence, nearly six-and-a-half feet above the ground, requiring a substantial 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 an additional 15 inches, primarily stretching the wheelbase. This SUV was designed for show, appealing to pop musicians, overzealous parents, wannabe federal agents, or boaters with large families. Its athletic and trim appearance was achieved through clever design elements like thin LED lights and darkened chrome bits, masking its mass. The interior boasted a rich first-row experience with a 38-inch curved screen array and luxurious wood trim, though the allure faded with cheaper GM parts in the second and third rows.

In contrast, the 2024 Chevrolet Suburban, with its 90-year legacy, blended into traffic despite its massive size. At 18 feet 10 inches long and over six feet tall, it was a common sight on the roads, catering to those needing ample cargo and passenger space. The Suburban was available in six trims, each offering increasing niceties, from 18-inch alloy wheels on the LS to 22-inch alloys on the High Country. However, even the top trims required additional costs for features like power running-board steps and a panoramic moonroof. Inside, the Suburban provided a comfortable cabin with leather upholstery on all but the base trim, though it felt pedestrian even in the top-spec High Country. The seats offered decent support but lacked the comfort expected for long journeys.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade offered a standard 6.2-liter gasoline V8 engine, producing 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, while responsive, seemed to struggle in Sport mode. The Escalade-V addressed this with a supercharged Corvette V8, delivering 682 hp and 653 lb-ft of torque, though it felt excessive. An optional 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 provided smoother torque delivery and better fuel economy at 22 mpg combined with 4WD. The Escalade's magnetic dampers and air suspension enhanced maneuverability, though wind noise was noticeable at highway speeds.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban offered three engine options: a 5.3-liter V8 with 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque, a 6.2-liter V8 with 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.0-liter turbodiesel six-cylinder with 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. The 5.3-liter V8 was standard on most trims, while the 6.2-liter was available on higher trims. The diesel engine, with its better fuel economy and lower cost on the High Country trim, was a compelling choice. The Suburban's 10-speed automatic transmission was well-tuned, and the vehicle's steering and brakes were up to the task, though some body roll was expected due to its size.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade boasted a space-efficient 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 extended this to 143 cubic feet. The independent rear suspension provided generous headroom and legroom in every row. The controls were user-friendly, with a smart and fast infotainment system. Optional features like a front console refrigerator and power-retractable side steps added convenience, though the second-row seats lacked power adjustment.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in cargo space, offering 41.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 93.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 144.7 cubic feet. This trounced competitors like the Ford Expedition Max and Jeep Wagoneer L. The Suburban's 28-gallon fuel tank, combined with the diesel engine's 26-mpg highway rating, allowed for long highway drives between fill-ups.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade featured a span of OLED screens across the dash, providing sharp and clear displays. A front camera displayed a high-res feed of the road, and Super Cruise offered hands-free highway driving. Night vision with pedestrian detection and a 36-speaker AKG audio system enhanced the tech experience, though some features felt frivolous.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban came with a 10.2-inch touchscreen on all but the base trim, featuring Google Built-in for seamless app access. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were included, and a rear-seat entertainment system was available. However, the 10-speaker Bose audio system lacked the richness of higher speaker count systems.

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 2024 Chevrolet Suburban also received four stars from the NHTSA, with similar ratings in crash tests. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Super Cruise was available on higher trims, offering semi-autonomous driving on pre-mapped roads.