2024 Mazda CX-90 vs 2023 Cadillac Escalade

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade was a towering presence on the road, standing nearly six-and-a-half feet tall and stretching up to 19 feet in length. It was a motorized cargo container with three rows of leather seats and an abundance of technology. The Escalade ESV version extended the wheelbase by 15 inches, adding to its already impressive size. 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 in the first row, with a 38-inch curved screen and fine wood inlays, but the allure faded in the back rows, where cheaper GM parts were evident.

In contrast, the 2024 Mazda CX-90 offered a different take on luxury. Mazda had elevated its design and material quality, rivaling luxury brands like Acura and Lexus. The CX-90 was an imposing SUV, stretching over 200 inches with a big grille and large wheels. Inside, top-shelf models featured brown suede upholstery, wood inlays, and matte black plastic, creating an elegant atmosphere. The CX-90 was available in 11 different trims, with three powertrains, including a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and a Turbo S model. The interior design was stylish and comfortable, with a focus on quality materials and a layout that could compete with luxury brands. While not all trims were equally striking, the CX-90 offered a compelling luxury experience.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade was equipped with a standard 6.2-liter gasoline V8 engine, producing 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. While it provided ample power for towing up to 8,200 pounds, the Escalade felt heavy during acceleration. The 10-speed automatic transmission was responsive, but the powertrain seemed more suited for gentle cruising. The Escalade-V variant addressed acceleration concerns with a supercharged Corvette V8, delivering 682 horsepower and 653 lb-ft of torque. The optional 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 offered 277 horsepower and better fuel economy at 22 mpg combined. The Escalade's 4WD system was rudimentary, but its magnetic dampers and air suspension improved maneuverability and ride comfort.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 introduced two new powertrains, including a plug-in hybrid option and a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine. The Turbo S model delivered 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, providing a thrilling exhaust note and impressive performance. All CX-90 models featured all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The CX-90 offered three driving modes: Normal, Sport, and Off-Road. The PHEV model combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a 17.8-kWh battery, producing 323 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. It offered an all-electric range of 26 miles and 56 MPGe in combined driving. Both CX-90 models excelled in handling, with a double-wishbone front suspension and agile steering.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade boasted an exceptionally spacious interior, with 25 cubic feet of cargo space 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 143 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The independent rear suspension provided 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. The air suspension could lower the vehicle for easier loading, and the tailgate had a separate glass window for added convenience.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 offered various seating configurations, with the ability to seat up to eight passengers. The Turbo S model featured a two-seat configuration in the third row, while other trims offered a 2-3-2 layout. Cargo space varied slightly depending on the seating arrangement, with a maximum of 75.2 cubic feet available. The CX-90 provided more cargo space than the CX-9 but fell short compared to competitors like the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander. The interior featured clever storage options, including a large center console and spacious door pockets. The materials and upholstery were of high quality, and the panoramic sunroof added to the overall comfort.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade was equipped with cutting-edge technology, including a span of OLED screens across the dash, providing sharp and clear visuals. The front camera displayed a high-resolution feed of the road, enhancing navigation with directional arrows and street names. Super Cruise, a $2,500 option, offered hands-free highway driving with infrared eye-tracking cameras for added safety. The Escalade also featured night vision with pedestrian detection, a 36-speaker AKG audio system, and massaging front seats. The rear-seat entertainment system could stream apps like Hulu, and the LED headlights were exceptionally bright.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 focused on reducing distractions with its Mazda Connect infotainment system, which used a rotary control knob and hard buttons instead of a touchscreen. While the intention was to enhance safety, the system's quirks could be frustrating. However, the CX-90 offered personalization software with facial recognition to adjust settings automatically. Standard features included Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with wireless connectivity in higher trims. The rotary controller worked with these systems, but touchscreen controls were available for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, providing a more familiar interface.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade received a four-star rating from the NHTSA, with lower scores for front-passenger protection and rollover resistance. Standard safety features included forward automatic emergency braking, 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 2024 Mazda CX-90 came standard with i-Activsense, Mazda's suite of advanced driver assistance systems. This included blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keeping assist. The top-spec CX-90 Turbo S Premium Plus also featured cruising and traffic support, combining lane-centering with adaptive cruise control. While the CX-90 had not been crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA, it was expected to perform well based on the CX-9's previous ratings.