2024 Toyota RAV4 vs 2023 Cadillac Escalade

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, offering even more space. Despite its massive 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 materials, but the allure faded in the second and third rows, where cheaper GM parts were evident.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota RAV4 aimed to project a tough exterior with its aggressive styling, including angular body cladding and dual exhaust outlets. The TRD Off-Road model, priced at $41,925 with options, featured Army Green paint, a digital rearview mirror, and off-road enhancements like all-terrain tires and a skid plate. The RAV4's interior focused on practicality, with utility-driven features like storage shelves and rubberized controls. The TRD Off-Road trim offered SofTex upholstery and optional heated and ventilated seats. While the RAV4's cabin was comfortable and functional, it lacked the upscale feel of more luxurious models.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade offered a standard 6.2-liter V8 engine with 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, providing ample power for towing up to 8,200 pounds. However, its acceleration felt heavy, and the 10-speed automatic transmission was more suited for gentle cruising. The Escalade-V variant addressed this with a supercharged Corvette V8, delivering 682 hp and 653 lb-ft of torque, making it the only model with appropriately sized brakes. The optional 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 offered better fuel economy at 22 mpg combined with 4WD. The Escalade's magnetic dampers and air suspension improved handling, but wind noise was noticeable at highway speeds.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The TRD Off-Road model came with AWD, off-road suspension tuning, and Multi-Terrain Select driving modes. While the RAV4 handled off-road conditions better than its siblings, it wasn't as capable as a 4Runner. The off-road suspension improved ride comfort during daily commutes, but the engine was loud and unrefined. The RAV4 TRD Off-Road achieved 28 mpg combined, slightly lower than the RAV4 Hybrid's 37 mpg.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade boasted an exceptionally 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 provided even more space, with a maximum of 143 cubic feet. The interior featured simple controls, a smart infotainment system, and an optional front console refrigerator. Power-retractable side steps and an air suspension made access and loading easier. However, the second-row seats were not powered like the third row.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 prioritized practicality and utility, with features like storage shelves, trays, and rubberized controls. The TRD Off-Road trim offered SofTex upholstery and an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat. The RAV4 comfortably accommodated four adults, with good legroom and footroom. The cargo area provided 37.6 cubic feet of space, expanding to 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. These figures were competitive for the segment.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade featured a span of OLED screens across the dash, providing sharp and clear displays. The front camera offered a high-resolution feed with navigation overlays, and Super Cruise, a $2,500 option, was the best hands-free highway driving system available. The Escalade also included night vision with pedestrian detection and a 36-speaker AKG audio system. The front seats offered massage functions, and the rear-seat entertainment system could stream apps like Hulu.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 came with the Toyota Audio Multimedia system, featuring an 8-inch or 10.5-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Service Connect and Safety Connect were included for ten years, while Remote Connect and Drive Connect were free for one year. The system offered a cloud-based navigation system and a digital voice assistant. However, the lack of a multi-panel Home screen and issues with the voice assistant were drawbacks. The RAV4 also offered a JBL premium audio system and an optional digital rear-view mirror.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade received four out of five stars from the NHTSA, with lower ratings for front-passenger protection and rollover resistance. It included standard safety features like 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 Toyota RAV4 featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, a comprehensive suite of ADAS. However, the base LE trim lacked blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The TSS 2.5 system performed adequately, but the RAV4 lost its Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS due to lower ratings in recent crash tests.