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With luxury SUVs becoming more necessary parts of most brands' lineups, the Cadillac Escalade is seeing tough competition in 2022.
When modern SUVs first hit the market, there were rugged vehicles for use off-road. They soon became popular with drivers who wanted to use them daily. With this change, manufacturers decided they needed to build vehicles that set them apart from the crowd and offered high levels of luxury. The Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited and Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer edition weren’t cutting it.
Companies like Cadillac and Lincoln saw their opportunity to fill this niche with super luxury versions of existing SUVs and gave them new names like Escalade and Navigator. These two vehicles became all the rage and status symbols for the rich and those who wanted to stand out. Since then, the Escalade began to see more competition as luxury SUVs become a necessary part of most companies' lineups.
So, the question becomes, is the Escalade the best option, and if not, which 2022 SUVs would we buy instead? Here are 10:
The Escalade has always had a rival. From its debut in 1998, the Lincoln Navigator has been its main competition. Similar in size and equal in luxury, the Lincoln stood out ahead of the Escalade because it seemed less pretentious. A certain feeling comes with the Cadillac name that Lincoln doesn’t. Because of that, the Navigator outsold the Escalade at the beginning. Eventually, the Escalade surpassed it in profits but never in value.
The 2022 version of the Navigator is a better choice in several ways. While similar in size, the Lincoln had more interior space for all three rows of passengers and cargo. The Navigator has more standard features, including a panoramic moon roof, adaptive cruise control, automatic parking, entertainment options, and navigation. The Navigator gets better gas mileage and outdoes the Escalade in many rankings and reviews. It does cost more, but by the time you add all the options to the Escalade to make them even and factor in that it has a higher reliability score, the Navigator is the better choice.
Related: The Evolution Of The Lincoln Navigator
The original Jeep Wagoneer had quite a life. It was built from 1963 until 1991. Famous for its style, most notably the option of “wood grain” side panels, the Wagoneer came in at about the same price as a Cadillac or Lincoln did then. In 2021 Jeep decided to build a new one that is now a competitor in the large luxury class, available as both a regular Wagoneer and a Grand Wagoneer.
The Grand Wagoneer has a powerful V8 Hemi engine that produces enough torque to tow 10,000 pounds, the most of the SUVs on this list. If you opt for the L (long) version, legroom in the back is better, and there is more cargo space than in the Escalade. It has more modern technology than the Escalade. It is also made with better materials. Reliability is essentially the same, but the Jeep comes out in front and does it at a lower price in head-to-head testing.
The first time most Americans became aware of a Mercedes SUV was in 1998’s Jurassic Park 2. While not the sole reason for its success, it did a lot to draw attention to the original luxury SUV from Mercedes. The Mercedes-Benz ML continued production until 2015 with the reorganization of their model names. After that, Mercedes SUVs got the GL prefix, with the top model being the GLS
It's an excellent combination of style, utility, and comfort, built with an air suspension to provide an effortless ride. There are two engine options the GLS 580 with the larger engine, and the GLS 450 with electric assist get better gas mileage. Both versions offer the choice of 3-row seating, or if you prefer, two rows of bench seats or two additional rows of bucket seats. Either option gives superior levels of comfort and space behind the driver as well the benefits of all the tech features. If for whatever reason, the upper-level GLS isn’t enough for you, you could always go up one more level to the ultra-lux GLS Maybach.
Related: This All-Black Mercedes-Maybach GLS Goes Rogue, Courtesy Larte Design
Audi is well known for its smooth engines, ride quality, comfort, and tech, so it’s no surprise that its SUV lineup follows the same rules as its coupes and sedans. If you’re looking for a large luxury SUV that’s also fun to drive, this is the one. If you need the 3-row seating of the Escalade, you’ll want the Q7, but if what you want is a genuinely luxurious SUV, then the Q8 is the correct choice.
Because it’s smaller and lighter, it’s quicker and has better handling than the Escalade. American cars are beginning to have better interior build quality, but the Germans are still the benchmark. Inside is the typical Audi sophistication and superior technology with plenty of room for four adults. To top it off, the Q8 gets much better gas mileage. If you need additional performance, look at the RSQ8, which has over 200 extra horsepower.
With the introduction of the X7 in 2018, BMW finally had large versions of all of its numbered sedans and coupes at the time. BMW uses SAV- Sports Activity Vehicle. That means the X7 doesn’t even pretend you can drive it off-road, but its purpose is daily driving.
Three Trims are available: The xdrive40i with a turbocharged V6, the M60i, an M Powered twin-turbo with an electric motor and the Alpina XB7 with a twin-turbo V8. All three with xDrive for traction and handling. The X7 has more in common with Audi’s Q8 than the Escalade in that it’s smaller and focused on ride quality and a high-quality interior with features such as a panoramic roof, modern controls, and bespoke styling. The X7 does technically have the third row, but it’s probably best reserved for smaller passengers.
Related: 2023 BMW X7 Gets A Revamped Look And All-New iDrive 8 Technology
If you compare large luxury SUVs, it’s impossible not to consider the Range Rover. When the Range Rover was first built, it was designed for utility, with comfort and ride quality a second thought. Since then, there has been a significant shift to being a high-quality vehicle with a completely different focus. It’s still a nicely-powered, off-road capable machine, but its interior is barely recognizable from its origins.
You can choose between a short wheelbase or a long wheelbase with 7-seats powered by the same 5.0L turbo engine assisted by an electric motor. With either, there is the standard options package or the higher-end Autobiography. The freshly redesigned outside has simple styling but comes standard with all the features you want in a luxury SUV. It is important to note that the Range Rover is the most expensive of these SUVs.
Related: Why The 2022 Range Rover Resets The Full-Size Luxury SUV Benchmark
Acura’s top skill is being able to design attractive and slick-shaped vehicles. The redesigned MDX has a great combination of sharply angled creases and flowing curves that indicate that it's equal parts sporty and comfortable. It’s set up with lively handling that makes it fun to drive, but as the 2021s Top Safety Pick, its features ensure you don’t take things too far. It also features Acura’s SH-AWD system to improve handling and practicality.
The MDX has an incredibly smooth, quiet ride, and though its power production is less impressive than its competitors, that’s excusable considering it’s the least expensive SUV on the list. It has a third row of seats that can be folded away to maximize cargo space. The inside is modern and highlighted by natural wood trim and fine French-stitched leather that surrounds the full array of standard tech features.
The newest member of the luxury automobile club has already made a serious impression on reviews and owners. Genesis has made apparent efforts to differentiate itself with styling and features while keeping its Hyundai heritage of producing competitive vehicles at a more reasonable price. They offer 3 SUVs, the GV60, GV70, and GV80. The GV80 shares the same engine as the SUV of the year GV70 but comes in a larger size.
The GV80 offers the most standard features of its class, and unlike the Escalade, it’s hard to find any options that don’t come standard. You have a choice of engine sizes, with a 3.5L turbo V6 being the largest. The GV80 has outstanding noise-canceling abilities paired with an extremely smooth ride that creates a relaxing environment for the driver. It follows the new trend of offering a choice of rear bench seats or four bucket seats with heated and cooled seats for the passengers. The GV80 is also one of the least expensive of the group while not sacrificing any comfort.
Related: How The 2022 Genesis GV80 Combats Its German Competitors By Focusing On A Luxurious Driving Experience
Infiniti is often forgotten, or at least the last one mentioned when the subject of Japanese luxury cars comes up, but that’s a mistake. Based on a Nissan, you are guaranteed a well-built and reliable vehicle, which describes the QX80. It has a beefy muscular look on the outside but a soft and inviting inside, which Infiniti calls Premier Hospitality. The QX80 achieves its goal of being large and cushy, and powerful.
Its power comes from a large naturally aspirated V8 engine making 400hp and allowing it to accelerate at an impressive rate, considering its size. It’s able to carry seven passengers and capable of carrying plenty of cargo. The cabin is beautiful with unique stitching and quilted leather that’s comfortable regardless of the outside temperature. To keep you entertained is a Bose audio system with intuitive controls that allow you to use all of its features immediately.
The Lexus brand came about in 1989, and 6 years later, they began building their first SUV, the LX. Today it is its largest offering and is available in 5 different trim levels. They include the entry-level LX600, performance-focused, and two luxury-level options, the LX Luxury and the Ultra Luxury. While it’s not the quickest option, if you’re looking for speed, perhaps an SUV isn’t really what you're looking for.
If you are interested in an SUV that offers high levels of ability and luxury, the LX is a great choice. Under the sheet metal, you’ll find the bones of the Toyota Land Cruiser, a legendary vehicle known for its toughness, off-road prowess, and excellent reliability. There are few SUVs on this list able to go out on the trails and offer a real sense of class. The top-level LX provides the option of 4-seat executive seats fitted with an ottoman and massage.
A long-time car lover, specifically passionate about European super sedans and coupes. Also enjoys learning about future super and hypercars, His favorite brands include BMW, Audi, Aston Martin, and koenigsegg. Fan of car spotting, stand-up comedy, baseball, Liverpool FC, and his Bulldog.