The 2023 Jeep Grand Wagoneer Gives the Iconic Cadillac Escalade a Fight for Best Large SUV
The Cadillac Escalade is often considered the best large SUV. This status is particularly true regarding the luxury section of the car market. However, the 2023 Jeep Grand Wagoneer is more expensive than the Escalade and has gained quite the following from people who need a full size SUV. Because of this, people wonder if the latest Jeep Grand Wagoneer might be better than the iconic Cadillac Escalade.
The 2023 Jeep Grand Wagoneer is a contender for best large SUV because of performance
One reason the 2023 Jeep Grand Wagoneer may be better than the Cadillac Escalade is due to performance. Both SUVs offer comparable specifications, but the 2023 Grand Wagoneer is a better large SUV in this regard. According to Edmunds, the base model Jeep SUV has a 6.4-liter V8 under its massive hood with a maximum output of 471 horsepower. It’s four-wheel drive and uses an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Despite a long history of being considered the best large SUV by many, the 2023 Cadillac Escalade falls behind in this category. It has a 420 hp 6.2-liter V8 engine with a torque of 460 lb-ft. The base Escalade is rear-wheel drive and uses a 10-speed automatic transmission. However, where the Cadillac SUV wins is with its top trim. The 2023 Jeep Grand Wagoneer is no match for the 2023 Cadillac Escalade V as it has a maximum output of 682 horsepower, but the Jeep makes 510 hp.
Regarding speed, the 2023 Jeep Wagoneer is pretty close to the Cadillac Escalade. In fact, it’s even slightly faster, according to some tests. The Jeep accelerates from 0 to 60 miles per hour in a reported 5.4 seconds. However, it takes the Cadillac 5.8 seconds. But the 2023 Cadillac Escalade V only takes 4.5 seconds to do so. People should note that the Jeep Grand Wagoneer L is more comparable to the Escalade V with its 4.9 seconds 0 to 60 time. In terms of performance, the Jeep might be the best large SUV out of the two.
The Jeep Grand Wagoneer has a more spacious interior
Any contender for the best large SUV has to have an impeccable interior. The Escalade and the Grand Wagoneer check this box on the criteria list, but some would say the Jeep is better. The 2023 Jeep Grand Wagoneer excels because it’s overall more spacious than the Escalade. This is especially true for rear passengers as they have more leg and headroom than the full-size Cadillac SUV permits. Additionally, some Jeep enthusiasts will appreciate the random odes to the classic Wagoneer throughout the cabin.
It’s hard to beat the 2023 Cadillac Escalade interior regarding technology. The vehicle has 38 inches of screen space, which gives it a state-of-the-art look. However, according to some, the Jeep Grand Wagoneer comes close or may even beat it. It has a center stack featuring two screens. One screen is a 12-inch display, and it sits on top of a 10.3-inch screen with controls for the AC and heat. Upper trims have a 10.3-inch touchscreen for passengers.
In addition, there is a 10.3-inch display between the second-row seats for the rear passengers. Buyers can also add a rear entertainment system that includes another two touchscreens. Overall, the interior technology helps make the 2023 Jeep Grand Wagoneer a potentially better family vehicle.
Neither SUV has particularly high reliability scores
Unfortunately, neither of these two contenders for the best large SUV has a high-reliability rating. Consumer Reports believes they both will be less reliable than other new cars. Both predictions for their less-than-stellar ratings in this category stem from older vehicles in the lineup. However, this also doesn’t mean that the SUVs can’t have long lives on the road. But buyers of either should be careful and also be sure to keep up with scheduled maintenance.
The Cadillac Escalade is an icon and continues to impress. However, there is a strong case for the Grand Wagoneer potentially being better. Of course, this opinion is subjective as both vehicles are so similar to each other. So, is the Jeep better than the Cadillac? Many would say so, as it’s a fresh take on large SUVs. However, many will still stand by the 2023 Cadillac Escalade V.
