Compare the2023 Cadillac EscaladeVS 2023 Subaru Ascent

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Model Availability
Economic Advantages
Recommendations

Safety

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The Escalade Premium/Platinum/Sport’s pre-crash front seatbelts will tighten automatically in the event the vehicle detects an impending crash, improving protection against injury significantly. The Ascent doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

The Escalade has a standard front seat center airbag, which deploys between the driver and front passenger, protecting them from injuries caused by striking each other in serious side impacts. The Ascent doesn’t offer front seat center airbags.

An active infrared night vision system optional on the Escalade Premium/Platinum/Sport helps the driver to more easily detect people, animals or other objects in front of the vehicle at night. Using an infrared camera and near-infrared lights to detect heat, the system then displays the image on a monitor in the dashboard. The Ascent doesn’t offer a night vision system.

Both the Escalade and the Ascent have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, available all wheel drive, blind spot warning systems and rear cross-path warning.

The Cadillac Escalade weighs 1045 to 1594 pounds more than the Subaru Ascent. The NHTSA advises that heavier vehicles are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Cadillac Escalade is safer than the Subaru Ascent:

	Escalade	Ascent
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	146	190
Leg Forces (l/r)	152/161 lbs.	159/292 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Cadillac Escalade is safer than the Subaru Ascent:

	Escalade	Ascent
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	25	37
Hip Force	118 lbs.	274 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Spine Acceleration	24 G’s	27 G’s
Hip Force	248 lbs.	346 lbs.
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Max Damage Depth	14 inches	18 inches
Spine Acceleration	38 G’s	52 G’s

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

Warranty

The Escalade comes with a full 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire truck. The Ascent’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 1 year or 14,000 miles sooner.

Cadillac’s powertrain warranty covers the Escalade 1 year and 10,000 miles longer than Subaru covers the Ascent. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 6 years or 70,000 miles. Coverage on the Ascent ends after only 5 years or 60,000 miles.

The Escalade’s corrosion warranty is 1 year longer than the Ascent’s (6 vs. 5 years).

Reliability

The Escalade has a standard “limp home system” to keep drivers from being stranded if most or all of the engine’s coolant is lost. The engine will run on only half of its cylinders at a time, reduce its power and light a warning lamp on the dashboard so the driver can get to a service station for repairs. The Ascent doesn’t offer a lost coolant limp home mode, so a coolant leak could strand you or seriously damage the truck’s engine.

To reliably power the ignition and other systems and to recharge the battery, the Escalade has a standard 220-amp alternator (250-amp - Escalade Diesel). The Ascent’s 190-amp alternator isn’t as powerful.

To reliably start during all conditions and help handle large electrical loads, the Escalade has a standard 800-amp battery (900 Diesel). The Ascent’s 530-amp battery isn’t as powerful.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Escalade first among large premium SUVs in their 2022 Initial Quality Study. The Ascent isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Cadillac vehicles are better in initial quality than Subaru vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Cadillac above average in initial quality. With 28 more problems per 100 vehicles, Subaru is rated below average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Cadillac vehicles are more reliable than Subaru vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Cadillac above average in long-term dependability. With 24 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Subaru is rated below average.

Engine

The Escalade’s 6.2 V8 produces 160 more horsepower (420 vs. 260) and 183 lbs.-ft. more torque (460 vs. 277) than the Ascent’s 2.4 turbo 4-cylinder.

The Escalade’s 3.0 turbo diesel produces 17 more horsepower (277 vs. 260) and 183 lbs.-ft. more torque (460 vs. 277) than the Ascent’s 2.4 turbo 4-cylinder.

As tested in Consumer Reports the Cadillac Escalade is faster than the Subaru Ascent:

	Escalade	Ascent
Zero to 30 MPH	2.4 sec	3.3 sec
Zero to 60 MPH	6.5 sec	8 sec
45 to 65 MPH Passing	3.4 sec	4.8 sec
Quarter Mile	15 sec	16.4 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	96 MPH	88 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the Escalade gets better mileage than the Ascent:

			MPG
Escalade
	RWD	3.0 turbo 6-cyl. Diesel	21 city/27 hwy
	AWD	3.0 turbo 6-cyl. Diesel	20 city/26 hwy
Ascent
	AWD	Limited/Touring/Onyx 2.4 turbo flat-4	19 city/25 hwy

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the Escalade V8’s fuel efficiency. The Ascent doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the Escalade’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The Ascent doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

The Escalade has 4.7 gallons more fuel capacity than the Ascent (24 vs. 19.3 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The Escalade has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The Ascent doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the Escalade’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Ascent:

	Escalade	Escalade Sport	Ascent
Front Rotors	13.5 inches	16.1 inches	13.1 inches
Rear Rotors	13.6 inches	13.6 inches	13 inches

The Escalade stops shorter than the Ascent:

	Escalade	Ascent
70 to 0 MPH	174 feet	178 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	122 feet	125 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the Escalade has larger tires than the Ascent (275/50R22 vs. 245/60R18).

The Escalade’s tires provide better handling because they have a lower 50 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Ascent’s standard 60 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Escalade has standard 22-inch wheels. Smaller 18-inch wheels are standard on the Ascent. The Ascent’s largest wheels are only 20-inches.

The Cadillac Escalade’s wheels have 6 lugs for longer wheel bearing life, less chance of rotor warping and greater strength. The Subaru Ascent only has 5 wheel lugs per wheel.

The Escalade has a standard easy tire fill system. When inflating the tires, the vehicle’s integrated tire pressure sensors keep track of the pressure as the tires fill and tell the driver when the tires are inflated to the proper pressure. The Ascent doesn’t offer vehicle monitored tire inflation.

The Escalade has a standard full size spare tire so a flat doesn’t interrupt your trip. A full size spare isn’t available on the Ascent; it requires you to depend on a temporary spare, which limits mileage and speed before replacement.

Suspension and Handling

The Escalade offers an available driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads or off-road. The Ascent’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

The Escalade has a standard automatic load leveling suspension to keep ride height level with a heavy load or when towing. The Ascent doesn’t offer a load leveling suspension.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Escalade’s wheelbase is 7.1 inches longer than on the Ascent (120.9 inches vs. 113.8 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the Escalade is 4 inches wider in the front and 3.9 inches wider in the rear than on the Ascent.

The Escalade’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (50.1% to 49.9%) than the Ascent’s (54.2% to 45.8%). This gives the Escalade more stable handling and braking.

For greater off-road capability the Escalade Air Suspension has a 1.3 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the Ascent (10 vs. 8.7 inches), allowing the Escalade to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

Chassis

The front grille of the Escalade (except Diesel) uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The Ascent doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

As tested by Car and Driver while cruising at 70 MPH, the interior of the Escalade Sport Platinum 4WD is quieter than the Ascent Touring (66 vs. 67 dB).

Passenger Space

The Escalade has 15.2 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Ascent (168.4 vs. 153.2).

The Escalade has 1.1 inches more front headroom, 2.3 inches more front legroom, 4 inches more front hip room, 4.4 inches more front shoulder room, 3.1 inches more rear legroom, 3.7 inches more rear hip room, 4.3 inches more rear shoulder room, 2 inches more third row headroom, 3.2 inches more third row legroom, 3.5 inches more third row hip room and 5.5 inches more third row shoulder room than the Ascent.

Cargo Capacity

The Escalade’s cargo area provides more volume than the Ascent.

	Escalade	Ascent
Behind Third Seat	25.5 cubic feet	17.8 cubic feet
Third Seat Folded	72.9 cubic feet	43.5 cubic feet
Second Seat Folded	121 cubic feet	75.6 cubic feet

The Escalade’s cargo area is larger than the Ascent’s in almost every dimension:

	Escalade	Ascent
Length to seat (3rd/2nd/1st)	24”/54”/89.5”	20.3”/48”/82.9”
Max Width	49.5”	50.5”
Min Width	49.4”	45.9”
Height	36.5”	34”

Pressing a switch automatically lowers the Escalade’s second row seats and pressing a switch automatically lowers or raises the third row seats, to make changing between passengers and cargo easier. The Ascent doesn’t offer automatic folding seats.

To make loading groceries and cargo easier when your hands are full, the Escalade’s liftgate can be opened and closed just by kicking your foot under the back bumper, leaving your hands completely free. The Ascent doesn’t offer a hands-free gesture to open its liftgate, forcing you to put cargo down if your hands are full.

Towing

The Escalade’s minimum standard towing capacity is much higher than the Ascent’s (8000 vs. 2000 pounds).

The Escalade 4WD with optional equipment can be flat towed on all four wheels (dinghy towed), allowing recreational vehicle owners to bring it with them on the road. When they reach their destination, the Escalade can be unhitched and driven around locally. The Ascent can’t be towed flat on the ground.

Servicing Ease

The Escalade uses gas struts to support the hood for easier service access. The Ascent uses a prop rod to support its heavy hood. It takes two hands to open the hood and set the prop rod, the prop rod gets in the way during maintenance and service, and the prop rod could be knocked out, causing the heavy hood to fall on the person maintaining or servicing the car.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Cadillac service is better than Subaru. J.D. Power ranks Cadillac second in service department satisfaction. With a 28% lower rating, Subaru is ranked 16th.

Ergonomics

The Escalade’s standard easy entry system raises the steering wheel and glides the driver’s seat back, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The Ascent doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The Escalade’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The Ascent does not have an oil pressure gauge.

The Escalade Premium/Platinum/Sport has a standard heads-up display that projects speed, warning and navigation instruction readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The Ascent doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The power windows standard on both the Escalade and the Ascent have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the Escalade is engaged the driver can still operate all of the windows, for instance to close one opened by a child. The Ascent prevents the driver from operating the other windows just as it does the other passengers.

The Escalade’s front and rear power windows all open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The Ascent’s rear power window switches have to be held the entire time to open or close them fully.

If the windows are left open on the Escalade the driver can close them all from a distance using the remote. On a hot day the driver can also lower the windows the same way. The driver of the Ascent can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The Escalade’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The Ascent’s standard manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

Consumer Reports rated the Escalade’s headlight performance “Very Good,” a higher rating than the Ascent’s headlights, which were rated “Good.”

The Escalade’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Subaru only offers heated mirrors on the Ascent Premium/Limited/Touring.

When the Escalade is put in reverse, both rearview mirrors tilt from their original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirrors into their original positions. The Ascent’s mirrors don’t automatically adjust for backing.

The Escalade has a standard heated steering wheel to take the chill out of steering on extremely cold winter days before the vehicle heater warms up. A heated steering wheel is only available on the Ascent Onyx/Limited/Touring.

The Escalade Platinum has standard massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the Ascent.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Cadillac Escalade has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. Wireless charging costs extra on the Ascent.

The Escalade Premium/Platinum/Sport’s Adaptive Park Assist can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, stopping and changing direction automatically. The Ascent doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Model Availability

The Escalade is available in both rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations. The Ascent doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

Economic Advantages

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the Escalade is less expensive to operate than the Ascent because typical repairs cost much less on the Escalade than the Ascent, including $58 less for a water pump and $261 less for a starter.

Recommendations

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Escalade second among large premium SUVs in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The Ascent isn’t in the top three.

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