When it comes to baseline performance, the Escalade has a leg up. Its standard 6.2L V8 engine delivers a solid 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque for greater acceleration. You may be left wanting more with just 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque from the standard 5.3L engine in the Tahoe.

Both models come with a standard 10-speed automatic transmission, so you’ll enjoy a smooth, nearly seamless ride in either the Cadillac Escalade or the Chevy Tahoe. Still, that’s only the beginning. Both models offer alternative powertrains to choose from.

For example, each model can be equipped with a 3.0L Duramax® turbo-diesel engine. In addition to generating an aggressive 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, this motor is designed with greater efficiency in mind, so you can cruise right past the gas station on your next road trip.

The Tahoe allows you to choose an available 6.2L V8 engine—the same one that comes standard in the Escalade. Meanwhile, with the Escalade-V trim, you’ll get a major boost from its 6.2L supercharged V8 that delivers a monstrous 682 horsepower and 653 lb-ft of torque. The Tahoe can’t even come close.

As such, both the Cadillac Escalade and the Chevy Tahoe come standard with:

• Wireless Apple CarPlay®
• Wireless Android Auto™
• Wi-Fi® hotspot

The Escalade takes it a step further with standard wireless phone charging. The Tahoe offers that as an available feature, but if you choose the base trim, you’ll need to pack a cord.

Plus, you’ll always be in the know in the Cadillac Escalade thanks to the curved OLED display with 38 total inches. On the other hand, the Tahoe starts with a 4.2-inch Driver Information Center and can be upgraded to 12 inches. Still, it will be far easier to view vital info in the Escalade.

As you power down the open road, you’ll want the right playlist to accompany your travels. The Cadillac Escalade is ready to provide, with a standard 16.9-inch infotainment touchscreen. In the Chevy Tahoe you’ll need to view your desired entertainment on a standard 8-inch touchscreen. If you want a more expansive option, you can upgrade to the 10.2-inch display, but it still falls far short of the Escalade.

When you access your music, you’ll enjoy high-fidelity sound in the standard AKG™ Studio 19-speaker audio system. If even that’s not enough, you can upgrade to the available AKG™ Studio Reference audio system with 3D Surround and 36 speakers for true concert-level quality! Meanwhile, the Tahoe won’t deliver quite the same experience with its standard 6-speaker audio system and a maximum of only 10 speakers.

The Escalade and the Tahoe are both ready to help prevent a collision with the following:

• Forward Collision Alert - Warns when you’re too close to a frontal obstacle.
• Automatic Emergency Braking - Applies the brakes when a frontal collision seems imminent.
• Front Pedestrian Braking - Brings your SUV to a stop when a pedestrian crosses your path.

So, regardless of which model you drive, you’ll have peace of mind in knowing that your vehicle is helping watch out for you.

Both the Escalade and the Tahoe also come standard with Teen Driver. This safety system lets you customize settings and limit certain vehicle features. Plus, it provides an in-vehicle report card to help you encourage good driving behaviors in your young driver.

For the utmost security, the Cadillac Escalade also makes Night Vision available. This feature lets you see the thermal heat image of people and animals crossing your path at night, so you can stay safe at all times of the day.

Without a comparable system on the Chevy Tahoe, you may not have the same peace of mind when driving at night.