2022 GMC HUMMER EV EDITION 1

EPA RATINGS:

N/A

0-60MPH:

3.3 sec

PRICE AS

The Hummer Edition 1’s intentionally brash design draws almost as much attention as its massive size. Yet its exquisitely intricate detailing—including astronaut boot prints and lunar topo maps to remind us that GM built the Moon Rovers. Three motors, 1,000 horses and one of the biggest batteries made— 212.7kWh—mean 60mph in just over 3 seconds when it’s put into WTF (yes, really) mode, along with 290 miles of real-world highway range. Super Cruise, the best hands-free driving system yet, means those miles will be relaxing, too. Underneath the Hummer is the Ultium platform that will propel the Silverado and Sierra EV pickups, though they probably won’t share the Hummer’s incredible off-road hardware, which gives it up to 15.9 inches of clearance and 13 inches of suspension travel. The rear-steer- enabled Crabwalk mode might get all the press, but it’s the ability of this massive machine to pull a U-turn in less space than a 2-door Jeep (or the Rover) that makes it a much more compelling urban rig.

TESTED: $110,295

It also rides quite nicely and has a beautifully designed, nicely assembled cabin. However, its blue-tinted, lift-out roof panels can mean lots of wind noise at highway speeds. Thank the offroad gods it has an 800-volt architecture; otherwise, it would take forever to recharge that massive battery. Haters will hate, but the fact that it will also come as an SUV and less extreme versions means GMC is onto something big.

2023 Cadillac Escalade V

The Escalade’s days as a gas-powered machine are numbered. Cadillac expects to be all EV by 2030. At least it will go out with a bang; shoving the Blackwing 6.2-liter, supercharged V8 under its tabletop hood, in 682hp/653lb-ft spec, means this Caddy has real cojones. The public may not notice the Escalade V based solely on its discreet—some might say, too discreet— looks, but they’ll certainly hear it. It rumbles menacingly and bellows exhaust at 85 decibels. The Escalade V is as quiet at cruising speed as the Range Rover, though it doesn’t have the British machine’s offroad prowess.

EPA RATINGS: 11/16/13mpg

0-60MPH: 4.3 sec

PRICE AS TESTED:

$158,580

The Escalade V does have superb on-road dynamics, riding plushily and controlling its body mass exceptionally well. Steering and brake feel are linear and well-weighted, reminding that GM has some of the best chassis and tuning wizards extant. The interior is one of Cadillac’s best efforts, with lovely leather seemingly everywhere, huge, curved OLED screens in front of the driver and very few bits of plastic on display. Super Cruise is also available, making it one relaxing road warrior. Available in XL and XXL sizes, and priced accordingly, the Escalade V has a swaggering confidence that is distinctly American and all the better for it.