2025 Cadillac Escalade Review: The Ultimate Full-Size Luxury SUV
The 2025 Cadillac Escalade solidifies its place as a symbol of prestige, comfort, and cutting-edge innovation in the world of full-size luxury SUVs. With a refreshed design, a host of technological advancements, powerful engine options, and luxurious interiors, Cadillac has crafted an SUV that blends bold style with unmatched refinement. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, performance seeker, or luxury aficionado, the 2025 Escalade offers something for everyone.
A Bold Exterior Refresh Inspired by Cadillac’s EV Lineup
For 2025, the Cadillac Escalade features a striking new exterior design inspired by Cadillac’s electric future—particularly the Escalade IQ and Celestiq.
Key Exterior Features:
- Illuminated Front Grille & Crest: One of the most eye-catching updates is the glowing Cadillac crest and grille surround, which project a futuristic vibe.
- Vertical LED Lighting: With slimmer, IQ-inspired LED headlamps and taillights, the Escalade’s iconic vertical lighting keeps getting better.
- 24-Inch Alloy Wheels: Cadillac is now offering massive 24-inch wheels for the first time, which enhances the Escalade’s road presence.
- New Color Sceme: Luxury consumers looking for style and uniqueness now have more options thanks to the debut of Aegean Stone, Deep Sea Metallic, and Latte Metallic.
This redesign ensures the Escalade remains visually competitive against premium European SUVs while maintaining its iconic American luxury image.
Interior Excellence: Comfort, Technology, and Space Redefined
Step inside the 2025 Escalade, and you’re met with a cabin that rivals private jets in comfort and tech sophistication. Cadillac has truly pushed the limits of luxury SUV interiors.
Advanced Infotainment:
- 55-Inch Curved OLED Display: A central infotainment system, a 20-inch passenger display, and a 35-inch driver display are all integrated into the 55-inch curved OLED display that spans the dashboard. The clarity and responsiveness set a benchmark in the segment.
- Google Built-In: The infotainment system runs natively on Google software, providing real-time maps, voice assistant support, and app compatibility.
- Wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay: Standard on all trims, keeping drivers seamlessly connected.
- 5G Wi-Fi Hotspot: Ensures passengers stay connected and entertained on long trips.
Comfort & Space:
- Three-Row Luxury Seating: The Escalade seats up to eight passengers, with optional captain’s chairs for enhanced second-row comfort. The ESV (Extended Stretch Vehicle) model adds even more room in the third row.
- Premium Upholstery Options: Choose from materials like Renaissance Red leather, open-pore wood trim, and carbon fiber accents in the V-Series model.
- Ambient Lighting: With over 120 color settings, the customizable ambient lighting elevates the cabin experience.
- Executive Rear Package: Includes reclining second-row seats with massage, wireless charging, and fold-out tray tables—perfect for luxury on the go.
The 2025 Escalade’s interior sets a gold standard for space, style, and innovation, easily outclassing many European counterparts.
Gallery Slide: 2025 Cadillac Escalade
Commanding Performance: Gas or Electric, Power Comes Standard
One of the key appeals of the 2025 Cadillac Escalade is its diverse powertrain lineup. Whether you’re loyal to the classic V8 rumble or ready to embrace electric luxury, the Escalade delivers.
Gasoline Engine Options:
- 6.2L Naturally Aspirated V8
- Power: 420 hp and 460 lb-ft torque
- Transmission: 10-speed automatic
- Towing Capacity: Up to 8,100 pounds
- 0-60 mph: ~6.1 seconds
- Fuel Economy: 14 mpg city / 19 mpg highway
- 6.2L Supercharged V8 (Escalade-V)
- Power: 682 hp and 653 lb-ft torque
- 0-60 mph: 4.4 seconds
- Performance Features: Brembo brakes, sport-tuned suspension, Magnetic Ride Control 4.0
All-Electric Option:
Escalade IQ (EV Model)
- Power: Over 750 hp
- Battery: Ultium 205 kWh
- Range: ~400 miles per charge
- Fast Charging: Adds 100 miles in approximately 10 minutes
The Escalade IQ brings Cadillac into the EV age with power, range, and speed that rival Tesla and Rivian, while preserving luxury.
Ride Quality and Handling: Smooth as Silk or Sporty on Demand
Despite its size, the 2025 Escalade delivers refined ride quality and responsive handling.
- Magnetic Ride Control 4.0: For a smoother ride, Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 modifies the shock absorbers in real time.
- Air Ride Adaptive Suspension: Road irregularities are softened and ride height adjustments are possible with Air Ride Adaptive Suspension.
- Drive Modes: Choose from Tour, Sport, Snow/Ice, Tow/Haul, and MyMode to personalize performance.
The combination of advanced suspension systems and large-diameter wheels ensures the Escalade handles with grace, whether you’re cruising highways or navigating city streets.
Super Cruise: Hands-Free Highway Driving Redefined
Cadillac’s Super Cruise system continues to impress in 2025. This hands-free highway driving assistant is available on most trims and is standard on Premium Luxury and up.
- Coverage: Over 400,000 miles of pre-mapped roads in the U.S. and Canada, expanding to 750,000 miles by late 2025.
- Features: Lane centering, automatic lane changes, adaptive cruise control, and driver attention monitoring.
This technology significantly reduces fatigue on long drives and helps position the Escalade as one of the most advanced vehicles on the road.
Comprehensive Safety Features and Driver Assistance
Safety is paramount in the 2025 Escalade, and Cadillac has integrated a suite of advanced driver-assist systems to match its luxury status.
Standard Safety Features:
- Forward Collision Alert
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
- Front and Rear Parking Assist
- HD Surround Vision Camera
Optional Safety Features:
- Night Vision: Uses infrared to detect pedestrians and large animals at night.
- Rear Camera Mirror: A clear view behind the car is provided by the rear camera mirror.
- Enhanced Automatic Parking Assist: Parallel and perpendicular parking without driver input.
The Escalade’s safety systems make every journey more secure, especially for families and long-distance travelers.
Cargo Space and Practical Utility
Beyond style and tech, the Escalade remains a practical family hauler.
Cargo Capacities:
- Standard Model:
- Behind 3rd Row: 25.5 cu. ft.
- Behind 2nd Row: 72.9 cu. ft.
- Max with Seats Down: 121 cu. ft.
- ESV Model:
- Behind 3rd Row: 41.5 cu. ft.
- Behind 2nd Row: 94.1 cu. ft.
- Max Capacity: 142.8 cu. ft.
With power-folding seats and a hands-free tailgate, accessing and organizing cargo is effortless.
Trim Levels and Pricing
The 2025 Cadillac Escalade offers multiple trims to cater to different preferences and budgets.
| Trim | Starting MSRP |
| Luxury (2WD) | $88,100 |
| Luxury (AWD) | $91,100 |
| Premium Luxury / Sport | ~$97,300–$97,900 |
| Premium Luxury AWD | $100,300 |
| Premium Luxury Platinum | ~$116,900 |
| Sport Platinum | ~$117,400 |
| Escalade-V (2WD) | $162,500 |
| Escalade-V ESV (AWD) | $165,500 |
| Escalade IQ (EV) | Starting at ~$127,700 |
While pricing is on the higher end, the Escalade offers unmatched tech and performance value for luxury SUV buyers.
How the 2025 Escalade Compares to Competitors
| Vehicle | Max HP | Display Size | Starting Price | 3rd Row Space |
| Cadillac Escalade | 750+ (EV) | 55 inches | $88,100 | Excellent |
| BMW X7 | 630 hp | 14.9 inches | $82,895 | Limited |
| Mercedes-Benz GLS | 603 hp | 12.3 inches | $88,150 | Good |
| Lincoln Navigator | 440 hp | 13.2 inches | $81,620 | Good |
| Rivian R1S (EV) | 835 hp | 15.6 inches | $78,000 | Moderate |
The Escalade’s massive display, powerful engine options, and spacious third row make it one of the most versatile full-size SUVs in 2025.
Read: 2025 Infiniti QX80 First Drive Review: A Bold New Chapter in Luxury SUVs
Conclusion: Is the Cadillac Escalade of 2025 Worth It?
The 2025 Cadillac Escalade is an experience rather than merely a high-end SUV. With jaw-dropping technology, extraordinary powertrains, elite comfort, and superior road presence, it justifies its premium price. Whether you choose the traditional V8, the outrageous V-Series, or the futuristic all-electric Escalade IQ, this vehicle promises performance and prestige.
For buyers who demand the best in every category—style, comfort, innovation, and capability—the 2025 Escalade is not just worth it; it’s unmatched.
