2025 Cadillac Escalade / Escalade ESV Expert Review
Reviewed by Kelly Lin
After refreshing the Chevrolet Tahoe, GM is updating its most lavish SUV: the Cadillac Escalade. Already an unmistakable presence on the road, the 2025 Escalade gains a showstopping interior to match its bold exterior. Once again, expect plenty of space for people and cargo, plus decadent materials. The question is: How will it compare not only to rivals like the Lincoln Navigator, but also to Cadillac’s new electric Escalade IQ?
The 2025 Escalade lineup includes the standard model, the high-performance V, the long-wheelbase ESV, and the electric Escalade IQ on its own platform.
What's New
- Updated front end with three available grille designs
- Standard illuminated front crest, available illuminated grille surround
- Revised rear design
- Available 24-inch wheels
- Diesel powertrain discontinued
- Striking interior with updated materials
- A 55.0-inch digital display covers the length of the dashboard
- Gear shift has moved to the steering column, opening up more space in the center console
- Carbon-fiber theme interior for Escalade-V
- Optional Executive Second Row package
- Available Renaissance Red interior theme with quilted and perforated leather seats, dark open pore wood veneer
- Available Jet Black and Sheer Gray interior theme with leather and heathered gray quilted seats, high gloss wood veneer
- New paint colors: green-gray Aegean Stone, blue Deep Sea Metallic, and light bronze Latte Metallic
What We Think
Cadillac set the stage for success with the 2021 Escalade redesign, focusing heavily on upgrading the interior with significant attention and investment. That momentum continues with the latest update, which takes the Escalade even further into luxury territory.
The 2025 Escalade continues to impress as a bold, refined SUV loaded with cutting-edge tech and smooth driving dynamics. It remains a spacious three-row offering, now available in more configurations than ever, including extended wheelbase and fully electric variants.
There remain a few drawbacks—fuel-hungry V-8 engines, a stiff ride with the 24-inch wheels, and a lackluster sound system in the Sport Platinum trim. Still, Cadillac is clearly heading in the right direction. With its sharp design and well-executed updates, the Escalade once again reflects the high standards the brand is known for. The 2025 model even prevailed in an MT comparison with the Navigator and Grand Wagoneer.
Interior and Technology
The current Escalade already boasts large screens, but the new model sees even more digital real estate. Just like the Escalade IQ, the newly updated 2025 Escalade features a 55.0-inch digital panel that spans just about the entire length of the dashboard. The enormous panel consists of two screens, one for driver and one for the passenger. Fear not—Cadillac has not abandoned Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Below the giant screen, a smaller tablet-style screen controls climate functions. Many trims come standard with a full-color head-up display. Other goodies include 5G Wi-Fi hot spot, HD streaming, and 126-color LED ambient lighting.
In terms of audio, buyers get a standard 19-speaker AKG Studio setup. A 36-speaker sound system is available, which can be upgraded to 40 speakers with the Executive Second Row package. This package also tacks on massaging seats, stowable tray tables, 12.6-inch personal screens, and dual wireless phone charging pads.
How Spacious Is It?
The 2025 Escalade can seat up to eight passengers with the bench seat. Most buyers, however, will opt for two captain's chairs in the second row. A long-wheelbase version called the 2025 Escalade ESV remains available for 2025, providing even more interior space than the standard model.
Legroom (first/second/third rows):
2025 Cadillac Escalade: 44.5/41.7/34.9 inches
2025 Cadillac Escalade ESV: 44.5/41.7/36.6 inches
2024 Lincoln Navigator: 43.9/41.1/36.1 inches
2024 Lincoln Navigator L: 43.9/41.1/36.1 inches
Cargo Space (behind third/second/first rows):
2025 Cadillac Escalade: 25.5/72.9/121.0 cubic feet
2025 Cadillac Escalade ESV: 41.5/94.1/142.8 cubic feet
2024 Lincoln Navigator: 19.3/57.5/103.3 cubic feet
2024 Lincoln Navigator L: 34.3/73.3/120.2 cubic feet
On the Road
With the adaptive air suspension, the Escalade boasts a smooth ride on 22-inch wheels, and we wonder if the experience will remain as poised on 24-inch wheels. Super Cruise hands-free driving tech will continue to make the drive less stressful.
As was the case last year, the Escalade packs a 6.2-liter V-8 engine with 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. In our tests, an Escalade with this powertrain barreled its way to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds. Fuel economy remains an unimpressive 15/19 mpg city/highway with RWD and 14/18 mpg with 4WD.
A supercharged V-8 is at the heart of the Escalade-V, producing 682 hp and 653 lb-ft of torque for a 0-60 run of 4.7 seconds. With this 4WD-only variant, fuel economy plummets to 11/17 mpg.
Both engines pair to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Towing maxes out at 8,100 pounds.
Cadillac no longer offers the Escalade with a turbodiesel six-cylinder due to a low take rate. For buyers who don't want a V-8, Cadillac has introduced an electric Escalade, dubbed the Escalade IQ, with 750 hp and 450 miles of range.
Trim Levels and Pricing
The 2025 Cadillac Escalade is available with six trims this year: Luxury, Premium Luxury, Sport, Premium Luxury Platinum, Sport Platinum, and V-Series. The base model stickers for roughly $89,500, while the top trim starts around $162,000.
