Review by Veeno Dewan,
The 2025 Cadillac Escalade remains the American luxury brand’s full-size luxury flagship SUV. With three-row seating and the option of an extended-length ESV version and a performance V trim line, it excels in all areas where a full-size SUV is required. For 2025, the Escalade will receive styling updates similar to those of the Cadillac Lyriq and the upcoming electric IQ version of the Escalade. Key updates include a revised front fascia featuring a larger grille, a horizontal LED headlamp, and an illuminated front crest as standard. The Performance V-Series and Premium Luxury Platinum trims feature an incredible, illuminated grille surround. For 2025, there’s also the option of huge 24-inch wheels.
Interior updates include a larger, curved all-digital dash – now up to a total of 55 inches wide – a new steering wheel and two new interior color packages. Super Cruise, GM’s hands-free driving technology, is now standard across the lineup.
The standard powertrain features a 6.2L V8 engine that produces 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive. The performance-oriented Escalade-V adds a supercharger, increasing power to a mighty 682 horsepower and 885 lb-ft of torque. The Escalade can carry up to eight passengers and tow up to 8,100 pounds. Perfect for the long road trip! Need more cargo room behind the third row? The extended-wheelbase ESV model is just what you need.
Equipment levels on the Escalade are very high, even at the entry-level models. There is superb refinement and luxury as you move up the model range. The standard features include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a Wi-Fi hotspot. Premium Luxury models and Platinum trims feature the high-performance AKG Studio Reference system, which includes 36 speakers—40 if you opt for the second-row Executive package. Cadillac’s perfect CUE infotainment system is available, along with an augmented-reality navigation system and a rear-seat entertainment package that includes two 12.6-inch displays with streaming capability.
The 2025 Escalade trim line is available in Luxury, Premium Luxury, Sport, Premium Luxury Platinum, Sport Platinum, and V-Series models. Pricing in Canada ranges from $121,799 to $159,399, while the Escalade-V starts at $197,399. The 2025 Cadillac Escalade ESV extended model is available in five trim levels, ranging from $121,799 to $159,399 MSRP.
The Premium Luxury Platinum includes adaptive suspension, semi-aniline leather trim, 16-way power-adjustable front seats with massage, and a new power door function that opens and closes all four doors with a touch of the handle or a console-mounted button. Meanwhile, a new “Executive” seating package, optional only for the top trims, adds massaging second-row seats with stowable tray tables and wireless charging for two, as well as rear-seat entertainment screens.
Interior-wise, the Escalade maintains its reputation as a luxurious, cosseting premium SUV with exceptional equipment and high luxury levels. The Escalade’s dash is a thing of beauty, featuring a sleek, curved 55-inch glass panel that spans the dashboard, complete with a central touchscreen and a separate display for the front passengers. There is the availability of a full-color head-up display, Night Vision, and standard Super Cruise hands-free driving assist. The seats are spacious, with exemplary legroom and headroom.
In terms of road manners, the V8 engine naturally has plenty of grunt to haul all that weight and is a docile, smooth powerplant. It is well-matched to the ten-speed automatic transmission. The optional air suspension significantly mitigates body roll in corners. Safety is high, thanks to a plethora of driver safety aids, including available adaptive cruise control with hands-free driving mode.
To sum up, the 2025 Cadillac Escalade is an impressive vehicle, boasting interior features and comfort that rival those of its competitors. Luxury is fantastic in every model. The negatives are few; the V8 is thirsty. Although the Escalade can get very expensive in top trim versions, it competes very well in terms of value when compared to rivals from Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Lincoln, and BMW. This is the ultimate family cruiser. Highly recommended.
The 2025 Cadillac Escalade is priced from $121,799 to $197,399.
More info at www.cadillac.ca
