2025 Cadillac Escalade vs 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV marked a significant evolution for the Blazer nameplate, transitioning from its truck-based off-roader roots to a modern, car-based crossover. This electric version retained some styling cues from the 2019 model but was built on a new EV-specific platform. The Blazer EV featured a tall hood, a redesigned front end, and boomerang-shaped taillights, giving it a bold presence compared to rivals like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6. It was notably larger, with a longer and wider body, enhancing its SUV-like appearance.

The Blazer EV launched with LT and RS trims, each offering distinct styling elements. The LT had a color-coordinated front fascia, while the RS featured a blacked-out design. The forthcoming SS model promised unique styling and mechanical upgrades. Inside, the RS and SS trims boasted a sporty interior with large air vents and a flat-bottom steering wheel. While some interior components felt flimsy, the overall design was free from excessive piano-black plastic, offering a more engaging cabin experience than some competitors.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade continued to embody Cadillac luxury, evolving from its 1999 origins to become a symbol of opulence. The updated design further distinguished it from its Chevrolet and GMC siblings, with a new front end aligning it with Cadillac's EVs. The Escalade featured large vertical headlights and 24-inch wheels, enhancing its imposing presence. It offered both standard and long-wheelbase versions, with various trim levels, including the performance-oriented Escalade-V.

Inside, Cadillac focused on differentiating the Escalade from other GM SUVs, introducing a 55-inch display spanning the dashboard. The interior offered a luxurious experience with options like semi-aniline leather and curated motifs. The Premium Luxury Platinum trim showcased Whisper Beige upholstery and wood trim, highlighting Cadillac's attention to detail. Despite sharing a platform with other GM SUVs, the Escalade's interior design and materials elevated it to a higher standard of luxury.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV offered a range of powertrains, including a single-motor RWD and a dual-motor AWD. The RWD variant delivered 340 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque with a 102-kWh battery, while the AWD version had 288 hp and 333 lb-ft of torque with an 85-kWh pack. A unique FWD option was set to debut in 2025, anticipated to be the most popular configuration. The Blazer EV SS promised a thrilling 557 hp and 648 lb-ft of torque, with a WOW launch mode for rapid acceleration.

During test drives, the RWD and AWD models demonstrated strong acceleration, though the RWD felt traction-limited. The Blazer EV excelled on twisty roads with precise steering but sacrificed comfort due to its stiff suspension. The regenerative braking system, adjustable via a steering-wheel paddle, added a layer of driver involvement, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade dropped its diesel option, leaving the 6.2-liter V8 as the sole engine choice, producing 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. The Escalade-V featured a supercharged V8 with 682 hp and 653 lb-ft of torque. All models used a 10-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth shifts and efficient cruising. RWD was standard, with 4WD optional, while the Escalade-V had a performance-focused AWD system.

The Escalade's Magnetic Ride Control and optional air suspension offered a comfortable ride, though it couldn't match the handling of some luxury competitors. The V8 provided strong acceleration, but the brakes lacked confidence. An optional Performance Upgrade Package with Brembo brakes was available for those seeking enhanced stopping power.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV's interior felt spacious, though headroom and legroom were similar to competitors like the Mach-E and EV6. It lacked the commanding driving position of traditional SUVs, and its high side sills and deep dashboard created a unique feel. Cargo space was limited compared to the gasoline Blazer, with 25.5 cubic feet behind the second row and 59.1 cubic feet with seats folded. However, it offered more space than the EV6 and featured a presence-activated liftgate.

The Blazer EV's interior design included ample small-item storage, though some controls were moved to the touchscreen, requiring adjustment. Despite these changes, the interior maintained a functional layout with a secure phone storage area and a decent-sized center console.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade offered generous interior space, with the long-wheelbase ESV providing even more room. The ESV's extended length benefited cargo space and third-row legroom. The Escalade accommodated up to eight passengers, with options for second-row captain's chairs. It boasted the most first-row headroom in its class, though second and third-row headroom lagged behind some competitors.

Cargo capacity was impressive, with the standard model offering 25.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and up to 121 cubic feet with seats folded. The ESV expanded these figures significantly. The Escalade's towing capacity met segment expectations, though it lacked some advanced towing features offered by rivals.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV introduced a Google-based infotainment system with built-in apps like Google Maps and Assistant. It eliminated standalone Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, focusing on Android users. The system featured a 17.7-inch touchscreen and 11-inch digital instrument cluster, offering sharp graphics and built-in route planning. Over-the-air updates promised new features over time.

The user experience was generally positive, though the touchscreen's angle favored the driver, making it less convenient for passengers. The Blazer EV also introduced a hands-free start sequence, enhancing its high-tech appeal.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade combined traditional engineering with advanced technology. Its 55-inch display integrated a digital instrument cluster, infotainment touchscreen, and front-passenger screen. A secondary touchscreen handled climate controls, complemented by a rotary dial. The Escalade offered a 19-speaker AKG audio system, with a 36-speaker version available, along with an augmented-reality head-up display and night vision.

Cadillac retained standalone wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a hard button for vehicle operation. The interface was user-friendly, though voice recognition lagged behind competitors. The optional Executive Second Row Package added luxury features for rear passengers, enhancing the Escalade's appeal.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV included standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-keep assist, and automatic high beams. Optional features included reverse automatic braking and Super Cruise, GM's hands-free driver assist system. Crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of publication.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade offered a comprehensive suite of driver-assist features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera system. GM's Safety Alert Seat provided tactile warnings, and Super Cruise allowed for hands-free driving on mapped roads. Crash-test ratings were not available at the time of publication.