2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV vs 2025 Cadillac Escalade

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV initially appeared similar to its internal combustion engine counterpart, sharing features like rounded wheel wells and a flat beltline. However, upon closer inspection, the EV version revealed more decisive lines, a thicker body-colored C-pillar, and a sleeker grille. The front fascia was predominantly body-colored, and the rear design was more assertive, featuring hexagonal shapes and a light bar echoing the front. Standard 19-inch aluminum wheels were available on the 1LT and 2LT trims, while higher trims boasted 21-inch versions. The Equinox EV offered vibrant color options like "Red Hot" and "Riptide Blue Metallic," which added a youthful flair. Two-tone paint jobs were available, and interior color choices expanded with higher trims, offering combinations like black with blue accents or Adrenaline Red.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade maintained its status as a symbol of Cadillac luxury, with a design update that distinguished it from its platform-sharing counterparts. The most notable change was the new front end, aligning the gasoline Escalade with Cadillac's EVs through large vertical headlights and horizontal daytime running lights. The rear retained its tall, vertical taillights reminiscent of classic Cadillacs. For the first time, 24-inch wheels were available, enhancing the vehicle's imposing presence. The Escalade offered both standard and long-wheelbase versions, with various trim levels including the performance-focused Escalade-V. Inside, Cadillac replaced the previous 38-inch OLED display with a 55-inch screen spanning the dashboard, emphasizing a high-tech, screen-centric design.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV featured a hands-free start, a common trait among modern EVs. It offered one-pedal driving across all trims, adjustable through regenerative braking settings or drive modes like Tour, Sport, and Snow/Ice. The single-motor FWD variant delivered 213 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque, while the AWD version boasted 288 horsepower and 333 lb-ft of torque. The Equinox EV's towing capacity reached 1,500 pounds. The EPA estimated a range of 319 miles for FWD models and 285 miles for AWD, supported by an 85-kWh battery. DC fast charging at 150 kW allowed for a quick 77-mile range boost in 10 minutes, while Level 2 charging added 34 miles per hour.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade dropped the diesel engine, leaving the 6.2-liter V8 with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. The Escalade-V featured a supercharged V8 with 682 horsepower and 653 lb-ft of torque. All models used a 10-speed automatic transmission, balancing low and high ratios for efficient driving. RWD was standard, with 4WD optional, and the Escalade-V had a performance-oriented AWD system. Magnetic Ride Control damping was standard on most trims, but the Escalade's weight and body-on-frame design limited its handling compared to rivals. The V8 provided strong acceleration, but braking performance was less confidence-inspiring, with Brembo brakes available as an upgrade.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV, starting at the 2LT trim, included heated front seats, a steering wheel, and outside mirrors. The 3LT trim added power adjustments for the passenger seat, front-seat ventilation, and heated rear seats. Dual-zone climate control was limited to 3LT and above. The Equinox EV offered 39.15 inches of front headroom and 41.65 inches of front legroom, with a cargo capacity of 26.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expandable to 57.2 cubic feet. Roof rails were standard on all but the base trim.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade, available in standard and long-wheelbase versions, provided ample space for passengers and cargo. The ESV model increased third-row legroom and cargo capacity, offering up to 142.8 cubic feet with seats folded. The Escalade's towing capacity reached 8,100 pounds for the standard model and 8,000 pounds for the ESV. Power liftgate and power-folding seats facilitated interior reconfiguration, though Cadillac lacked some towing features found in competitors.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV featured a driver-oriented cockpit with a 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen and an 11-inch driver-information screen. Google Built-In was standard, offering Google Maps, Assistant, and Play Store, but lacked standalone Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. An eight-year OnStar Remote Access Plan was included, supporting navigation, route planning, and battery pre-conditioning.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade combined traditional engineering with a futuristic interface, featuring a 55-inch display spanning the dashboard. A 19-speaker AKG audio system was standard, with a 36-speaker upgrade available. The Escalade retained standalone wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a hard button for vehicle operation. The optional Executive Second Row Package added screens, wireless chargers, and upgraded seats with massage and headrest speakers.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV came with Chevy Safety Assist, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Additional features included rear park assist, reverse automatic braking, and blind-zone steering assist. Super Cruise was available from the 2LT trim, offering hands-free highway driving.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade offered adaptive cruise control, blind-zone steering assist, and a 360-degree camera system. Super Cruise allowed hands-free driving on mapped roads, with improvements in reliability. The Safety Alert Seat provided warnings through vibrations, and teen-driver monitoring was included. Crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of publication.