2024 Hyundai Palisade vs 2025 Cadillac Escalade

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade stood out with its distinctive styling, setting it apart from other family-friendly SUVs. While its design might not have appealed to everyone, those who appreciated its aesthetics likely found much to enjoy in other aspects of the vehicle. The Palisade was available in several trims, including the SE, SEL, XRT, Limited, Calligraphy, and the new Calligraphy Night Edition. Prices ranged from $36,650 to $53,850, excluding the destination charge. The Calligraphy Night Edition, priced at $55,930, featured a blacked-out appearance with dark chrome and gloss black exterior trim, available in Abyss Black or Hyper White paint.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade, meanwhile, embodied old-school Cadillac luxury with its updated design, further distinguishing itself from its platform-sharing siblings, the Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban and GMC Yukon/Yukon XL. The most notable exterior change was a new front end, aligning it stylistically with Cadillac's EVs. The Escalade featured large vertical headlights and tall, vertical taillights reminiscent of classic Cadillac tailfins. Available in standard and long-wheelbase ESV body styles, the Escalade offered various trims, including Luxury, Premium Luxury, Sport, and the performance-oriented Escalade-V. The interior boasted a 55-inch display spanning the dashboard, enhancing its high-tech appeal.

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade was powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available. The Palisade had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and offered eight inches of ground clearance. It featured multiple driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Sport, Smart, and Snow, with the AWD system capable of locking power distribution for off-road conditions. The Palisade delivered satisfying acceleration and a firm yet comfortable ride, averaging 18.8 mpg in testing.

In contrast, the 2025 Cadillac Escalade dropped its diesel option, leaving a 6.2-liter V8 engine with 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. The Escalade-V featured a supercharged version with 682 hp. All models had a 10-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive standard and four-wheel drive optional. The Escalade-V had a performance-focused AWD system. Despite its power, the Escalade's handling was less refined than some competitors, and its brakes lacked confidence. The optional Performance Upgrade Package included Brembo brakes and a performance exhaust.

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade offered a range of seating options, from cloth in the base SE to premium Nappa leather in higher trims. The Calligraphy Night Edition featured comfortable simulated suede inserts. The Palisade provided configurable storage, with a large bin and wireless charging. Second-row captain’s chairs were standard in most trims, with heated and ventilated options. The third row was spacious, with heated seats in top trims. Cargo space was generous, with up to 86.4 cubic feet available.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade, available in standard and extended ESV versions, offered ample interior space. The ESV increased third-row legroom and cargo capacity significantly. Seating for up to eight was available, with luxurious options like massage seats and headrest speakers. Cargo space in the standard model reached 121 cubic feet, while the ESV offered up to 142.8 cubic feet. The Escalade's towing capacity was 8,100 pounds, slightly less than some competitors.

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, Bluetooth, and Bluelink+ connected services. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto required a USB-A connection. The Harman Kardon sound system provided excellent audio quality. Additional tech included a digital key, remote parking, and a head-up display.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade boasted a 55-inch display integrating digital instruments and infotainment. A 19-speaker AKG audio system was standard, with a 36-speaker upgrade available. The Escalade retained wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with intuitive controls and voice recognition. The Executive Second Row Package added rear screens and wireless charging.

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade came with Hyundai's SmartSense suite, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Highway Driving Assist offered adaptive cruise control and lane-centering. The Palisade earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, though some NHTSA tests were incomplete.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade featured adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and Super Cruise, GM's hands-free driving system. The Safety Alert Seat provided tactile warnings. Current crash-test ratings were unavailable at publication.