2025 Cadillac Escalade vs 2024 Kia Sorento

The 2024 Kia Sorento underwent a significant visual update, aligning more closely with its Kia siblings like the Telluride and EV9. It featured a robust new front end with vertically-stacked LED headlights and wing-like daytime running lights, giving it a larger and more intimidating presence. The rear updates were subtler, with new bumpers and LED taillights on higher trims. The Sorento's interior saw a redesign with a cleaner dashboard, combining the gauge cluster and infotainment displays under a single pane of glass. Higher trims boasted twin 12.3-inch displays, and the materials used in the cabin were upgraded for a more upscale feel.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade showcased a new front end, bringing it stylistically closer to Cadillac's EVs. It featured large vertical headlights and horizontal daytime running lights, with tall vertical taillights reminiscent of classic Cadillacs. The Escalade offered 24-inch wheels for the first time, enhancing its imposing appearance. Inside, Cadillac replaced the 38-inch OLED display with a 55-inch screen spanning the dashboard. The interior was luxurious, with options for real leather and curated motifs. The Escalade's cabin was designed to hide its shared platform with other GM SUVs, offering a high-tech, screen-centric experience.

The 2024 Kia Sorento retained its base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 191 horsepower, which struggled with the vehicle's weight. The turbocharged 2.5-liter engine on higher trims delivered 281 horsepower, providing better performance with a dual-clutch eight-speed automatic transmission. The Sorento offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available. The X-Line and X-Pro trims enhanced off-road capabilities with increased ground clearance and all-terrain tires. The Sorento's handling was confident, and it offered various drive modes and a towing capacity of up to 4,500 pounds.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade dropped the diesel option, leaving the 6.2-liter V8 with 420 horsepower and the Escalade-V's supercharged V8 with 682 horsepower. All models featured a 10-speed automatic transmission, ensuring smooth power delivery. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with four-wheel drive optional. The Escalade-V had a performance-focused all-wheel drive system. Magnetic Ride Control and optional air suspension provided a comfortable ride, though the Escalade's handling couldn't match some luxury competitors. The brakes were adequate, with an optional Brembo upgrade available.

The 2024 Kia Sorento offered a comfortable cabin with ample space in the first two rows, though the third row was tight. It provided 41.4 inches of front legroom and 41.7 inches in the second row. The third row had 29.6 inches of legroom, suitable for occasional use. Cargo space was limited with the third row in use but expanded significantly when folded. The Sorento's controls were ergonomic, and higher trims included features like a power liftgate.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade came in standard and long-wheelbase versions, with the ESV offering more cargo space and third-row legroom. It provided seating for up to eight, with generous headroom and legroom in the first two rows. The standard model offered 25.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 121 cubic feet with seats folded. The ESV increased these figures further. The Escalade's towing capacity was 8,100 pounds, with the ESV slightly lower.

The 2024 Kia Sorento featured a single-pane, twin-screen setup with a 12.3-inch screen on all models. The infotainment system, called "Connected Car Navigation Cockpit," was redesigned for ease of use. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the system supported over-the-air updates. Higher trims offered a Bose 12-speaker audio system and Digital Key 2.0 for keyless access.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade boasted a 55-inch display spanning the dashboard, with a separate touchscreen for climate controls. It included a 19-speaker AKG audio system, with a 36-speaker upgrade available. The Escalade supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and featured an augmented-reality head-up display and night vision. The optional Executive Second Row Package added screens and controls for rear passengers.

The 2024 Kia Sorento included Kia’s Drivewise suite with adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and more. Optional features included surround-view cameras and a rear-view camera mirror. The Sorento had "Good" ratings in some IIHS tests, but full evaluations were pending.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade offered adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera system. It featured GM's Safety Alert Seat and Super Cruise for hands-free driving. Current crash-test ratings were unavailable.