2025 Cadillac Escalade vs 2024 Mazda CX-30

The 2024 Mazda CX-30 was designed to ensure it stood out as a crossover rather than a car, with its lower body heavily clad in charcoal-colored plastic. While some might have found this excessive, the overall design was appealing, featuring short overhangs, a long hood, and a rakish roofline. The interior of the CX-30 felt a class above, with style and refinement akin to an entry-level luxury SUV. The gauges were clear, the infotainment screen was seamlessly integrated into the dashboard, and the dual-zone climate controls were elegantly designed.

In contrast, the 2025 Cadillac Escalade was the epitome of old-school Cadillac luxury, updated with a modern twist. The exterior featured a new front end that aligned it with Cadillac's EV lineup, with large vertical headlights and tall taillights reminiscent of classic Cadillacs. The Escalade offered both standard and long-wheelbase versions, with various trim levels including the performance-focused Escalade-V. Inside, Cadillac worked hard to differentiate the Escalade from its GM siblings, introducing a 55-inch OLED display that spanned the dashboard, enhancing its high-tech appeal.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30, equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivered 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. Despite these figures, the power delivery was smooth rather than immediate, creating a sensation akin to surfing. The six-speed automatic transmission shifted flawlessly, and the standard AWD system ensured power was distributed to all four wheels. However, fuel economy was a downside, with observed figures of 21.3 mpg, and the small fuel tank limited range. The CX-30 was fun to drive, offering nimble handling and excellent visibility, though it felt a bit soft on winding roads.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade, meanwhile, dropped its diesel option, leaving the naturally-aspirated 6.2-liter V8 as the standard engine, producing 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. The Escalade-V boasted a supercharged version with 682 hp. All models featured a 10-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth and efficient gear changes. While RWD was standard, 4WD was optional, and the Escalade-V had a performance-oriented AWD system. Despite its power, the Escalade's handling was less refined than some competitors, and its brakes lacked confidence, though an optional performance package was available.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30's interior was marked by quality materials and logical controls, with a three-gauge digital instrumentation setup and a traditional shifter. The cabin featured gloss black trim, metallic accents, and Terracotta leather seats. While front-seat occupants enjoyed comfort and ease of access, the rear seat was cramped. Cargo space was flexible, with 20.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 45.2 cubic feet with them folded.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade offered ample space, with both standard and long-wheelbase versions. The ESV model provided additional cargo space and third-row legroom. The Escalade boasted best-in-class first-row headroom and legroom, though second and third-row space was slightly less than some rivals. Cargo capacity was generous, with the standard model offering up to 121 cubic feet and the ESV up to 142.8 cubic feet. Towing capacity was competitive, though Cadillac lacked some of the towing features offered by competitors.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30's turbocharged models featured a new 10.25-inch infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the screen's distance from the driver was a drawback, and the voice recognition system was not as intuitive as it could be. All models included a three-year subscription to Mazda Connected Services and new USB-C ports.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade combined traditional engineering with cutting-edge technology, featuring a 55-inch display that integrated various functions. A 19-speaker AKG audio system was standard, with a 36-speaker version available. The Escalade retained standalone wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and its voice recognition system, while not as advanced as some competitors, was functional. The optional Executive Second Row Package added luxury features for rear passengers, including screens and massage seats.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims offered additional features like adaptive headlights and a surround-view camera system. The CX-30 received top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade came with standard driver-assist features such as adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera system. GM's Safety Alert Seat provided warnings through vibrations, and Super Cruise offered hands-free driving on mapped roads. However, crash-test ratings were not available at the time of publication.