2025 Cadillac Escalade vs 2024 Volvo XC90

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was available in B5, B6, and Recharge T8 models, each equipped with a standard all-wheel drive. The B5 featured a turbocharged mild-hybrid four-cylinder engine, while the B6 added a supercharger for enhanced performance. The Recharge T8, a plug-in hybrid, offered the most power and efficiency, with an estimated 32 miles of electric-only range. Trim levels included Core, Plus, and Ultimate, with prices ranging from $56,000 to $79,600, excluding a $1,195 destination charge. The Recharge T8 Ultimate trim test vehicle boasted seven-passenger seating, a Lounge Package with massaging front seats, an active air suspension, a Bowers & Wilkins audio system, and a trailer hitch, priced at $89,145. The XC90's exterior featured a subdued, earthy color palette and various wheel designs up to 21 inches, with a Bright theme contrasting the blacked-out trend. Inside, the design was dated but luxurious, with options for wool-blend upholstery or ventilated Nappa leather, an Orrefors crystal shift knob, and natural wood trim.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade, the largest and most expensive Cadillac, continued to embody old-school luxury. The updated design distinguished it from its Chevrolet and GMC counterparts, featuring a new front end with vertical headlights and 24-inch wheels. Available in standard and long-wheelbase ESV body styles, the Escalade offered Luxury, Premium Luxury, Sport, Premium Luxury Platinum, and Sport Platinum trims, plus the Escalade-V performance model. The interior boasted a 55-inch display spanning the dashboard, replacing the previous 38-inch OLED display. Base models had Interluxe synthetic leather, while higher trims offered real leather, with semi-aniline options. The Premium Luxury Platinum test car featured Whisper Beige upholstery and wood trim, showcasing impressive craftsmanship. Despite sharing a platform with other GM SUVs, the Escalade's interior design and features set it apart.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 combined an 18.8-kilowatt-hour battery and a 107-kilowatt electric motor with a supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque. It offered 32 miles of electric-only driving and averaged 27 mpg in hybrid mode. The SUV accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in five seconds. Charging took about 12 hours with a standard outlet, or less than half that time with a 240-volt outlet. The XC90 featured multiple driving modes, including Pure, Power, Hybrid, and Off-Road, with up to 9.9 inches of ground clearance. During testing, the XC90 delivered 28 miles of electric range and 24.5 mpg in combined driving. The SUV excelled in electric performance for short trips but showed reduced EV performance after 25 miles. The powertrain was lively, but handling was not thrilling, with firm ride quality and noticeable cabin noise.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade dropped the Duramax turbodiesel option, leaving the 6.2-liter V8 engine with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. The Escalade-V featured a supercharged V8 with 682 hp and 653 lb-ft of torque. All models had a 10-speed automatic transmission, ensuring smooth power delivery. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with four-wheel drive optional, and the Escalade-V had a performance-focused AWD system. Most trims included an electronic rear limited-slip differential and a two-speed transfer case. Magnetic Ride Control damping was standard on all but the base trim, but the Escalade's handling couldn't match luxury rivals. The V8 provided quick acceleration, but the brakes lacked confidence. The Performance Upgrade Package offered Brembo brakes and other enhancements.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 featured power-adjustable heated front seats, leather upholstery, wood trim, and a four-zone climate control system. Higher trims added a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats with massage, and more. The SUV seated seven, with a comfortable second-row bench and a tight but accommodating third row. Cargo space was limited with all seats in use but expanded to 65.5 cubic feet with the third row folded and 85.7 cubic feet with the second row down.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade offered short and long-wheelbase configurations, with the ESV providing more cargo space and third-row legroom. Seating for up to eight was available, with captain’s chairs reducing capacity to seven. The Escalade excelled in first-row headroom and legroom, with competitive space in other 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 cargo capacity further. Towing capacity was 8,100 pounds for the standard model and 8,000 pounds for the ESV.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen with Google Built-in technology, offering Google Maps, Google Play, and Google Assistant. Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM were standard, with premium audio options available. The infotainment system was intuitive, with a stereo volume knob and radio tuning buttons. A 12-inch digital instrumentation panel and optional head-up display and surround-view camera enhanced the tech experience.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade introduced a 55-inch display incorporating a digital instrument cluster, infotainment touchscreen, and front-passenger screen. A secondary touchscreen handled climate controls, with a rotary dial for additional functions. A 19-speaker AKG audio system was standard, with a 36-speaker upgrade available. The Escalade retained wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with user-friendly icon rows and voice recognition. The Executive Second Row Package added screens, wireless chargers, and upgraded seats with massage and headrest speakers.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was synonymous with safety, earning five-star ratings from NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover rating. It was a 2023 IIHS Top Safety Pick+. However, its ADAS features were not innovative, lacking a hands-free driving system. Pilot Assist combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering but struggled with certain road conditions, causing a loss of confidence in the system.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade included adaptive cruise control, blind-zone steering assist, automatic emergency braking, and more. GM's Safety Alert Seat provided warnings through vibrations. Super Cruise, a hands-free driving system, improved over previous versions but had abrupt handoffs. Current crash-test ratings were unavailable.