2025 Buick Enclave vs 2025 Cadillac Escalade

The 2025 Buick Enclave presented a bold and modern design, reminiscent of the compact Envista. Its front showcased sharp features with slim DRLs and a large, angular grille, while the side profile appeared more generic yet bolder than its predecessor. The Enclave's design included fewer creases, a flatter roof, and slightly sharpened wheel arches. Standard 20-inch wheels on the base trim and unique 22-inch wheels on the Avenir trim added to its appeal. Inside, the Enclave offered a premium feel with a floating center console and a large curved display, creating an airy, futuristic ambiance. The Sport Touring trim featured perforated leatherette seats with contrast piping, enhancing the interior's upscale vibe. However, the limited sunroof availability was a drawback, especially for the base trim.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade continued to embody Cadillac luxury with its updated design, distinguishing itself from its platform-sharing counterparts. The new front end aligned the Escalade with Cadillac's EVs, featuring large vertical headlights and tall, vertical taillights reminiscent of classic Cadillacs. Available 24-inch wheels complemented its massive presence. The Escalade offered both standard and long-wheelbase versions, with various trim levels including the performance-focused Escalade-V. Inside, Cadillac enhanced the Escalade's tech-centric interior with a 55-inch display spanning the dashboard. Real leather upholstery was standard on most trims, with curated interior motifs available. The Premium Luxury Platinum trim impressed with its Whisper Beige upholstery and wood trim, showcasing Cadillac's attention to detail.

The 2025 Buick Enclave was powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission with options for front-wheel or all-wheel drive, the latter costing an additional $2,000. Fuel economy was slightly reduced with AWD, dropping from 23 to 21 mpg combined. The Enclave could tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. Active Noise Cancellation was standard for road noise, but engine noise cancellation was only standard on the top trim. The Enclave's driving dynamics reflected its size, with loose steering at slower speeds, making it feel more like a full-size vehicle.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade dropped the diesel option, offering a 6.2-liter V8 engine with 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. The Escalade-V featured a supercharged V8 with 682 horsepower. A 10-speed automatic transmission provided smooth shifts, balancing low and high ratios for efficient driving. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with four-wheel drive optional. The Escalade-V had a performance-oriented AWD system. Magnetic Ride Control damping was standard on most trims, but the Escalade's weight affected its handling. Brembo brakes were available for improved stopping power. Despite its V8 power, the Escalade's brakes lacked confidence without the optional upgrade.

The 2025 Buick Enclave offered eight-way power adjustability for the driver's seat and six-way for the front passenger. It accommodated up to seven passengers with second-row captain's chairs. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard, while the Avenir trim added heated second-row seats and ventilation for the front. Tri-zone climate control allowed middle-row passengers to adjust their temperature. The Enclave featured power-folding seats and a hands-free liftgate, providing 22.9 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats up, expanding to 97.5 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade came in standard and long-wheelbase versions, with the ESV offering more cargo space and third-row legroom. It seated up to eight or seven with captain's chairs. The Escalade boasted ample interior space, with best-in-class first-row headroom and legroom. Cargo space in the standard model reached 121 cubic feet with seats folded, while the ESV offered up to 142.8 cubic feet. The Escalade's towing capacity was 8,100 pounds for the standard model and 8,000 pounds for the ESV, though it lacked some towing features found in competitors.

The 2025 Buick Enclave featured a 30-inch curved display integrating the infotainment system and digital gauge cluster. A 12-speaker Bose audio system was standard, with a 16-speaker system exclusive to the Avenir trim. Wireless charging, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto were standard, along with Google Built-In and Wi-Fi hotspot capability. The Enclave offered wired charging with USB ports in each row.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade introduced a 55-inch display spanning the dashboard, incorporating a digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen. A 19-speaker AKG audio system was standard, with a 36-speaker version available. The Escalade retained wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a rotary dial and touchscreen for controls. The Executive Second Row Package added 12.6-inch screens and upgraded seats with massage and headrest speakers.

The 2025 Buick Enclave included advanced safety features like blind-zone steering assist, intersection automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. HD Surround Vision with selectable camera views was standard, and Super Cruise was available on all trims. The Enclave had not yet been rated by IIHS or NHTSA for 2025, but the 2024 model received favorable ratings.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade offered adaptive cruise control, blind-zone steering assist, and a 360-degree camera system. Super Cruise was available, allowing hands-free driving on mapped roads. Current crash-test ratings were unavailable, but the Escalade featured GM's Safety Alert Seat and teen-driver monitoring.