2025 Cadillac Escalade vs 2025 Chevrolet Equinox

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox underwent a significant redesign, adopting a modern aesthetic that aligned it more closely with its larger siblings like the Chevrolet Traverse and Suburban. The new design featured a flat roof, upright grille, and distinctive “shark fin” C-pillar, giving it a more robust and contemporary appearance compared to its predecessors. Each trim level offered unique styling elements, with the base Equinox LT featuring chrome accents and the option for a Midnight Edition High Gloss Black treatment. The RS trim, known for its sportier look, included black mirrors, badges, and larger grille openings, while the ACTIV trim introduced a rugged design with dark chrome and all-terrain tires. The interior of the Equinox was also revamped, with a focus on texture and space. The shifter was moved to the steering column, opening up the center console, and the new infotainment screen was integrated with the driver-information display, enhancing the cabin's modern feel. The RS and ACTIV trims offered distinct interior themes, with the ACTIV trim featuring a two-tone “Maple Sugar and Black” theme that brightened the cabin, while the RS trim incorporated red highlights and contrast stitching for a sporty effect.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade continued to embody Cadillac's luxury ethos, with its updated design further distinguishing it from its platform-sharing counterparts, the Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban and GMC Yukon/Yukon XL. The most notable exterior change was the new front end, which brought the gasoline Escalade closer in style to Cadillac's EV lineup, featuring large vertical headlights and horizontal daytime running lights. The Escalade offered both standard and long-wheelbase ESV body styles, with various trim levels including the performance-focused Escalade-V. Inside, Cadillac enhanced the Escalade's high-tech appeal with a 55-inch display spanning the dashboard, replacing the previous 38-inch OLED display. The interior offered a range of luxurious materials and curated motifs, with the Premium Luxury Platinum trim showcasing Whisper Beige upholstery and wood trim. Despite its shared platform, Cadillac worked to differentiate the Escalade's interior, offering a screen-centric design and extensive creature comforts, particularly for second-row passengers with options like the Executive Second Row Package.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox retained its 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 175 horsepower. Torque varied depending on the drivetrain, with front-wheel-drive models offering 184 lb-ft and all-wheel-drive models providing 203 lb-ft. The Equinox transitioned from a six-speed automatic transmission to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) for FWD models and an eight-speed automatic for AWD versions. The eight-speed automatic was noted for its improved performance over the previous six-speed, offering quicker gear changes and reduced noise. The Equinox's acceleration was responsive at low speeds, though the engine's limitations became apparent during highway merges. The AWD-equipped Equinox could tow up to 1,500 pounds, with selectable drive modes enhancing its versatility.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade dropped the Duramax turbodiesel option, leaving the naturally-aspirated 6.2-liter V8 as the sole engine choice, producing 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. The Escalade-V featured a supercharged version of the V8, delivering 682 hp and 653 lb-ft of torque. All models were equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth and efficient gear changes. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with four-wheel drive optional on most models, while the Escalade-V had a performance-oriented all-wheel-drive system. The Escalade's Magnetic Ride Control and optional air suspension offered a comfortable ride, though it couldn't match the handling of some luxury competitors. The V8 provided strong acceleration, but the brakes were less confidence-inspiring, with an optional Performance Upgrade Package available for enhanced braking performance.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox offered heated front seats and a heated steering wheel as standard on the RS and ACTIV trims, with additional amenities like front seat ventilation and heated rear seats available in a package. The Evotex seats provided a premium feel, and the flat roof design ensured consistent headroom throughout the cabin. The moonroof extended into the rear seating area, adding light for back-seat passengers. Cargo space was slightly reduced, with 29.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 63.5 cubic feet with them folded down, but a hidden storage compartment added some versatility.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade, available in both standard and long-wheelbase ESV configurations, offered ample interior space. The ESV model increased cargo space and third-row legroom, while seating for up to eight was available. The Escalade boasted best-in-class first-row headroom and legroom, though second and third-row dimensions were competitive but not class-leading. Cargo capacity was generous, with the standard model offering 25.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and up to 121 cubic feet with seats folded. The ESV model further expanded cargo space, making it a leader in the segment. The Escalade's towing capacity was competitive, though it lacked some of the advanced towing features offered by rivals.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox came standard with Google Built-In, offering wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The native Google Maps integration was particularly functional, allowing for simultaneous infotainment activities without interrupting navigation. The Equinox's tech features were largely standard, including an 11.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wi-fi hotspot capability, and a six-speaker audio system. Wireless charging was standard on higher trims, though there was no option for an upgraded sound system.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade featured a cutting-edge 55-inch display spanning the dashboard, incorporating a digital instrument cluster, infotainment touchscreen, and front-passenger touchscreen. A 19-speaker AKG audio system was standard, with a 36-speaker version available. The Escalade retained standalone wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a user-friendly interface that included haptic feedback for the smaller control screen. The optional Executive Second Row Package added luxury features for rear passengers, including screens, wireless chargers, and massage seats, enhancing the Escalade's appeal as a luxury vehicle.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox offered a comprehensive suite of safety features as part of the Chevy Safety Assist package, including rear park assist, lane-change alert, and enhanced automatic emergency braking. An available Safety & Technology package added features like rear pedestrian alert and a camera rearview mirror. The standard Teen Driver Technology allowed parents to monitor and control certain aspects of the vehicle's operation, providing peace of mind for families.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade included a range of standard driver-assist features, such as adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera system. The Safety Alert Seat provided tactile warnings, and the Super Cruise hands-free driving system offered advanced driver assistance on mapped roads. While crash-test ratings were not available, the Escalade's safety features were comprehensive, though the handoff from Super Cruise to manual control could be abrupt.