2025 Ford Explorer vs 2025 Cadillac Escalade

The 2025 Ford Explorer continued its evolution with a refreshed design that enhanced its rugged appeal. The front end was restyled to give it a wider and more robust appearance, while new LED taillights and a trim strip added a modern touch. Inside, the Explorer saw significant improvements in materials and design, making it more competitive in its segment. Ford streamlined the trim levels to four, offering a range from the base Active to the performance-tuned ST.

In contrast, the 2025 Cadillac Escalade maintained its status as a symbol of luxury with a design update that aligned it more closely with Cadillac's EV lineup. The new front end featured vertical headlights, and 24-inch wheels were introduced for the first time. Inside, Cadillac focused on differentiating the Escalade from its GM siblings with a high-tech, screen-centric interior. The 55-inch display spanned the dashboard, enhancing the Escalade's luxurious feel.

The 2025 Ford Explorer offered two EcoBoost engines: a 2.3-liter four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and a 3.0-liter V6 with 400 horsepower. Both engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, with four-wheel drive as an option. The Explorer's driving modes catered to various conditions, and the ST-Line trim provided a sporty feel with larger wheels and performance brakes.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade dropped its diesel option, leaving a 6.2-liter V8 with 420 horsepower and a supercharged version with 682 horsepower for the Escalade-V. The 10-speed automatic transmission ensured smooth power delivery, and the Escalade offered rear-wheel drive with optional four-wheel drive. The Escalade-V featured a performance-oriented all-wheel-drive system. Despite its power, the Escalade's handling was less refined compared to some luxury competitors.

The 2025 Ford Explorer seated six in its standard configuration, with an option for a seven-seat layout. The interior featured comfortable seating with options like heated and massaging front seats. Cargo space was competitive, offering 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 85.8 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade provided ample space, especially in the long-wheelbase ESV model, which offered increased cargo capacity and third-row legroom. The standard model had 25.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 121 cubic feet with seats down. The Escalade's towing capacity was competitive, though it lacked some advanced towing features found in rivals.

The 2025 Ford Explorer introduced the Ford Digital Experience with a 13.2-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. It included Google Built-in, Amazon Alexa, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The B&O sound system varied by trim, with the higher trims offering a more powerful setup.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade featured a 55-inch display spanning the dashboard, with a 19-speaker AKG audio system standard and a 36-speaker version available. The Escalade retained standalone wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and offered advanced features like an augmented-reality head-up display and night vision. The optional Executive Second Row Package added luxury touches for rear passengers.

The 2025 Ford Explorer came with Ford CoPilot 360+, including adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist. Higher trims added features like a surround-view camera and BlueCruise hands-free driving. The Explorer had not been fully rated by NHTSA or IIHS at the time of review.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and Super Cruise hands-free driving. The Safety Alert Seat provided tactile warnings. Crash-test ratings were not available at the time of publication.