2025 Cadillac Escalade vs 2025 Hyundai Kona

The 2025 Hyundai Kona maintained its distinctive appearance from the previous year, ensuring it stood out in the crossover class. Its futuristic design was highlighted by a largely flush, single-piece grille and ultra-slim LED light bars, giving even the gas-powered models a modern look. The Kona's design, with its curves, bulges, and sharp angles, created a satisfactory visual appeal. The 2025 model was notably larger, about six inches longer than its predecessor, enhancing both interior space and road presence. The new N Line S trim, along with the N Line, offered a sportier design with body-colored bumpers and cladding, while other trims like SE, SEL, SEL Convenience, and Limited added visual enhancements such as larger alloy wheels and rear privacy glass. The interior remained unchanged from 2024, featuring solid construction and ample tech, with 64-color ambient lighting now standard on higher trims.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade continued to embody Cadillac luxury, with its updated design further distinguishing it from its platform-sharing counterparts. The most significant exterior change was a new front end, aligning the gasoline Escalade stylistically with Cadillac's EVs. The headlights were redesigned as large vertical bars, complemented by smaller horizontal daytime running lights. At the rear, the Escalade retained its tall, vertical taillights reminiscent of classic Cadillac tailfins. For 2025, 24-inch wheels were introduced, enhancing the vehicle's imposing presence. The Escalade offered both standard and long-wheelbase ESV body styles, with various trim levels including Luxury, Premium Luxury, Sport, and the performance-oriented Escalade-V. Inside, Cadillac focused on differentiating the Escalade from other GM SUVs, featuring a screen-centric interior with a new 55-inch display spanning the dashboard.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered a choice between a fully electric drivetrain and two gas-powered options. The SE, SEL, and SEL Convenience trims featured a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with Hyundai's Intelligent Variable Transmission. For those seeking more power, the N Line S, N Line, and Limited trims came with a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive was available across the lineup for an additional cost, providing enhanced traction and a more sophisticated suspension setup. The Kona's performance was competent, with the turbo engine offering a broader torque band for improved driving dynamics.

In contrast, the 2025 Cadillac Escalade dropped its diesel engine option, leaving the naturally-aspirated 6.2-liter V8 as the primary power source, producing 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. The Escalade-V variant boasted a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 with 682 horsepower and 653 lb-ft of torque. All models featured a 10-speed automatic transmission, ensuring smooth and efficient power delivery. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with four-wheel drive optional on most trims. The Escalade-V had a performance-oriented all-wheel drive system. While the Escalade offered impressive power, its handling was less refined compared to luxury competitors, and its brakes lacked confidence-inspiring performance. The optional Performance Upgrade Package, including Brembo brakes, was recommended for those seeking enhanced stopping power.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona provided a surprisingly spacious interior for its size, with 25.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the rear seats, expanding to 63.7 cubic feet with the seats folded. Rear legroom measured 38.2 inches, offering adequate comfort for most passengers. The front seats were adjustable, and the steering wheel had reach and height adjustments, contributing to a comfortable driving position. The Kona's interior featured ample storage options, with various shelves and compartments. Upholstery options varied by trim, with cloth on lower trims and Alcantara or leatherette on higher trims. Heating and ventilation features were available on upper trims, enhancing comfort.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade, available in standard and long-wheelbase ESV configurations, offered generous interior space. The ESV model provided additional cargo space and third-row legroom. The Escalade accommodated up to eight passengers, or seven with second-row captain's chairs. Cargo capacity was impressive, with the standard model offering 25.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 121 cubic feet with seats folded. The ESV model further increased cargo space. The Escalade's towing capacity was competitive, though it lacked some towing features offered by rivals. Interior comfort was a priority, with extensive space and available luxury features for second-row passengers.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona featured a 12.3-inch central touchscreen infotainment display across all trims, offering wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Higher trims included wireless smartphone charging and a digital key. The SEL Convenience trim and above had a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, enhancing customization and cohesion. The N Line and Limited trims offered an eight-speaker Bose audio system, while lower trims had a six-speaker setup. Hyundai's Bluelink connectivity allowed for over-the-air updates, ensuring features remained current.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade boasted a high-tech interface with a new 55-inch display spanning the dashboard. This included a digital instrument cluster, central 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, along with a traditional steering wheel. The optional Executive Second Row Package added luxury features for rear passengers, including screens, wireless chargers, and upgraded seats with massage and headrest speakers.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona impressed with its comprehensive safety features, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, and Safe Exit Warning as standard across all trims. Higher trims added features like Highway Driving Assist and enhanced Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist. The Kona included six airbags, electronic stability control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. It earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade offered a range of standard driver-assist features, such as adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera system. GM-specific features included a vibrating Safety Alert Seat and Super Cruise, a hands-free driving system. Super Cruise had improved performance, though the transition to manual control could be abrupt. Current crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of publication.