2025 Cadillac Escalade vs 2025 Subaru Forester

The 2025 Subaru Forester underwent a noticeable visual transformation, focusing on practicality while smoothing out its design. It featured standard roof rails and 17-inch alloy wheels, with higher trims offering larger wheels and distinctive accents. The Forester Sport showcased bronze trim, while the Touring trim included chrome badging and a low-profile roof rack. The interior boasted a more intentional design, with options ranging from cloth to genuine leather upholstery, and structural dash elements that enhanced its appeal.

In contrast, the 2025 Cadillac Escalade emphasized luxury and grandeur. Its updated front end aligned with Cadillac's EVs, featuring vertical headlights and massive 24-inch wheels. The Escalade offered various trims, including the performance-focused Escalade-V. Inside, Cadillac replaced the previous display with a 55-inch screen spanning the dashboard, enhancing its high-tech appeal. The interior offered luxurious materials, with options like Renaissance Red leather and carbon fiber trim, creating a sophisticated atmosphere.

The 2025 Subaru Forester retained its 2.5-liter Boxer four-cylinder engine, producing 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. It featured a Lineartonic CVT and standard Symmetrical AWD. The Forester's X-Mode system, standard from the Premium trim, improved traction on challenging terrain. Despite its modest acceleration, the Forester impressed with its smooth steering and stability on various surfaces. Fuel economy was rated at 26 mpg city and 33 highway, with a slight decrease for Sport and Touring trims.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade dropped its diesel option, offering a 6.2-liter V8 engine with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. The Escalade-V boasted a supercharged V8 with 682 hp. All models featured a 10-speed automatic transmission, ensuring smooth power delivery. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with optional 4WD and a performance AWD system for the Escalade-V. While the Escalade offered impressive power, its handling and ride quality couldn't match luxury rivals. Brembo brakes were available for enhanced stopping power.

The 2025 Subaru Forester introduced a hands-free power liftgate, increasing cargo space slightly to 29.6 cubic feet with seats up and 74.4 cubic feet with them down. It offered a roomy second row, though it lagged behind some competitors in cargo space. Interior features included a dark headliner, power-adjustable seats, and heated options for higher trims.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade, available in standard and long-wheelbase versions, provided ample space for passengers and cargo. The ESV model offered increased third-row legroom and cargo capacity, with up to 142.8 cubic feet available. The Escalade's towing capacity reached 8,100 pounds, though it lacked some towing features found in competitors. Power liftgate and folding seats facilitated easy reconfiguration.

The 2025 Subaru Forester introduced an 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus infotainment system, standard on most trims, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims offered navigation, a Harman Kardon sound system, and additional driver-assistance features. Starlink connected services added new capabilities, enhancing convenience and safety.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade featured a 55-inch display, integrating digital instruments and infotainment. It offered a 19-speaker AKG audio system, with a 36-speaker upgrade available. The Escalade retained wireless smartphone integration and included advanced features like an augmented-reality head-up display. The Executive Second Row Package added luxury touches for rear passengers, including screens and massage seats.

The 2025 Subaru Forester included Subaru’s EyeSight suite with enhancements for 2025, such as a wider field of view. Emergency Stop Assist was available on the Touring trim, alongside features like a digital rearview mirror and reverse automatic braking. While crash-test ratings were pending, previous models received high marks.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade offered standard driver-assist features, including adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. Super Cruise, GM’s hands-free driving system, improved its performance, though manual control transitions needed refinement. Current crash-test ratings were unavailable, but the Escalade included comprehensive safety features.