2025 Cadillac Escalade vs 2025 Toyota 4Runner

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner, in its sixth generation, maintained a design evolution rather than a complete overhaul. It retained the horseshoe-shaped grilles from the previous generation, but with a more robust and industrial look. The side body panels featured deep beveled creases that seamlessly integrated with the flared wheel arches, giving the 4Runner a broad-shouldered stance suitable for an off-road SUV. This model paid homage to its predecessors, notably with the slanted rearmost window reminiscent of the first-generation 4Runner. Inside, the cabin mirrored the Toyota Tacoma's design, with a beveled styling motif that was both attractive and functional. The interior was equipped with hard plastics for durability, complemented by light cushioning for comfort. The materials were of higher quality than those in a Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco, though not as refined as a Land Rover Defender.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade, aside from the low-volume Celestiq EV, was Cadillac's largest and most expensive offering, embodying old-school luxury. The updated design further distinguished it from its platform-sharing siblings, the Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban and GMC Yukon/Yukon XL. The most notable exterior change was the new front end, aligning the gasoline Escalade stylistically with Cadillac's EVs. It featured large vertical headlights and smaller horizontal daytime running lights. The rear maintained tall, vertical taillights reminiscent of classic Cadillac tailfins. The Escalade offered standard and long-wheelbase ESV body styles, with various trim levels, including the performance-oriented Escalade-V. Inside, Cadillac focused on differentiating the Escalade from other GM SUVs, featuring a screen-centric interior with a 55-inch display spanning the dashboard. The interior boasted real leather upholstery, with semi-aniline leather available, and curated interior motifs for a luxurious feel.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner offered two engine choices. The entry-level trims came with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 317 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup promised better acceleration and fuel economy compared to the previous five-speed unit. Rear-wheel drive was standard on some trims, with four-wheel drive available as an option, while off-road-oriented models came standard with 4WD. Toyota introduced the i-Force Max Hybrid powertrain, combining the four-cylinder engine with a 1.87-kWh battery pack and an electric motor, delivering a combined output of 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. This hybrid variant offered stronger power at lower speeds, beneficial for off-roading. The 4Runner demonstrated improved on-road composure, with reduced nosedive and body roll, and maintained its off-road prowess with nine distinct trims offering varying levels of capability.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade dropped the Duramax turbodiesel inline-six engine, leaving the naturally-aspirated 6.2-liter V8 engine as the sole option, producing 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. The Escalade-V featured a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 with 682 horsepower and 653 pound-feet of torque. All models were equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission, ensuring smooth and efficient power delivery. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with four-wheel drive optional on most models, while the Escalade-V had a model-specific all-wheel drive system for performance driving. The Escalade's Magnetic Ride Control damping system, standard on all but the base Luxury grade, provided a comfortable ride, though it couldn't match the handling of a Range Rover or BMW X7. The V8 engine offered quick acceleration, but the brakes lacked confidence, with an optional Performance Upgrade Package available for enhanced braking performance.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner was five inches longer than its predecessor, with a 2.4-inch increase in wheelbase. This longer wheelbase offered minimal gains in passenger space, with ample room for taller passengers in the front seats but only adequate legroom in the middle row. Third-row seating was available on non-hybrid models, though it was cramped and lacked thigh support. The cockpit was well-organized, with oversized climate control knobs and grouped off-road controls for easy operation. The 4Runner offered various off-road features, including terrain programs and camera views for navigating tough terrain. Towing capacity ranged from 5,800 to 6,000 pounds, and cargo capacity was slightly reduced due to the hybrid's battery placement, with a sturdy roof rack available for additional storage.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade was available in short and long-wheelbase configurations, with the ESV model offering increased cargo space and third-row legroom. The Escalade provided ample space for passengers, with best-in-class first-row headroom and legroom. Cargo capacity was generous, with the standard-length model offering 25.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expandable to 121 cubic feet with the seats folded. The ESV model further increased cargo space 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 offered by competitors like the Lincoln Navigator.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen as standard, with a 14-inch touchscreen available. Both systems were user-friendly, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad. Off-road models included external camera views for trail navigation, and a JBL premium audio system was available. Remote monitoring and control were possible through a smartphone app, and a digital key function allowed phone-based access.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade combined traditional engineering with a high-tech interface, featuring a 55-inch door-to-door display 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 hard button for vehicle operation. The optional Executive Second Row Package included 12.6-inch screens, wireless device chargers, and upgraded seats with massage and headrest speakers.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner's crash test results were not available at the time of writing, but the Tacoma pickup on which it was based received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS. The 4Runner came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including features like frontal collision warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. A blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alerts was optional.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade included standard driver-assist features such as adaptive cruise control, blind-zone steering assist, automatic emergency braking, and a 360-degree camera system. GM-specific features included a vibrating Safety Alert Seat, teen-driver monitoring, and Super Cruise, a hands-free driving system. Crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of publication.