2025 Cadillac Escalade vs 2024 Genesis GV80

The 2024 Genesis GV80 presented a choice between two engines: the 2.5T turbocharged four-cylinder and the 3.5T twin-turbocharged V6, with trim levels ranging from Standard to Prestige Signature. Prices varied from $57,700 to $81,750, plus a $1,350 destination charge. Our test vehicle, a GV80 3.5T in the Prestige Signature trim, featured an optional Matterhorn White Matte paint, bringing the MSRP to $84,600. The Prestige Signature models offered exclusive exterior colors and a stylish 22-inch wheel design, though the dark paint obscured the wheel details. Inside, the Ultramarine Blue over Dune interior exuded luxury with diamond-stitched Nappa leather, a suede headliner, and metallic accents. Despite its opulence, the Prestige Signature trim didn't seem more attractive than the regular Prestige model.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade, the largest and most expensive Cadillac, continued to embody old-school luxury with its updated design. The new front end brought the gasoline Escalade closer in style to Cadillac's EVs, featuring large vertical headlights and tall, vertical taillights reminiscent of classic Cadillacs. Available in standard and long-wheelbase ESV body styles, the Escalade offered various trim levels, including the performance-oriented Escalade-V. Inside, Cadillac enhanced the Escalade's high-tech appeal with a 55-inch display spanning the dashboard. The interior boasted real leather upholstery, with semi-aniline leather available, and curated interior motifs. Our Premium Luxury Platinum test car featured Whisper Beige upholstery and wood trim, showcasing impressive craftsmanship for a mainstream automaker.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. The 3.5T model provided a more satisfying performance, though it was less fuel-efficient, achieving 17.2 mpg during testing compared to the EPA's 20 mpg estimate. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, with five driving modes available. The GV80 3.5T featured upgraded front brakes and an adaptive damping suspension, offering a rewarding driving experience with swift acceleration and commendable grip from its P265/40R22 all-season tires.

For the 2025 Cadillac Escalade, Cadillac dropped the Duramax turbodiesel option, leaving the naturally-aspirated 6.2-liter V8 engine with 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. The Escalade-V continued with a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 producing 682 hp and 653 lb-ft of torque. All models featured a 10-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth and efficient gear shifts. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with four-wheel drive optional, while the Escalade-V had a performance-focused all-wheel drive system. Magnetic Ride Control damping was standard on most trims, but the Escalade's handling couldn't match that of a BMW X7. The V8 engine offered quick acceleration, though the brakes lacked confidence, with an optional Brembo upgrade available.

In 2024, the Genesis GV80 3.5T Advanced was the only model with a third-row seat, while the Prestige Signature trim offered seating for four with second-row captain's chairs. The interior featured artificial, real, or premium leather, with standard heated front seats and a power hands-free liftgate. Our test vehicle included a panoramic glass roof, triple-zone climate control, and ventilated front seats with massage functions. However, the seats were uncomfortable on long trips, and second-row legroom was limited. Cargo space measured 34.9 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 84 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade offered short and long-wheelbase configurations, with the ESV providing additional cargo space and third-row legroom. Seating for up to eight was available, or seven with second-row captain's chairs. The Escalade boasted ample interior space, with best-in-class first-row headroom and legroom. Cargo capacity was impressive, with the standard model offering 25.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 121 cubic feet with the seats folded. ESV models offered even more space, with a maximum towing capacity of 8,100 pounds for the standard model.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display, though its placement encouraged the use of a control dial. Standard features included a navigation system, SiriusXM satellite radio, and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A Wi-Fi hotspot was introduced for 2024, with wireless smartphone charging standard. The Prestige Signature added a head-up display and a Lexicon premium sound system. The digital key system allowed smartphone access, and the voice-recognition system was user-friendly.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade combined traditional engineering with a high-tech interface, featuring a 55-inch display spanning the dashboard. A 19-speaker AKG audio system was standard, with a 36-speaker version available. The Escalade retained wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a hard button for vehicle operation. The optional Executive Second Row Package included 12.6-inch screens, dual wireless chargers, and massage seats. The Escalade's tech was user-friendly, with haptic feedback and a traditional steering wheel enhancing usability.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 came equipped with numerous advanced driving-assistance systems, including a Blind-Spot View Monitor, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and Highway Driving Assist. The Blind-Spot View Monitor displayed video feeds within the digital instrument panel, while the Remote Smart Parking Assist allowed for autonomous parking. The GV80 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though frontal-impact tests earned four stars for driver and passenger positions.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade featured standard driver-assist technologies such as adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera system. GM's Safety Alert Seat provided warnings through vibrations, and Super Cruise offered hands-free driving on mapped roads. While crash-test ratings were unavailable, the Escalade's safety features were comprehensive, with teen-driver monitoring and traffic sign recognition included.