2025 Cadillac Escalade vs 2024 Mazda CX-5

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 retained its familiar design from the second-generation model introduced in 2017, maintaining a modern and appealing look. The new Carbon Turbo trim featured Zircon Sand paint and exclusive Terracotta leather seats, enhancing its aesthetic appeal. Mazda also introduced improvements such as better fuel economy for the base engine, wireless charging, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in several trims. The CX-5 lineup offered a range of trims with prices starting at $29,300, plus a destination charge, and the Turbo models ranged from $37,000 to $40,600. The interior upgrades over the years resulted in a crossover SUV that felt upscale at a mainstream price.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade, with its updated design, continued to embody old-school Cadillac luxury while distinguishing itself from its platform-sharing counterparts. The most notable exterior change was the new front end, aligning the gasoline Escalade with Cadillac's EVs. The Escalade offered standard and long-wheelbase body styles, with various trim levels, including the performance-oriented Escalade-V. Inside, Cadillac enhanced the interior with a 55-inch display spanning the dashboard, replacing the previous 38-inch OLED display. The Escalade's interior featured luxurious materials and curated motifs, providing a high-end feel that belied its shared platform with other GM SUVs.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 Carbon Turbo delivered 256 hp with premium gas and 227 hp with regular gas, offering a rewarding driving experience when driven with a steady foot. However, its fuel efficiency was unimpressive, with an EPA rating of 24 mpg combined and an observed 22.9 mpg. The CX-5's suspension and handling improvements provided a smooth ride and responsive handling, making it enjoyable to drive in various conditions. It offered a decent 7.9 inches of ground clearance and a towing capacity of up to 2,000 pounds.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade dropped the Duramax turbodiesel option, leaving the 6.2-liter V8 engine with 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. The Escalade-V featured a supercharged V8 with 682 hp. All models had a 10-speed automatic transmission, ensuring smooth shifts and efficient highway cruising. The Escalade offered RWD as standard, with 4WD optional, and the Escalade-V had a performance-oriented AWD system. Despite its size, the Escalade's ride quality was impressive, though it lacked the handling polish of some luxury competitors. The brakes, however, did not inspire confidence, with an optional Performance Upgrade Package available for enhanced braking performance.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 offered comfortable and supportive heated front seats, with leather upholstery standard on most trims. The interior, though snug, provided good support and comfort for four adults. The CX-5's cabin design and quality elevated it above most mass-market rivals, with 30 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 59.3 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade, available in standard and long-wheelbase configurations, offered ample space for passengers and cargo. The ESV model provided additional cargo space and third-row legroom. The Escalade's interior featured luxurious materials and extensive creature comforts, including an optional Executive Second Row Package with screens and upgraded seats. The standard model offered 25.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, with the ESV model providing even more.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 eschewed touchscreens for traditional controls, though it offered touchscreen operation for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 10.25-inch display was navigated via a console-mounted knob, with Mazda Connected Services providing remote features and a premium Bose sound system available in higher trims.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade featured a 55-inch display incorporating various functions, with a 19-speaker AKG audio system standard and a 36-speaker version available. The Escalade retained wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a supplementary control screen for additional functions. The optional Executive Second Row Package added screens and controls for rear passengers, enhancing the luxury experience.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 came equipped with a comprehensive suite of ADAS, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims offered additional safety features, though the Carbon Turbo test car lacked some upgrades. The CX-5 received five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade included standard driver-assist features such as adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera system. GM's Super Cruise system allowed for hands-free driving on mapped roads, though it required driver attention. Current crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of publication.