2025 Cadillac Escalade vs 2024 Subaru Outback

The 2024 Subaru Outback maintained much of its aesthetic appeal from the previous year, with the Wilderness trim receiving a refreshed front fascia and new LED fog lights. The dark gray cladding provided a striking contrast to the Autumn Green Metallic paint of the Touring XT model, a color that was both unique and attractive. The Outback's various trims offered different levels of black and chrome exterior fittings, with the Touring trim featuring the most chrome, which was tastefully applied. Wheel designs varied by trim, with standard black 17-inch alloy wheels and a matte black version for the Wilderness trim. The interior of the top-trim model was unexpectedly luxurious, featuring Java Brown Nappa leather upholstery that was both visually appealing and comfortable. Other trims offered different seating materials, from standard leather to Subaru’s StarTex synthetic leather and cloth seats.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade, on the other hand, showcased a significant design update that emphasized its luxury status. The new front end brought the gasoline Escalade closer in style to Cadillac's electric models, with large vertical headlights and horizontal daytime running lights. The rear maintained its tall, vertical taillights reminiscent of classic Cadillac tailfins. For the first time, 24-inch wheels were available, enhancing the vehicle's imposing presence. The Escalade offered both standard and long-wheelbase ESV body styles, with various trim levels including the performance-focused Escalade-V. Inside, Cadillac worked to differentiate the Escalade from its GM siblings, featuring a 55-inch display that spanned the dashboard. The interior offered a range of leather options and curated motifs, with the Premium Luxury Platinum trim showcasing Whisper Beige upholstery and wood trim, providing a level of finish that belied its mainstream origins.

The 2024 Subaru Outback was powered by a "Boxer" horizontally opposed engine, with the base model featuring a 2.5-liter flat-four engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. The XT trims, including the Wilderness, were equipped with a more powerful 2.4-liter turbocharged engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, and increasing towing capacity to 3,500 lbs. The Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and Lineartronic CVT were standard across the lineup. The turbocharged engine in the Touring XT model provided a noticeable improvement in performance, with the CVT simulating eight distinct gears. The Outback's suspension and ground clearance, particularly in the Wilderness trim, made it a capable off-road vehicle.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade dropped the diesel engine option, leaving the 6.2-liter V8 as the sole engine choice, producing 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. The Escalade-V featured a supercharged version of the V8, delivering 682 horsepower and 653 lb-ft of torque. All models came with a 10-speed automatic transmission, offering smooth and efficient gear changes. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with four-wheel drive optional, and the Escalade-V featured a performance-oriented all-wheel drive system. The Escalade's Magnetic Ride Control and optional air suspension provided a comfortable ride, though it couldn't match the handling of some luxury competitors. The brakes, while adequate, could be upgraded with a performance package for improved stopping power.

The 2024 Subaru Outback offered impressive interior space despite its sleek design. It provided more headroom and legroom than competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, with a cargo volume of 32.6 cubic feet with seats up and 75.6 cubic feet with seats folded. The Outback featured a range of standard and optional features, including dual-zone climate control, heated seats, and a hands-free power liftgate. The raised roof rails with retractable cross bars added to its practicality.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade, available in both standard and long-wheelbase ESV configurations, offered ample interior space, with the ESV providing additional cargo and third-row legroom. The Escalade boasted best-in-segment cargo space, with power liftgate and power-folding seats for easy reconfiguration. It could tow up to 8,100 pounds, though it lacked some of the advanced towing features of competitors. The interior was spacious and luxurious, with seating for up to eight and a range of comfort features, including an optional Executive Second Row Package with additional screens and controls.

The 2024 Subaru Outback featured a mix of old-school and modern technology, with a CD player available on the Touring trim and both USB-C and USB-A ports on most trims. The top-trim model had an 11.6-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though the interface felt dated. The climate controls were integrated into the touchscreen, with some hard buttons for essential functions. Wi-Fi capability and a premium audio system were available on higher trims.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade combined traditional engineering with cutting-edge technology, featuring a 55-inch display that included a digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen. A 19-speaker audio system was standard, with a 36-speaker version available. The Escalade retained standalone wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a user-friendly interface. The optional Executive Second Row Package added additional screens and controls for rear passengers, enhancing the luxury experience.

The 2024 Subaru Outback earned a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It featured the EyeSight suite of driver-assistance technologies, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. Additional safety features included reverse automatic braking, blind-spot monitoring, and a wide-angle camera on the Touring trim.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade came with a comprehensive suite of driver-assist features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera system. It also featured GM's Super Cruise hands-free driving system, which had improved since previous tests. The Escalade's Safety Alert Seat provided tactile feedback for warnings, and teen-driver monitoring was also included. Crash-test ratings were not available at the time of publication.