2025 Cadillac Escalade V

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade marks a significant midlife-cycle update for the alpha luxury SUV. Slimmer, reoriented headlights (now vertical), a dash-spanning tech display and optional lounge-style seating give the Escalade even more clout among luxury big haulers, despite its having lost its 3.0-liter diesel engine option this year. But with its ability to carry up to eight passengers, tow up to 8,100 pounds and generate 682 horsepower from an optional supercharged V8, the Escalade still does what it does best: Make an impression.

The Escalade's digital future influences its analog past, as the refreshed 2025 Escalade borrows tech cues and hardware from the new Escalade IQ electric SUV. Notably, a 55-inch glass panel spans the dashboard from pillar to pillar, combining digital instruments for the driver, a central touchscreen and a separate display for the front passenger. The latter is even polarized to prevent the driver from being distracted by today's latest viral video. A new "executive" seating package, optional only for the top trims, adds massaging second-row seats with stowable tray tables and wireless charging for two, further cementing the Escalade as the go-to choice for luxury fleet and shuttle services.

The Escalade's longtime domestic rival, the Lincoln Navigator, is still as good as ever. It offers an extended-length version like the Cadillac, but the Lincoln's interior is even slightly more indulgent and it can tow up to 8,700 pounds. The Mercedes-Benz GLS and BMW X7 deliver coddling luxury and comfort with impressive in-car tech, but can't match the Escalade's space or towing numbers. If you prefer a whiff of aristocratic bearing, a base trim Range Rover costs about the same as a mid-trim Escalade.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade is a three-row luxury SUV available in six trim levels: Luxury, Premium Luxury, Sport, Premium Luxury Platinum, Sport Platinum and V-Series (aka the Escalade-V). The Escalade seats seven or eight passengers depending on second-row configuration. Captain's chairs for two come standard but can be replaced by a folding 60/40-split, three-across bench seat. The third row seats three passengers. An extended-wheelbase version, the Escalade ESV, is 15.1 inches longer than the regular version.