2024 Acura MDX vs 2025 Cadillac Escalade

The 2024 Acura MDX presented a striking exterior with its large shield grille, rakish headlights, and modern lower bumper design. Inside, the MDX was high-tech but cluttered, with a centre console filled with controls that could be overwhelming. The MDX was available in several trims, including the A-Spec and Platinum Elite, with the Type S Ultra offering top-tier features like a 25-speaker ELS sound system and massaging front seats. The interior boasted ambient lighting, power-adjustable seats, and genuine leather upholstery, with the A-Spec trim adding sporty touches and an upgraded audio system.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade, as Cadillac's largest and most luxurious offering, showcased a new front-end design aligning it with Cadillac's EV lineup. The Escalade featured vertical headlights and taillights reminiscent of classic Cadillacs, with 24-inch wheels enhancing its imposing presence. Inside, Cadillac focused on differentiating the Escalade from its GM siblings with a screen-centric interior, highlighted by a 55-inch display spanning the dashboard. The Escalade offered various trims, with the Premium Luxury Platinum model adding an illuminated Cadillac crest. Interior options included luxurious leather and wood trims, with the Escalade-V featuring carbon-fibre accents.

The 2024 Acura MDX came standard with a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The Type S Ultra variant featured a twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine delivering 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive System. The MDX Type S Ultra offered strong acceleration and a comfortable ride, with adaptive air suspension and Brembo performance brakes enhancing its driving dynamics. The Integrated Dynamics System allowed for various driving modes, including Sport+ and Lift mode, while the MDX's towing capacity reached 2,268 kilograms.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade dropped its diesel option, leaving a 6.2-litre V8 engine with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. The Escalade-V boasted a supercharged V8 with 682 hp and 653 lb-ft of torque. All models featured a 10-speed automatic transmission, with four-wheel drive standard in Canada. The Escalade-V had a performance-focused AWD system, while other trims included an electronic rear limited-slip differential. Magnetic Ride Control damping was standard on most trims, but the Escalade's body-on-frame construction limited its handling compared to unibody rivals. The Escalade's towing capacity was competitive, though it lacked some advanced towing features.

The 2024 Acura MDX offered three rows of seating, with the first two rows providing comfort and support, while the third row was more suitable for children. Cargo space was generous, with a maximum of 2,690 litres available when both rear rows were folded. The MDX featured a hands-free power liftgate and additional storage under the cargo floor. The Type S Ultra trim included a second-row bench with a fold-down centre console, though no captain’s chairs were available. The centre console was spacious, but the cluttered centre stack of controls detracted from the overall experience.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade was available in standard and long-wheelbase configurations, with the ESV offering increased cargo space and third-row legroom. The Escalade provided ample interior space, with seating for up to eight or seven with optional captain’s chairs. Cargo capacity was best-in-segment, with power liftgate and power-folding seats enhancing versatility. The Escalade's towing capacity was competitive, though it lacked some of the advanced towing aids found in rivals. Interior space was generous, with the Escalade offering the most first-row headroom in its class, though second and third-row headroom lagged behind some competitors.

The 2024 Acura MDX's infotainment system was its weak point, with a clumsy interface controlled by a touchpad rather than a touchscreen. Despite this, the MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The MDX also featured multiple USB ports, a digital instrument panel, and wireless device charging. The clever placement of charging ports and a leather handrest for the touchpad were highlights, but the overall system was less intuitive than competitors, making it a less appealing choice for tech-savvy buyers.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade combined traditional engineering with a futuristic interface, featuring a 55-inch display spanning the dashboard. The Escalade retained standalone wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a hard button for vehicle operation. The infotainment system included a 19-speaker AKG audio system, with a 36-speaker version available. The Escalade also offered an augmented-reality head-up display and night vision. The control screen was well-positioned, with haptic feedback aiding usability, though physical knobs were preferred. The Executive Second Row Package added luxury features for rear passengers, including screens, wireless chargers, and massage seats.

The 2024 Acura MDX came equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance and safety features, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The MDX also featured a surround-view camera system and head-up display from the Platinum Elite grade. The 2024 model carried over safety scores from the 2022 model, earning a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS. However, the infotainment system's design posed a distraction risk, as drivers needed to look away from the road to operate it.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade offered standard driver assist features such as adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera system. GM-specific features included a vibrating Safety Alert Seat and Super Cruise, a hands-free driving system. Super Cruise had improved since previous tests, though the transition to manual control was abrupt. Current crash test ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were unavailable at the time of writing, but the Escalade's safety features were comprehensive, with GM continuing to enhance its driver assistance technology.