2025 Cadillac Escalade vs 2024 Chevrolet Suburban

For most families, the smart vehicle choice is either a minivan or a three-row crossover—something big but built on a car platform, like the Toyota Highlander or the Kia Telluride. But for families that are both big and enjoy big hobbies (think boats and horses), there’s no replacement for a body-on-frame hauler like the Chevrolet Suburban.

Verdict: The Suburban has long been a truck re-fitted to haul people, but its 2021 redesign introduced an independent rear suspension that resulted in more usable third-row space than ever before. Now, three years later, the 2024 Chevrolet Suburban still thrives as a capable and capacious family truckster, and it's a genuinely great option for anyone that needs its special blend of practicality.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade maintains the momentum of one of the most recognizable SUV nameplates. The current-generation Escalade was introduced as a 2021 model, but for 2025 it gets a refresh that includes styling changes and a redesigned dashboard display. The all-electric 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ joins the lineup as well, but that’s covered in a separate review. This gasoline Escalade competes against full-size luxury SUVs such as the BMW X7, the Infiniti QX80, the Land Rover Range Rover, the Lexus LX, the Lincoln Navigator, and the Mercedes-Benz GLS.

Verdict: If you’re willing to spend extra on a well-specced example, the Escalade is a credible luxury vehicle. But its platform’s shortcomings can’t be erased.