2025 Cadillac Escalade vs 2024 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse was available in three trims in Canada: LT, Z71, and RS. The Z71 was a new addition, designed for those seeking a three-row SUV with moderate off-roading capabilities. Chevrolet emphasized that the Z71 was not intended to compete with hardcore off-roaders like the Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco but was capable of handling reasonably rugged terrain. The Traverse's pricing was competitive, with the LT starting at $50,833 and the RS reaching $65,733. The Z71 model, priced at $56,833, featured gloss black-painted 18-inch alloy wheels and Iridescent Pearl Tricoat paint, with a Jet Black interior accented by "Torch Red" highlights. The standard cloth seats were comfortable, though synthetic leather was available for an additional cost.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade, the largest and most expensive Cadillac, continued to embody old-school luxury with its updated design. The new front end brought the gasoline Escalade closer in style to Cadillac's EVs, featuring large vertical headlights and tall taillights reminiscent of classic Cadillacs. The Escalade offered both standard and long-wheelbase ESV body styles, with various trim levels including the performance-oriented Escalade-V. Inside, Cadillac worked to differentiate the Escalade from its GM siblings, introducing a 55-inch OLED curved display across the dashboard. The interior featured high-quality materials, with options for real leather and curated motifs. The Premium Luxury Platinum model impressed with its Whisper Beige upholstery and wood trim, showcasing Cadillac's attention to detail.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse replaced its previous 310-horsepower V6 with a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque. This new engine offered more power and torque than its predecessor. All-wheel drive was standard across all trims in Canada, with the Z71 featuring a more advanced system for better grip in slippery conditions. The Traverse provided satisfactory acceleration and passing power, with a pleasant exhaust note. The steering was adequate, and the ride quality was commendable, even with the Z71's all-terrain tires and extra ground clearance. The brakes offered controlled stopping, and the fuel-saving stop-and-start feature was seamless. Fuel economy was rated at 12.4 L/100 km in the city, 9.9 on the highway, and 11.3 combined.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade dropped the Duramax turbodiesel option, leaving the naturally aspirated 6.2-litre V8 engine with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. The Escalade-V featured a supercharged 6.2-litre V8 with 682 hp and 653 lb-ft of torque. All models had a 10-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth and efficient gear shifts. In Canada, four-wheel drive was standard, with the Escalade-V offering a performance-focused AWD system. Magnetic Ride Control damping was standard on most trims, but the Escalade's body-on-frame construction limited its handling compared to unibody competitors. The V8 engine delivered strong acceleration and a pleasing sound, though the brakes lacked confidence. An optional Performance Upgrade Package included Brembo brakes and other enhancements.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse offered seating for eight in the LT and Z71 trims, while the RS featured second-row captain’s chairs, reducing capacity to seven. The third row was suitable for average-sized adults, though taller passengers might need more legroom. The Smart Slide second-row seats were easy to use, and a power-folding third row was available. Cargo volume was 648 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,764 litres with the seats folded. The Traverse featured numerous storage compartments, including a hidden area under the centre console. Visibility was generally good, though the third row had limited views. The Z71's driver's seat was power-operated, but the front passenger seat had manual controls.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade was available in both standard and long-wheelbase ESV configurations. The ESV offered more cargo space and third-row legroom, with seating for up to eight or seven with captain’s chairs. The Escalade provided ample interior space, with best-in-class first-row headroom and legroom. Cargo capacity was 722 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 3,412 litres with seats folded. The ESV further increased cargo space to 4,043 litres. The Escalade's towing capacity was 3,675 kilograms for the standard model and 3,628 kilograms for the ESV. While competitive, Cadillac lacked some towing features offered by rivals like Lincoln.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse featured a new 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen, replacing the previous 8-inch screen. The system was responsive and easy to navigate, complemented by an 11-inch digital instrument display. The infotainment ran on Google-based software, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A wireless charging pad was included, and physical controls for volume and HVAC functions were retained. However, the headlight controls were buried in the infotainment system. The Traverse also offered Super Cruise, a hands-free driving aid, which expanded its functionality to single-lane roads.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade combined traditional engineering with a high-tech interface, featuring a 55-inch display spanning the dashboard. The system included a digital instrument cluster, infotainment touchscreen, and front-passenger touchscreen. A 19-speaker AKG audio system was standard, with a 36-speaker version available. The Escalade retained wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a hard button for ignition. The smaller control screen offered haptic feedback, though physical knobs were preferred. The optional Executive Second Row Package added screens, wireless chargers, and upgraded seats with massage and headrest speakers.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS at the time of review. However, it offered a comprehensive suite of driver aids, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot warning, and adaptive cruise control. A surround-view parking camera and traffic-sign recognition were also included.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade featured standard driver assist technologies such as adaptive cruise control, blind-zone steering assist, and automatic emergency braking. The Safety Alert Seat provided warnings through vibrations, and Super Cruise allowed for hands-free driving on mapped roads. While crash test ratings were unavailable, the Escalade's safety features were extensive.