2024 Chevrolet Trax vs 2025 Cadillac Escalade

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax underwent a significant transformation, shedding its previous image to emerge as a more stylish and modern vehicle. The design team embraced a "longer, lower, wider" philosophy, resulting in a vehicle that was 28 centimetres longer, 10 centimetres lower, and 5 centimetres wider than its predecessor. This redesign borrowed elements from the midsize Chevy Blazer, such as a prominent grille and distinctive body lines, giving the Trax a commanding presence despite its compact size. The Trax offered various trim levels, including the LS with 17-inch steel wheels and higher trims with 18-inch and 19-inch aluminum wheels. The Activ and RS trims added rugged and sporty styling cues, respectively, enhancing the Trax's appeal.

Inside, the Trax LS featured cloth upholstery and a practical interior design, while higher trims offered Evotex upholstery and unique design elements. The dashboard design incorporated a freestanding touchscreen and large air vents, maintaining functionality while adding a touch of modernity. The Trax RS trim included piano-black plastic accents, although some materials were prone to smudging and heat. Overall, the 2024 Trax presented a fresh and appealing package, combining style and practicality in a compact crossover.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade continued to embody Cadillac's legacy of luxury, positioning itself as a flagship model. The updated design further distinguished the Escalade from its platform-sharing siblings, the Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban and GMC Yukon/Yukon XL. The most notable exterior change was the new front end, aligning the gasoline Escalade with Cadillac's electric models. Vertical headlights and large wheels contributed to its imposing presence, while the rear retained its signature vertical taillights reminiscent of classic Cadillacs.

Inside, Cadillac focused on creating a high-tech and luxurious environment. The Escalade featured a 55-inch display spanning the dashboard, incorporating a digital instrument cluster, infotainment touchscreen, and front-passenger screen. The interior offered various trim levels, with options for real leather upholstery and curated interior motifs. The Escalade's spaciousness was complemented by advanced technology, including a 36-speaker audio system and augmented-reality head-up display. Despite its truck-like engineering, the Escalade aimed to provide a refined and comfortable driving experience, although it couldn't match the handling prowess of some European rivals.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax featured a new 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, replacing the previous 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder. While power output decreased to 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, the Trax managed to improve its acceleration, reaching 100 km/h about a second faster than its predecessor. The engine's flat torque curve provided strong response, making highway overtakes effortless. The six-speed automatic transmission carried over, and the Trax was available only with front-wheel drive, differentiating it from the all-wheel-drive Trailblazer.

The Trax's handling was tuned to be more car-like, with a wider track contributing to a planted feel. While it wasn't a hot hatch, the Trax offered predictable and nimble handling, reminiscent of small cars. Active noise cancellation enhanced refinement, although tire noise was noticeable in the 2RS model. Ride quality was slightly firm, but the Trax's handling prowess made it a compelling choice for those seeking a more engaging driving experience.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade retained its naturally aspirated 6.2-litre V8 engine, delivering 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. The Escalade-V variant featured a supercharged V8 producing 682 horsepower and 653 pound-feet of torque. All models were equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth and efficient power delivery. Four-wheel drive was standard on most models, while the Escalade-V had a performance-oriented all-wheel-drive system.

The Escalade's Magnetic Ride Control damping system, combined with optional air suspension, aimed to enhance ride quality. However, the Escalade's body-on-frame construction limited its handling capabilities compared to unibody rivals. While the V8 engine provided ample power, the brakes lacked confidence-inspiring performance. The optional Performance Upgrade Package, including Brembo brakes, addressed this issue, making it a worthwhile addition for those seeking enhanced stopping power.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax offered increased rear-seat legroom, with a slight improvement in front-seat legroom. However, headroom in the second row decreased by 1.7 cm, and shoulder room was reduced in both rows. Despite these changes, the Trax provided competitive passenger space compared to rivals like the Nissan Kicks and Hyundai Venue. The Trax's car-like driving position and low window sills contributed to excellent outward visibility, although SUV enthusiasts might miss the elevated driving position.

Cargo space in the Trax increased by 12%, offering 725 litres with the rear seats in place and 1,532 litres with the seats folded. This improvement made the Trax a practical choice for those needing versatile cargo capacity, surpassing the Hyundai Venue and closely matching the Nissan Kicks.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade offered both short-wheelbase and long-wheelbase configurations, with the latter providing additional cargo space and third-row legroom. The Escalade ESV's extended length contributed to a spacious interior, accommodating up to eight passengers or seven with second-row captain's chairs. While the Escalade excelled in first-row headroom and legroom, rivals like the Lincoln Navigator offered more second-row and third-row legroom.

Cargo capacity in the standard-length Escalade was impressive, with 722 litres behind the rear seats, 2,064 litres behind the second row, and 3,412 litres behind the front seats. The ESV model further expanded cargo space, making it a leader in the segment. The Escalade's towing capacity met segment expectations, although it lacked some of the towing features offered by competitors like the Lincoln Navigator.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax received significant infotainment upgrades, with an 8-inch touchscreen standard on LS and 1RS trims, and an 11-inch touchscreen with an 8-inch digital instrument cluster available on higher trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with wireless phone charging, were introduced for the first time. The Trax's infotainment system was user-friendly, with crisp graphics and a logical menu layout. However, the screen's tilt towards the driver limited accessibility for front-seat passengers.

The Trax offered standard USB ports, with additional ports available on higher trims. Wireless phone charging was optional, although the charging pad's design might not accommodate all phone sizes. Overall, the Trax's tech features elevated its status in the entry-level segment, providing a modern and connected driving experience.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade embraced a high-tech interface, featuring a 55-inch display spanning the dashboard. This display incorporated a digital instrument cluster, central infotainment touchscreen, and front-passenger screen. Additional controls were managed through a tablet-like touchscreen below, complemented by a rotary dial. The Escalade offered a 19-speaker AKG audio system as standard, with a 36-speaker version available, along with an augmented-reality head-up display and night vision.

Cadillac prioritized usability, retaining standalone wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a hard button for vehicle operation. The Escalade's voice recognition system, while functional, wasn't as advanced as those in some European rivals. The optional Executive Second Row Package added luxury features for rear passengers, including screens, wireless chargers, and upgraded seats with massage and headrest speakers.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax offered a range of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian braking, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, forward collision warning, automatic high beams, and a following distance indicator. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear park assist. The Trax also featured the Teen Driver system, which monitored driving behaviour and provided a report card to parents. Crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of publication.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade came equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver-assist features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-zone steering assist, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and braking, traffic sign recognition, and a 360-degree camera system. The Escalade also featured GM's Safety Alert Seat, which conveyed warnings through vibrations. Super Cruise, GM's hands-free driving system, was available, offering improved performance on mapped roads. However, crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of writing.