2025 Cadillac Escalade vs 2024 Genesis GV70

The 2024 Genesis GV70 distinguished itself within the Genesis lineup and its competitive set with its sleek design. It retained signature Genesis styling elements like split headlights and a large grille for brand recognition, yet it was sleeker than the GV80 and less quirky than the GV60. Notable features included a hatchback-like rear window profile, large exhaust outlets on the Sport trim, and unique 21-inch wheels. The GV70 struck a balance between SUV presence and luxury style, outperforming competitors like the Audi Q5 and BMW X3 in finesse. The Electrified GV70, awarded the 2024 Canadian Electric Utility Vehicle of the Year, maintained the gasoline model's styling, with a grille that cleverly housed the charge port.

Inside, the GV70 offered a distinctive interior with luxury touches like quilted Nappa leather and a panoramic sunroof. The design was memorable, featuring an elliptical pod for controls, a rotary infotainment controller, and a dashboard reminiscent of an airplane wing. These unique elements set the GV70 apart, showcasing Genesis's effort to innovate in interior design.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade, as Cadillac's largest and most expensive offering, embodied old-school luxury with its updated design. The new front end aligned the gasoline Escalade with Cadillac's EVs, featuring vertical headlights and tall taillights reminiscent of classic Cadillacs. Available 24-inch wheels enhanced its imposing presence. Cadillac offered various trims, including the performance-focused Escalade-V, with distinct styling elements like darkened trim on Sport models and an illuminated grille on Premium Luxury Platinum models.

Inside, Cadillac worked to differentiate the Escalade from its GM siblings with a screen-centric design. The 2025 model introduced a 55-inch display spanning the dashboard, replacing the previous 38-inch OLED. The interior featured high-quality materials, with options like Renaissance Red leather and carbon-fibre trim. The Premium Luxury Platinum model impressed with Whisper Beige upholstery and wood trim, elevating the Escalade's luxury appeal.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 offered unchanged powertrain options, starting with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. A 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 was available, delivering 375 hp and 391 lb-ft. Both engines featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The Electrified GV70 provided standard AWD with front and rear electric motors, generating 429 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, with a Boost Mode offering 483 hp temporarily.

While the GV70 delivered strong acceleration, its chassis tuning didn't match its sporty rivals, feeling heavier and slower through corners. The ride was reasonably comfortable but lacked the refinement of higher-tier models. The Electrified GV70 maintained similar dynamics despite its additional weight, offering adjustable regenerative braking for a customizable driving experience.

For the 2025 Cadillac Escalade, Cadillac dropped the Duramax turbodiesel, leaving the 6.2-litre V8 with 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. The Escalade-V featured a supercharged V8 with 682 hp and 653 lb-ft. All models used a 10-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth shifts and efficient cruising. In Canada, most models had standard 4WD, while the Escalade-V had a performance-oriented AWD system.

The Escalade's Magnetic Ride Control and optional air suspension couldn't fully mask its weight and body-on-frame construction, lacking the handling finesse of rivals like the BMW X7. The V8 offered quick acceleration, but braking performance was less confidence-inspiring, with an optional Brembo package available for enhanced stopping power.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 offered competitive interior space, with slightly less headroom than some rivals but more front-seat legroom than the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC. Cargo space was substantial at 818 litres with rear seats up, though less than the Audi Q5. The Electrified GV70's battery placement minimally impacted interior space, maintaining practicality.

The GV70's stylish interior design limited small-item storage, but features like automatic side bolsters in Sport mode added to its appeal. The infotainment controller and rotary shifter contributed to a unique cabin experience.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade, available in standard and long-wheelbase ESV configurations, provided ample space for passengers and cargo. The ESV offered increased third-row legroom and cargo capacity, with seating for up to eight. The Escalade excelled in first-row headroom and legroom, though competitors offered more space in other areas.

Cargo capacity was a highlight, with the standard model offering 722 litres behind the rear seats and up to 3,412 litres with seats folded. The ESV further expanded cargo space, surpassing the Lincoln Navigator L. Towing capacity met segment expectations, though Cadillac lacked some of Lincoln's towing features.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 featured a straightforward infotainment system with a 14.5-inch touchscreen and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims offered a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 16-speaker Lexicon audio system. The system was user-friendly, with an intuitive layout and a high-quality rotary controller.

Genesis included a fingerprint scanner for driver profiles, though digital key functionality was limited to the G70 sedan. The GV70's tech offerings were practical and easy to use, despite lacking some of the complexity of rival systems.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade combined traditional engineering with advanced technology, featuring a 55-inch display spanning the dashboard. The system included a digital instrument cluster, infotainment touchscreen, and a front-passenger screen. A 19-speaker AKG audio system was standard, with a 36-speaker option available.

Cadillac's tech was user-friendly, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a hard button for vehicle operation. The Escalade offered extensive second-row amenities, including an Executive Second Row Package with screens and upgraded seats, enhancing passenger comfort.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award for both gasoline and electrified models. NHTSA ratings included four-star frontal and rollover crash-test ratings for gasoline models, with a five-star overall rating for the 2023 model. Standard safety features included lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, and Highway Driving Assist, with an available Highway Driving Assist 2 system.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade offered standard driver assist features like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera system. GM's Safety Alert Seat provided tactile warnings, and Super Cruise allowed for hands-free driving on mapped roads. Current crash test ratings were unavailable at the time of writing.