2025 Cadillac Escalade vs 2024 Honda Passport

The 2024 Honda Passport retained much of its previous-generation design, despite Honda's recent updates to other models like the Civic and Accord. The Passport's exterior featured a more upright grille and squared-off corners, but it largely maintained its familiar look. The TrailSport trim, which we tested, was designed to appear rugged with all-terrain tires and roof rails, yet it lacked true off-road enhancements like metal skid plates or recovery points. Inside, the Passport offered a straightforward design with physical controls and an 8-inch touchscreen. The TrailSport trim added black leather upholstery with orange stitching, but the interior remained simple and utilitarian.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade, meanwhile, embraced a luxurious and imposing design. Its updated front end aligned it with Cadillac's EV lineup, featuring vertical headlights and large 24-inch wheels. The Escalade offered both standard and long-wheelbase versions, with the latter providing more cargo space and third-row legroom. Inside, Cadillac focused on differentiating the Escalade from its GM siblings with a high-tech, screen-centric interior. The 55-inch display spanned the dashboard, and various trim levels offered premium materials like semi-aniline leather and open-pore wood. The Escalade's interior was designed to impress, with features like massage seats and a 36-speaker audio system available.

The 2024 Honda Passport was powered by a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth and unobtrusive shifts. The Passport's torque-vectoring iVTM4 AWD system and traction-management settings enhanced its off-road capabilities, particularly in the TrailSport trim. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, rated at 12.5 L/100 km in the city and 9.8 on the highway. The Passport's towing capacity of 2,268 kg was competitive within its segment.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade offered a naturally aspirated 6.2-litre V8 engine, producing 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. The Escalade-V variant featured a supercharged V8 with 682 horsepower. All models used a 10-speed automatic transmission, ensuring smooth power delivery. The Escalade's 4WD system was standard in Canada, with the Escalade-V receiving a performance-oriented AWD system. Despite its size, the Escalade's Magnetic Ride Control and optional air suspension provided a comfortable ride, though it couldn't match the handling of some luxury competitors. The Escalade's towing capacity reached 3,675 kg, meeting segment expectations.

The 2024 Honda Passport excelled in cargo capacity, offering 1,430 litres behind the rear seats and expanding to 2,854 litres with the seats folded. Its two-row configuration provided ample space for five adults, though rear-seat legroom was slightly tighter than some competitors. The Passport's interior featured practical storage solutions, including a redesigned centre console with more storage space.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade, available in standard and long-wheelbase versions, offered generous interior space. The ESV model provided additional cargo space and third-row legroom. The Escalade's cargo capacity was best-in-segment, with 722 litres behind the rear seats and up to 4,043 litres in the ESV. Seating for up to eight was available, with options for second-row captain's chairs. The Escalade's towing capacity was competitive, though it lacked some towing features offered by rivals.

The 2024 Honda Passport featured an 8-inch touchscreen, which felt small compared to competitors. Standard tech included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad. However, the infotainment system had some quirks, such as persistent turn-by-turn directions on the driver's display. The TrailSport trim's audio system was adequate but not exceptional.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade boasted a 55-inch display spanning the dashboard, integrating various functions. A 19-speaker AKG audio system was standard, with a 36-speaker version available. The Escalade retained standalone wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and its tech was designed for ease of use. The optional Executive Second Row Package added luxury features like massage seats and additional screens.

The 2024 Honda Passport came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. However, its crash test ratings were mixed, with the IIHS rating it "Acceptable" in some tests and the NHTSA awarding it five stars overall but four stars in frontal and rollover tests.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade offered a robust set of driver assist features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera system. GM's Super Cruise hands-free driving system was also available, though it had some limitations. Current crash test ratings were not available at the time of writing.