2024 Kia Telluride vs 2025 Cadillac Escalade

In Canada, the 2024 Kia Telluride was available in five trims, all featuring standard all-wheel drive. The X-Line trim added a centimetre of ground clearance and improved approach and departure angles, while the X-Pro trim enhanced off-road capabilities with 18-inch matte-black wheels and heavy-duty engine cooling, increasing towing capacity to 2,495 kilograms. Prices ranged from $53,433 to $66,133, with the X-Line trim showcasing a striking Wolf Gray paint. The Telluride's design updates maintained its attractive proportions, and the interior offered various appealing colour options, though the black interior was less impressive. The SX Limited trim approached luxury standards with its premium materials and advanced features.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade, the largest and most expensive Cadillac, continued to embody old-school luxury with its updated design. The new front end aligned it stylistically with Cadillac's EVs, featuring large vertical headlights and 24-inch wheels. Available in standard and long-wheelbase ESV body styles, the Escalade offered multiple trim levels, including the performance-focused Escalade-V. Inside, Cadillac worked to differentiate the Escalade from its GM siblings, introducing a 55-inch display across the dashboard. The interior featured various leather options and curated motifs, with the Premium Luxury Platinum trim showcasing Whisper Beige upholstery and wood trim, elevating the Escalade's luxury appeal.

The 2024 Kia Telluride was powered by a 3.8-litre V6 engine, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque through an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms, with the X-Pro trim increasing this to 2,495 kilograms. The Telluride featured a locking centre differential and multiple driving modes, including Snow, Comfort, Sport, and Smart. It provided 20.3 centimetres of ground clearance, increasing to 21.3 centimetres with the X-Line and X-Pro trims. While acceleration and passing power were commendable, fuel efficiency was less impressive, averaging 12.4 L/100 km in combined driving. The Telluride's ride was firm at lower speeds but softened at higher velocities, offering a refined driving experience.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade dropped the Duramax turbodiesel option, leaving the 6.2-litre V8 engine with 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. The Escalade-V featured a supercharged V8 with 682 horsepower. All models had a 10-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth shifts and efficient highway cruising. In Canada, four-wheel drive was standard, with the Escalade-V offering a performance-oriented 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 provided strong acceleration, but the brakes lacked confidence, with an optional Performance Upgrade Package available for enhanced braking performance.

The 2024 Kia Telluride offered a comfortable interior, especially in higher trims with premium Nappa leather upholstery and heated and ventilated seats. The third-row seat accommodated adults, and a dual sunroof added light to the cabin. The Telluride featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with physical controls, though metallic buttons were hard to read in bright light. Thoughtful details included a digital instrumentation panel with changing landscapes and generous storage space. The hands-free power liftgate was convenient, and cargo space was ample, with a maximum volume of 2,463 litres.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade was available in short and long-wheelbase configurations, with the ESV offering increased cargo space and third-row legroom. The Escalade provided ample interior space, with best-in-class first-row headroom and legroom. Cargo capacity was generous, with the standard model offering 722 litres behind the rear seats and the ESV providing up to 4,043 litres. The Escalade's towing capacity was competitive, though it lacked some towing features offered by rivals. Power liftgate and power-folding seats made reconfiguring the interior easy.

The 2024 Kia Telluride featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, requiring a cable for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A Kia Connect trial subscription was included, with various plans available post-trial. Standard tech included satellite radio, wireless charging, and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The Telluride offered thoughtful features like a blue-light filter, Quiet Mode, and a digital key function. A camera-based rearview mirror and a 10-inch head-up display were available, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade combined traditional engineering with a high-tech interface, featuring a 55-inch display spanning the dashboard. A 19-speaker AKG audio system was standard, with a 36-speaker version available. The Escalade retained wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with easy-to-use icons and a rotary dial for controls. The optional Executive Second Row Package added 12.6-inch screens and upgraded seats with massage and headrest speakers, enhancing passenger comfort and entertainment.

The 2024 Kia Telluride impressed with its standard driver assistance features, including collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Highway Driving Assist provided semi-autonomous driving, with upgrades available for additional safety features. The Telluride received a five-star overall crash test rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade offered standard driver assist features like adaptive cruise control, blind-zone steering assist, and a 360-degree camera system. GM-specific features included a vibrating Safety Alert Seat and Super Cruise, a hands-free driving system. While crash test ratings were unavailable, the Escalade's safety features were comprehensive.