2025 Cadillac Escalade vs 2024 Lexus TX

The 2024 Lexus TX was based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, yet it distinguished itself as a luxury SUV. Its upscale appearance was enhanced by 22-inch silver-finished wheels, part of the TX 350 Executive packages, which significantly improved its presence. The styling was more conservative compared to other Lexus models, appealing to those who found previous designs too bold. The TX was available in TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid models, with prices ranging from $72,036 to $87,486, although the TX 550h+ was not yet on sale.

In contrast, the 2025 Cadillac Escalade was the epitome of old-school Cadillac luxury, with its updated design further distinguishing it from its Chevrolet and GMC counterparts. The new front end brought it stylistically closer to Cadillac's EVs, featuring large vertical headlights and tall taillights reminiscent of classic Cadillacs. Available in standard and long-wheelbase ESV body styles, the Escalade offered various trim levels, including the performance-oriented Escalade-V. Inside, Cadillac focused on hiding its shared platform with other GM SUVs, introducing a 55-inch OLED curved display that spanned the dashboard, enhancing its high-tech appeal.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated to 100 km/h in roughly eight seconds, with a fuel economy rating of 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. The ride and handling were well-balanced, with a firm yet comfortable suspension and accurate steering. However, the brake pedal felt too soft, though it was easy to modulate.

For the 2025 Cadillac Escalade, Cadillac dropped the Duramax turbodiesel option, leaving the naturally aspirated 6.2-litre V8 engine, which delivered 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. The Escalade-V featured a supercharged V8 with 682 hp and 653 lb-ft of torque. All models had a 10-speed automatic transmission, ensuring smooth power delivery. The Escalade's ride quality was impressive for a body-on-frame vehicle, but it lacked the structural rigidity of a unibody platform. The brakes, while adequate, could be improved with the optional Brembo package.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs. It offered a comfortable interior with premium materials, though the front seats lacked a massage function. The second-row seat was less welcoming, but the third-row seat was habitable for adults. Cargo space was generous, with 572 litres behind the third row and up to 2,746 litres with all seats folded. However, the second-row legroom was limited when accommodating third-row passengers.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade, available in standard and long-wheelbase ESV configurations, provided ample interior space. The ESV offered increased cargo space and third-row legroom. The standard model had 722 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 3,412 litres with all seats folded. The Escalade's towing capacity was competitive, though it lacked some towing features offered by rivals. The interior was spacious, with seating for up to eight and various luxury features for second-row passengers.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 14-inch touchscreen display. The Lexus Interface infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a Drive Connect subscription offering cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant. However, the head-up display's unmarked steering wheel controls were frustrating, especially for those wearing polarized sunglasses. The optional Mark Levinson audio system provided impressive sound quality.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade boasted a 55-inch door-to-door display, incorporating 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 standalone wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a traditional steering wheel and haptic feedback for the smaller control screen. The optional Executive Second Row Package added luxury features for rear passengers, including massage seats and headrest speakers.

The 2024 Lexus TX came with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and more. Proactive Drive Assist was part of the system, though it wasn't always smooth. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and traffic jam assist. However, the system's response to vehicles cutting in was too dramatic.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade offered standard driver assist features like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera system. GM's Super Cruise hands-free driving system was also available, allowing for hands-free driving on mapped roads. The system had improved since previous tests, though the transition to manual control was abrupt. Current crash test ratings were unavailable at the time of writing.