2024 Toyota 4Runner vs 2025 Cadillac Escalade

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner was a nostalgic nod to the past, with its design largely unchanged since 2010. Its boxy shape and flared fenders gave it a rugged, stable appearance, ideal for off-road adventures. The TRD Pro model enhanced this tough persona with underbody skid plates and all-terrain tires, making it seem ready for any terrain. However, the interior showed its age with outdated technology and styling, featuring an analog instrument panel and a small eight-inch infotainment touchscreen. While some might find its retro charm appealing, others could mistake it for a well-preserved used vehicle. The interior materials, including hard plastics and vinyl-like upholstery, were typical for off-road vehicles, prioritizing durability over luxury.

In contrast, the 2025 Cadillac Escalade embraced modern luxury while maintaining its classic Cadillac roots. The updated design featured a new front end, aligning it with Cadillac's EV lineup, and introduced 24-inch wheels for the first time. The Escalade offered various trim levels, including the performance-focused Escalade-V. Inside, Cadillac transformed the Escalade with a 55-inch display spanning the dashboard, replacing the previous 38-inch OLED screen. The interior boasted real leather upholstery and curated motifs, elevating the luxury experience. Despite sharing a platform with other GM SUVs, the Escalade's interior felt distinct and upscale, offering a refined environment for passengers.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner was powered by a 4.0-litre V6 engine, delivering 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. While these figures were competitive with rivals like the Bronco and Wrangler, the 4Runner's five-speed automatic transmission limited its performance. The TRD Pro model featured standard four-wheel drive and a two-speed transfer case, enhancing its off-road capabilities. However, on-road performance was less impressive, with sluggish acceleration and noticeable body roll during cornering. The soft suspension, while beneficial for off-roading, resulted in a bouncy ride on highways and an unsettling nosedive during hard braking.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade, on the other hand, offered a naturally aspirated 6.2-litre V8 engine producing 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. The Escalade-V took performance to another level with a supercharged V8 generating 682 hp and 653 lb-ft of torque. All models featured a 10-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth and efficient power delivery. While the Escalade excelled in straight-line speed, its handling was less refined compared to luxury competitors like the Range Rover or BMW X7. The Magnetic Ride Control damping system improved ride quality, but the Escalade's body-on-frame construction limited its agility. The brakes, though adequate, could benefit from the optional Brembo upgrade for enhanced stopping power.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner's interior, though dated, offered practicality with easy-to-use controls and excellent outward visibility. Front passengers enjoyed ample space, but taller drivers might find the steering wheel's reach lacking. The second row provided generous legroom, though headroom was limited for taller passengers. The 4Runner's cargo capacity was impressive, with up to 2,540 litres available when the rear seats were stowed. However, the lack of remote seat releases and a powered liftgate were notable drawbacks. The sliding glass rear window and party speakers added unique functionality, while the 2,268-kilogram towing capacity was suitable for small campers.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade excelled in interior space, offering both short and long-wheelbase configurations. The Escalade ESV provided additional cargo space and third-row legroom, making it ideal for larger families. The interior boasted best-in-segment cargo capacity, with power-folding seats and a power liftgate for convenience. The Escalade's towing capacity of up to 3,675 kilograms met segment expectations, though it lacked some of the advanced towing features found in competitors like the Lincoln Navigator. Overall, the Escalade's interior was spacious and luxurious, catering to passengers' comfort and convenience.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner's infotainment system included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the small eight-inch touchscreen was challenging to use while driving. The TRD Pro model featured a 15-speaker JBL audio system, though road noise often overshadowed its quality. Additional terrain controls were available, but their pictogram labels required consulting the owner's manual for full understanding. The 4Runner's technology was functional but lacked the sophistication and modernity of its competitors.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade embraced cutting-edge technology with its 55-inch door-to-door display, incorporating a digital instrument cluster, infotainment touchscreen, and front-passenger screen. The system included a 19-speaker AKG audio system, with an optional 36-speaker version available. Cadillac retained standalone wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a traditional on/off button for ease of use. The Escalade's tech suite was comprehensive, offering features like an augmented-reality head-up display and night vision. The optional Executive Second Row Package added luxury touches for rear passengers, enhancing the overall experience.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner received mixed safety ratings, with four out of five stars from NHTSA for overall and frontal crash protection. It scored five stars for side impacts but only three stars in rollover evaluations. IIHS ratings were similarly varied, with "Good" scores for moderate frontal overlap and side protection tests, but "Marginal" and "Poor" results in the small overlap frontal test. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-departure warning, though some alerts were overly sensitive.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade offered a comprehensive suite of standard driver assist features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera system. GM's Safety Alert Seat provided tactile feedback for warnings, and Super Cruise enabled hands-free driving on mapped roads. While crash test ratings were unavailable at the time of writing, the Escalade's safety features were extensive and advanced, providing peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike.