2025 Cadillac Escalade vs 2024 Toyota RAV4

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 was designed to project a rugged and aggressive appearance, with its frowning front and angular grey body cladding. Despite its tough exterior, the performance didn't quite match the visual promise, as the dual exhaust outlets suggested more power than the vehicle delivered. The upper trims featured faux skid plates, and the off-road-themed versions came with utility-style roof racks. Our test vehicle, the U.S. specification TRD Off-Road trim, showcased a digital rearview mirror, a feature available on the Limited trims in Canada. The RAV4's interior was practical, with utility-focused elements like a full-width dashboard shelf and rubber-lined storage areas. The cabin's design emphasized functionality over luxury, although higher trims offered more upscale interior choices.

In contrast, the 2025 Cadillac Escalade embodied old-school Cadillac luxury with its updated design, distinguishing itself from its GM siblings. The new front end brought the gasoline Escalade closer in style to Cadillac's EVs, featuring large vertical headlights and tall taillights reminiscent of classic Cadillacs. The Escalade offered both standard and long-wheelbase versions, with various trim levels, including the performance-oriented Escalade-V. Inside, Cadillac worked to conceal its shared platform with other GM SUVs, introducing a 55-inch OLED curved display across the dashboard. The interior boasted real leather upholstery, with options for semi-aniline leather and curated interior motifs. Our test car, a Premium Luxury Platinum model, impressed with its Whisper Beige upholstery and wood trim, showcasing a level of finish unexpected from a mainstream automaker.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 184 pound-feet of torque at 5,000 rpm. This powertrain required high revs to access its full potential, and while it was powerful for its class, it sounded loud and unrefined. In Canada, all-wheel drive was standard, and an eight-speed automatic transmission managed power delivery. The RAV4 featured Multi-Terrain Select with various driving modes and offered ground clearance between 20.6 and 21.6 centimetres. Fuel economy was rated at 8.5 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with the LE model slightly more efficient at 7.9 L/100 km. Our test vehicle averaged 10.6 L/100 km during evaluation, while the RAV4 Hybrid Woodland Edition offered better fuel efficiency at 6.4 L/100 km.

For the 2025 Cadillac Escalade, Cadillac dropped the Duramax turbodiesel option, leaving the naturally aspirated 6.2-litre V8 engine as the sole choice. This engine delivered 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, while the Escalade-V boasted a supercharged 6.2-litre V8 with 682 hp and 653 lb-ft of torque. All models featured a 10-speed automatic transmission, providing a balance of low and high ratios for efficient driving. In Canada, four-wheel drive was standard, with the Escalade-V offering a performance-focused AWD system. The Escalade's Magnetic Ride Control damping and optional air suspension contributed to a comfortable ride, though it couldn't match the handling of luxury competitors. The V8 engine provided quick acceleration, but the brakes lacked confidence, prompting consideration of the Performance Upgrade Package with Brembo calipers.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 prioritized practicality and utility, with a cabin full of storage options and oversized rubberized controls. The test vehicle featured SofTex artificial leather upholstery, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and standard heated front seats in Canada. Ventilated front seats and heated rear seats were exclusive to the Limited trim. The RAV4 accommodated four adults comfortably, with a roomy cargo area offering 1,059 litres of space, expandable to 1,977 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade offered spacious interiors in both standard and long-wheelbase configurations. The Escalade ESV provided additional cargo space and third-row legroom. Seating for up to eight was available, with options for second-row captain's chairs. The Escalade boasted best-in-segment cargo space, with the standard model offering 722 litres behind the rear seats, expandable to 3,412 litres. The ESV further increased cargo capacity. The Escalade's towing capacity met segment expectations, though it lacked some towing features offered by competitors.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 featured the Toyota Audio Multimedia system with an 8-inch or optional 10.5-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Connected services included Service Connect and Safety Connect, with Remote Connect available for three years. Drive Connect required a subscription, adding cloud-based navigation and a digital voice assistant. The infotainment system was sophisticated but had usability issues, such as the lack of a multi-panel Home screen and difficulty exiting Apple CarPlay. The test vehicle included a digital rear-view mirror but lacked the panoramic surround-view camera.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade combined traditional engineering with a high-tech interface, featuring a 55-inch door-to-door display and a tablet-like touchscreen for climate controls. 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 easy-to-use icons and haptic feedback. The optional Executive Second Row Package added luxury features for rear passengers, including screens, wireless chargers, and upgraded seats with massage and headrest speakers.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, including adaptive cruise control, lane-centring assist, and blind-spot monitoring. While the system performed adequately, it had issues with lane-centring and excessive braking in certain situations. The RAV4 lost its Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS due to lower ratings in recent crash tests, highlighting the need for an updated design.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade offered a comprehensive suite of driver assist features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera system. GM's Safety Alert Seat provided warnings through vibrations, and Super Cruise allowed for hands-free driving on mapped roads. While Super Cruise had improved, it still required manual control in construction zones. Current crash test ratings were unavailable at the time of writing.