2025 Cadillac Escalade vs 2025 Acura MDX

The 2025 Acura MDX received subtle exterior updates, including a new grille, revised front bumper, and darkened headlights and taillights, which enhanced its sporty and performance-oriented appearance. Most versions also featured new wheel designs and finishes, adding to the vehicle's visual appeal. Inside, the MDX saw more significant changes with the introduction of a new touchscreen infotainment system, replacing the previous touchpad interface and providing additional storage space. The seats from the previous MDX Type S model were incorporated into the new MDX Platinum Elite A-Spec, while the Type S received a new seat design. Acura also improved cabin quietness with added sound insulation and acoustic laminated window glass.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade showcased a new front end design, aligning it stylistically with Cadillac's EV lineup. The headlights were redesigned as large vertical bars, complemented by smaller horizontal daytime running lights. The rear maintained its tall, vertical taillights reminiscent of classic Cadillac tailfins, and 24-inch wheels were introduced for the first time. Inside, Cadillac focused on differentiating the Escalade from its GM siblings by enhancing its interior with a 55-inch display spanning the dashboard. The Escalade offered various trim levels, with the Premium Luxury Platinum models featuring an illuminated Cadillac crest and grille surround. The interior boasted luxurious materials, including semi-aniline leather and curated motifs, providing a high-end feel.

The 2025 Acura MDX positioned itself as a performance-oriented luxury SUV, offering a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine in the Type S model, producing 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. Most buyers opted for the standard 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 290 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The MDX featured Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, providing confident handling and smooth body motions. While not the fastest SUV, it offered a satisfying driving experience with various driving modes, including Comfort, Normal, Sport, Snow, and Individual. Fuel economy was rated at 11.2 L/100 km in combined driving, though our test vehicle averaged 15.3 L/100 km.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade dropped the Duramax turbodiesel option, leaving the naturally aspirated 6.2-litre V8 engine, producing 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. The Escalade-V model featured a supercharged 6.2-litre V8, delivering 682 hp and 653 lb-ft of torque. All models came with a 10-speed automatic transmission, ensuring smooth power delivery. In Canada, four-wheel drive was standard, with the Escalade-V featuring a performance-oriented all-wheel drive system. The Escalade offered Magnetic Ride Control damping and optional air suspension, though it couldn't match the handling of unibody SUVs. The V8 provided quick acceleration, but the brakes lacked confidence, with Brembo calipers available as part of a performance package.

The 2025 Acura MDX Platinum Elite A-Spec trim featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage programs, wrapped in luxurious leather. The second row could be configured as a bench seat or individual bucket seats, with the middle section folding down for additional storage. The third-row seat was less comfortable for adults, best suited for children. The MDX offered adequate in-cabin storage, with a new centre console tray and wireless smartphone charging pad. Cargo volume measured up to 512 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,690 litres with the second row folded.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade was available in short-wheelbase and long-wheelbase configurations, with the ESV model 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 impressive, with the standard model offering 722 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 3,412 litres with the front seats folded. The ESV model further increased cargo space to 4,043 litres. The Escalade's towing capacity was competitive, though it lacked some of the towing features offered by rivals.

The 2025 Acura MDX introduced a new 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Alexa and Google Built-in, replacing the previous touchpad interface. The system offered a natural and intuitive interface, though SiriusXM required streaming via a smartphone app. AcuraLink connected services and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot were standard, with a Bang & Olufsen audio system providing high-quality sound. The MDX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a 10.5-inch head-up display, with a surround-view camera system available on higher trims.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade featured a 55-inch door-to-door display, incorporating a digital instrument cluster, central infotainment touchscreen, and front-passenger touchscreen. A 19-speaker AKG audio system was standard, with a 36-speaker version available. The Escalade retained wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a rotary dial for additional controls. The optional Executive Second Row Package included dual 12.6-inch screens and a centre console with wireless device chargers and massage seats, enhancing rear passenger comfort.

The 2025 Acura MDX featured the AcuraWatch suite of driver assistance features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The MDX Type S Ultra added front cross-traffic alert and evasive steering warning. The MDX received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade offered standard 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 available, allowing for hands-free driving on mapped roads. Current crash test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of writing.