2025 Cadillac Escalade vs 2025 Hyundai Kona

The 2025 Hyundai Kona retained its distinctive appearance from the previous year, maintaining a fresh and futuristic look that set it apart in the crossover class. Its design featured a largely flush, single-piece grille and ultra-slim LED light bars at both the front and rear, giving even the gas-powered models a modern aesthetic. The Kona's design, while not traditionally handsome, was a satisfactory blend of curves, bulges, and sharp angles. The newer model was noticeably larger, being about 15 centimetres longer, which enhanced its interior space and gave it a more assertive stance. The Kona N Line, with its sportier design and body-coloured bumpers, further emphasized this assertiveness. The interior remained unchanged from 2024, offering a solid and airy feel with ample tech features.

In contrast, the 2025 Cadillac Escalade showcased a design update that emphasized its status as a luxury vehicle. The new front end brought the gasoline Escalade closer in style to Cadillac's EVs, with large vertical headlights and smaller horizontal daytime running lights. The rear maintained its tall, vertical taillights reminiscent of classic Cadillac tailfins, and for the first time, 24-inch wheels were available. The Escalade offered both standard and long-wheelbase configurations, with various trim levels including the performance-focused Escalade-V. Inside, Cadillac worked to differentiate the Escalade from its GM siblings, featuring a 55-inch OLED curved display that spanned the dashboard. The interior was luxurious, with options for real leather and curated motifs, providing a high-end feel that was hard to match in its class.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered a choice between a fully electric drivetrain and two gas-powered options. The Essential and Preferred trims featured a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with Hyundai's Intelligent Variable Transmission. For those seeking more power, the Kona N Line came with a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine producing 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive was available on the Essential and Preferred trims and standard on the N Line, enhancing its handling capabilities.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade, meanwhile, dropped its diesel option, leaving the naturally aspirated 6.2-litre V8 engine as the standard powertrain, delivering 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. The Escalade-V boasted a supercharged version of the same engine, producing 682 horsepower and 653 lb-ft of torque. All models featured a 10-speed automatic transmission, with four-wheel drive standard in Canada. The Escalade's performance was bolstered by Magnetic Ride Control damping and an optional air suspension, though it couldn't match the handling finesse of some European rivals. The V8 provided strong acceleration, but the brakes were less confidence-inspiring, with an optional Brembo upgrade available.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona impressed with its cargo capacity, offering 723 litres with the rear seats up and 1,803 litres when folded. Rear legroom was adequate at 970 millimetres, and the front seats provided a comfortable range of adjustments. The interior featured excellent storage options, with various shelves and compartments. Upholstery options ranged from cloth in the Essential and Preferred trims to Alcantara sport seats in the N Line. Climate control varied from single-zone air conditioning to dual-zone automatic control in higher trims.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade offered expansive interior space, particularly in the long-wheelbase ESV model, which provided additional 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 the seats folded. The Escalade could seat up to eight passengers, with options for second-row captain's chairs. Towing capacity was competitive, though Cadillac lacked some of the towing features offered by rivals. The interior was luxurious, with power liftgate and power-folding seats enhancing functionality.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona featured a 12.3-inch central touchscreen infotainment display across all trims, with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard. Higher trims offered wireless smartphone charging and a digital key. The N Line trim included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an optional Bose premium audio system. Hyundai's Bluelink connectivity allowed for over-the-air updates.

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 additional features like an augmented-reality head-up display and night vision. The optional Executive Second Row Package added screens and controls for rear passengers, enhancing the luxury experience.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona impressed with its comprehensive safety features, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, and more as standard. Higher trims added advanced features like Highway Driving Assist and a Blind Spot View Monitor. The Kona was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade offered a suite of 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, though it had limitations. The Escalade's safety features were conveyed through a vibrating Safety Alert Seat, adding a unique touch to its safety offerings.