2025 Cadillac Escalade vs 2025 Mazda CX-5

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 was often praised for its elegant design, which stood out in the small SUV class. Its graceful curves and understated styling made it appear more luxurious than its price tag suggested. Despite not having undergone a redesign since 2017, the CX-5's design remained timeless and appealing. Inside, the CX-5 offered a blend of traditional and modern elements, with high-quality materials and a user-friendly layout. While it lacked the large infotainment screens of its competitors, the physical buttons and knobs were appreciated for their ease of use. The interior felt more upscale than other vehicles in its price range, with soft-touch materials and a design reminiscent of older Acura or Lexus models.

In contrast, the 2025 Cadillac Escalade embodied the essence of old-school Cadillac luxury with its imposing presence and updated design. The new front end brought it closer in style to Cadillac's electric vehicles, featuring large vertical headlights and distinctive taillights. The Escalade's massive 24-inch wheels added to its commanding appearance. Inside, Cadillac focused on differentiating the Escalade from its GM siblings by incorporating a high-tech, screen-centric interior. The 55-inch OLED display spanned the dashboard, offering a futuristic feel. The interior was lavishly appointed with options for real leather and curated motifs, making it hard to believe it shared a platform with other GM SUVs. The Escalade's interior was a testament to Cadillac's commitment to luxury and technology.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options: a 2.5-litre four-cylinder with 187 horsepower and a turbocharged version producing 256 horsepower. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The base engine provided adequate power, accelerating to 96 km/h in about 8 seconds, while the turbocharged model was quicker by two seconds. The CX-5 was known for its sporty handling, with minimal body roll and a firm ride quality that enhanced driving confidence. Despite its sporty nature, the ride remained comfortable, and the cabin was quiet, effectively filtering out road noise.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade, on the other hand, was powered by a 6.2-litre V8 engine producing 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. The Escalade-V variant boasted a supercharged V8 with 682 horsepower. All models featured a 10-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth and efficient gear changes. The Escalade's performance was impressive for its size, but its handling was not as refined as some luxury competitors. The Magnetic Ride Control and optional air suspension improved ride quality, but the Escalade's body-on-frame construction limited its agility. The brakes, while adequate, could benefit from the optional Brembo upgrade for better stopping power.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5's interior was well-designed but lacked the spaciousness of some rivals. While rear headroom was sufficient for adults, competitors like the Toyota RAV4 and Kia Sportage offered more space. The CX-5 excelled in rear legroom compared to the RAV4 but fell short against the Honda CR-V and Sportage. Cargo space was also limited, with 871 litres behind the rear seats and 1,680 litres with the seats folded. The CX-5's interior featured practical storage solutions, and the infotainment system was easy to operate with a control dial.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade offered generous interior space, especially in the long-wheelbase ESV model. The ESV provided additional cargo space and third-row legroom compared to the standard model. The Escalade's cargo capacity was best-in-segment, with power-folding seats and a power liftgate for convenience. The Escalade could tow up to 3,675 kilograms, meeting segment expectations. The interior was luxurious, with options for second-row captain's chairs and extensive creature comforts for passengers.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 featured a 10.25-inch infotainment display controlled by a dial, offering a user-friendly experience. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, with wireless connectivity in higher trims. The CX-5's analog gauges felt dated, but a head-up display was standard in upper trims. The audio system ranged from a basic four-speaker setup to a premium 10-speaker Bose system. Remote vehicle monitoring and a Wi-Fi hotspot were available.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade boasted a 55-inch display spanning the dashboard, incorporating a digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen. The Escalade offered a 19-speaker AKG audio system, with an optional 36-speaker version. The vehicle retained wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the interface was designed for ease of use. The Escalade's tech features included an augmented-reality head-up display, night vision, and extensive second-row entertainment options.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 received high safety ratings, with five stars from the NHTSA in most categories. It came standard with advanced safety features like forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added features like adaptive headlights and a 360-degree camera. The safety systems operated smoothly without false alarms.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade included standard driver assist features such as adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera system. The Safety Alert Seat provided tactile warnings, and Super Cruise offered hands-free driving on mapped roads. While crash test ratings were unavailable, the Escalade's safety features were comprehensive.