2025 Cadillac Escalade vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 was available in three powertrain variants: the standard-output 3.3 Turbo, the high-output 3.3 Turbo, and the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). Canadian trim levels included GS-L, GS, GT, GT-P, and Signature, with pricing ranging from $48,846 to $67,886. The test vehicle in the U.S., equivalent to the Signature trim, featured extra-cost Soul Red paint, bringing the MSRP to $67,286. The CX-90's exterior boasted lustrous paint, polished chrome trim, and intricate 21-inch wheels, giving it a luxury SUV appearance. Its sculptural sheet metal and design elements contributed to a low, long, athletic look.

Inside, the CX-90 continued its premium theme with polished metallic trim, Nappa leather with contrast stitching, and clearly marked switchgear. While some materials reflected its price point, the cabin felt upscale. However, ergonomic issues were noted, such as a confusing electronic shifter and a non-intuitive climate panel. Despite these drawbacks, the CX-90 exuded sophistication compared to other midsize three-row crossover SUVs from mainstream brands.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade, aside from the low-volume Celestiq EV, was Cadillac's largest and most expensive offering. It replaced the Fleetwoods and DeVilles as the embodiment of old-school Cadillac luxury. The updated 2025 design further distinguished the Escalade from its Chevrolet and GMC counterparts. The most significant exterior change was a new front end, aligning the gasoline Escalade stylistically with Cadillac EVs. The Escalade featured large vertical headlights, tall vertical taillights, and 24-inch wheels, enhancing its imposing presence.

Cadillac offered standard and long-wheelbase Escalade ESV body styles with various trim levels, including the performance-oriented Escalade-V. The interior featured a screen-centric design, with a 55-inch display spanning the dashboard. The Escalade's interior boasted real leather upholstery, with semi-aniline leather available. Curated interior motifs added to its luxury appeal. The Premium Luxury Platinum test car's Whisper Beige upholstery and wood trim were impressively finished, making it hard to believe it shared a platform with a Chevy.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's standard 3.3 Turbo drivetrain lacked refinement, which was disappointing given the typically smooth operation of inline-six engines. The turbocharged 3.3-litre inline-six engine produced 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque in standard-output models. The high-output version, standard on GT-P and Signature trims, delivered 319 hp and 369 lb-ft, or 340 hp with premium gas. Power was transmitted through an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard all-wheel-drive system, with a rear-wheel bias for improved dynamics. The CX-90 offered Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing modes, with a maximum towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms.

Mazda's i-Stop function aimed to improve fuel economy, with ratings of 9.3 to 9.5 litres per 100 kilometres depending on the engine. The plug-in hybrid offered 42 kilometres of electric range and a 9.4 L/100 km combined rating. While the CX-90 excelled in ride and handling, drivetrain refinement was lacking, especially during cold starts. Unwanted engine surge and acceleration were noted, and the vehicle suffered from noise and impact harshness. Despite these flaws, the CX-90's suspension provided a firm, communicative ride, and switching between driving modes enhanced the driving experience.

For the 2025 Cadillac Escalade, Cadillac dropped the Duramax turbodiesel inline-six engine, leaving only the naturally aspirated 6.2-litre V8 engine. The V8 produced 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, while the Escalade-V featured a supercharged 6.2-litre V8 with 682 hp and 653 lb-ft. All Escalade models had a 10-speed automatic transmission, ensuring smooth power delivery. In Canada, four-wheel drive was standard on most models, with the Escalade-V featuring a performance-oriented all-wheel-drive system.

The Escalade's Magnetic Ride Control damping system, combined with optional air suspension, provided a comfortable ride, though it couldn't match the handling of luxury competitors. The V8 engine offered quick acceleration and a pleasing sound, but the brakes lacked confidence. Cadillac offered a Performance Upgrade Package with Brembo brakes and other enhancements. Despite its power, the Escalade's ride quality was impressive for a body-on-frame vehicle, though it couldn't match the refinement of unibody competitors.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's interior featured Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel in Signature trim. However, the three-zone climate control system struggled to cool the cabin quickly. The panoramic sunroof provided ample natural light, and second-row passengers enjoyed comfortable seating. The third row was best suited for children, and the CX-90's long rear doors facilitated loading and unloading.

Cargo space was practical, with 451 litres behind the third row, 1,155 litres with the third row folded, and 2,129 litres with the second row flattened. However, storage options were limited, with a shallow bin under the centre armrest and minimal door panel storage.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade offered short and long-wheelbase configurations, with the ESV providing additional cargo space and third-row legroom. The Escalade boasted ample interior space, with best-in-class first-row headroom and legroom. Cargo capacity was impressive, with 722 litres behind the rear seats, 2,064 litres behind the second row, and 3,412 litres behind the front seats in the standard model. ESV models offered even more space, with 1,175 litres behind the third row and 4,043 litres behind the first row.

The Escalade's towing capacity was competitive, with a maximum of 3,675 kilograms for the standard model. However, it lacked some towing features offered by competitors. The Escalade's interior was designed for comfort, with available second-row captain's chairs and extensive creature comforts.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen in the Signature trim. While the infotainment screen was touch-sensitive for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the native Mazda Connect platform required using a knob and buttons. Mazda's voice recognition system was lacking, but a new Google built-in infotainment system was expected in future models. The test vehicle included a 12-speaker Bose audio system and a head-up display with blind-spot alerts.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade featured 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 easy-to-use icons and a traditional steering wheel. The optional Executive Second Row Package added screens, controls, and upgraded seats for second-row passengers.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings in all NHTSA crash tests for the PHEV model. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added advanced safety features, including steering assist and a surround-view camera system. The CX-90's driver aids were effective, though some features caused irritation.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade included standard driver assist features such as adaptive cruise control, blind-zone steering assist, 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 crash test ratings were unavailable, the Escalade's safety features were comprehensive.