2025 Cadillac Escalade vs 2025 Toyota 4Runner

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner, in its sixth generation, maintained a design evolution rather than a complete overhaul. It retained the horseshoe-shaped grilles from the previous generation, now with a more robust and industrial look. The side body panels featured deep beveled creases that seamlessly integrated with the flared wheel arches, giving the 4Runner a broad-shouldered stance suitable for an off-road SUV. Paying homage to its predecessors, the 4Runner included design elements like the slanted rearmost window, while the sliding rear window facilitated easier cargo access. Inside, the 4Runner mirrored the Tacoma pickup truck, with a cabin that echoed the exterior's beveled styling. It was designed to endure rugged use, with hard plastics and light cushioning for comfort. The materials were superior to those in a Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco but not as refined as a Land Rover Defender.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade, aside from the Celestiq EV, was Cadillac's largest and most expensive offering, embodying old-school luxury. The updated design distinguished it from its GM siblings, the Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban and GMC Yukon/Yukon XL. The Escalade's new front end aligned it stylistically with Cadillac's EVs, featuring large vertical headlights and horizontal daytime running lights. The rear maintained tall, vertical taillights reminiscent of classic Cadillac tailfins, and 24-inch wheels were introduced. Cadillac offered various trim levels, including the performance-focused Escalade-V. Inside, the Escalade boasted a 55-inch display spanning the dashboard, replacing the previous 38-inch OLED display. The interior featured high-quality materials, with options for real leather and curated motifs. The Premium Luxury Platinum model showcased Whisper Beige upholstery and wood trim, elevating the Escalade's luxury appeal.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner offered two engine choices. The base model featured a 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 317 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup improved acceleration and fuel economy compared to the previous generation's V6. In Canada, part-time 4WD was standard, with full-time 4WD available in the Limited and Platinum packages. Toyota introduced a Hybrid i-Force Max powertrain, combining the four-cylinder engine with a 1.87-kWh battery and an electric motor, delivering 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. This hybrid variant provided stronger power at lower speeds, enhancing off-road capabilities. The 4Runner's handling improved significantly, with reduced nosedive and body roll, making it more composed on pavement. Off-road prowess remained intact, with eight distinct packages offering varying levels of capability. The TRD Pro and Trailhunter models were the most capable, with approach angles ranging from 18 to 33 degrees and ground clearance between 20.5 and 25.6 centimetres.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade dropped the Duramax turbodiesel engine, leaving the naturally aspirated 6.2-litre V8 as the sole option, producing 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. The Escalade-V featured a supercharged 6.2-litre V8 with 682 hp and 653 lb-ft of torque. All models had a 10-speed automatic transmission, ensuring smooth power delivery. In Canada, 4WD was standard, with the Escalade-V featuring a performance-oriented AWD 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 a Range Rover or BMW X7. The V8 engine offered quick acceleration and a pleasing sound, but the brakes lacked confidence. The Performance Upgrade Package, including Brembo brakes, was recommended for improved stopping power.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner grew nearly 13 centimetres longer, with a 6-centimetre increase in wheelbase. While this typically results in more passenger space, the gains were minimal. The front seats accommodated taller passengers, but the middle row offered only adequate legroom. A third row was available on non-hybrid models, though it was cramped and best suited for short trips. The cockpit was well-organized, with oversized climate control knobs and grouped off-road controls for easy operation. Storage options included door pockets, a dashboard tray, and a centre armrest bin. Cargo capacity was 1,371 litres behind the second row, reduced to 1,206 litres in the Hybrid due to the battery placement. A sturdy roof rack compensated for cargo deficits, supporting up to 360 kilograms.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade offered short-wheelbase and long-wheelbase configurations, with the ESV model providing additional cargo space and third-row legroom. The Escalade's interior was spacious, with best-in-class first-row headroom and legroom. Cargo capacity in the standard model was 722 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 3,412 litres with the seats folded. The ESV model 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 3,675 kilograms for the standard model and 3,628 kilograms for the ESV. While it matched competitors in towing capacity, it lacked some of the towing features offered by rivals like the Lincoln Navigator.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen as standard, with an optional 14-inch screen. Both were user-friendly, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A digital instrument panel was standard on Hybrid models and available on gas models. Off-road models included external camera views for precise tire placement, with automatic activation when crawling. A 14-speaker JBL audio system was available, along with a portable Bluetooth speaker. Remote monitoring and control via a smartphone app, as well as a digital key function, were notable tech advancements for the 4Runner.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade combined traditional engineering with a high-tech interface. The 55-inch display spanned the dashboard, incorporating a digital instrument cluster, infotainment touchscreen, and front-passenger screen. 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 a hard button for vehicle operation. The optional Executive Second Row Package included 12.6-inch screens, dual wireless chargers, and upgraded seats with massage and headrest speakers. The Escalade's tech features were extensive, though some functions relied on touchscreens rather than physical controls.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner's crash test results were not available at the time of writing, but the Tacoma pickup on which it was based received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS. All 4Runner models came with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including features like frontal collision warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Proactive Driving Assist was also included, though it could be intrusive for some drivers. In Canada, a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert was standard.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade offered a comprehensive suite of driver assist features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-zone steering assist, automatic emergency braking, 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 extensive, though the handoff to manual control in Super Cruise could be abrupt.