Cadillac Escalade vs Toyota Grand Highlander

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander was a standout in Toyota's lineup of crossovers and SUVs, offering a range of options from all-gas to hybrid-powered models. Built on the TNGA-K platform, it shared its underpinnings with the regular Highlander, RAV4, Sienna, and Camry, distinguishing itself from the body-on-frame Sequoia. With a length of 5,115 millimetres and a wheelbase of 2,950 mm, it was larger than competitors like the Kia Telluride, providing a spacious interior. Its design, inspired by rugged vehicles, featured a blockier style with a trapezoidal grille and narrow headlights, reminiscent of the 4Runner. The Grand Highlander was available in three trims: XLE, Limited, and Platinum, with interior options ranging from black Softex synthetic leather to real leather in higher trims. It boasted features like a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat, heated front seats, and a large centre console, making it a comfortable and well-built road-trip vehicle.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade, on the other hand, represented the pinnacle of Cadillac luxury, with its updated design further distinguishing it from its Chevrolet and GMC counterparts. The new front end brought it stylistically closer to Cadillac's EVs, featuring large vertical headlights and tall taillights reminiscent of classic Cadillacs. Available in standard and long-wheelbase configurations, the Escalade offered a range of trims, including the performance-oriented Escalade-V. Inside, Cadillac focused on hiding its shared platform with other GM SUVs, introducing a 55-inch display across the dashboard. The interior featured a mix of synthetic and real leather, with curated motifs for a luxurious feel. The Premium Luxury Platinum trim impressed with its Whisper Beige upholstery and wood trim, showcasing Cadillac's attention to detail.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander offered three engine options, starting with a 2.4-litre turbo four-cylinder engine producing 265 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. For those prioritizing fuel efficiency, a 2.5-litre four-cylinder hybrid option delivered 245 combined net horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. At the top, the Hybrid Max powertrain combined a 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with electric motors, generating 362 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. All models in Canada came with all-wheel drive, and the Hybrid Max boasted a zero-to-60 time of 6.3 seconds. While the Grand Highlander excelled in acceleration, its size made it less maneuverable than smaller models, and the steering felt somewhat disconnected. However, the brakes were solid, and the vehicle offered three drive modes: Sport, Eco, and Normal, with additional off-road modes for gas-only and Hybrid Max models.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade dropped the Duramax turbodiesel option, leaving the naturally aspirated 6.2-litre V8 engine, 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 came with a 10-speed automatic transmission, ensuring smooth shifts and efficient highway cruising. In Canada, four-wheel drive was standard, with the Escalade-V featuring a performance-oriented all-wheel drive system. Magnetic Ride Control damping was standard on most trims, but the Escalade's body-on-frame construction limited its handling compared to unibody competitors. While the V8 provided quick acceleration, the brakes lacked confidence, though an optional Performance Upgrade Package with Brembo calipers was available.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander was larger than its primary rivals, offering a total cargo capacity of 2,761 litres, surpassing the Kia Telluride by over 300 litres. With 1,640 litres behind the second-row seats and 583 litres with all three rows up, it provided ample storage space. The interior was spacious and comfortable, with good visibility and plenty of room in every row, accommodating even six-foot adults in the third row.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade, available in short and long-wheelbase configurations, offered generous interior space. The long-wheelbase ESV model added 33.5 centimetres between the wheels, enhancing cargo space and third-row legroom. The standard-length model provided 722 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, 2,064 litres behind the second row, and 3,412 litres behind the front seats, leading the segment. ESV models further increased cargo capacity, making it a versatile choice for hauling passengers or cargo. The Escalade's towing capacity of 3,675 kilograms met segment expectations, though it lacked some towing features offered by competitors.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a significant improvement over previous models. An intelligent assistant, available via subscription, responded to voice commands for tasks like adjusting temperature and changing radio stations. The system included dual-device Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an 11-speaker JBL stereo on higher trims. While Toyota's tech offerings had improved, careful consideration of subscription options was recommended.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade combined traditional engineering with a high-tech interface, featuring a 55-inch display spanning the dashboard. 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 rotary dial for controls. The optional Executive Second Row Package added 12.6-inch screens, dual wireless chargers, and upgraded seats with massage and headrest speakers, enhancing passenger comfort.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander came with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including features like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, lane-tracing assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control with four following-distance settings was standard. However, crash test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS were not available at the time.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade offered standard driver assist features like adaptive cruise control, blind-zone steering assist, and automatic emergency braking. GM's Safety Alert Seat provided warnings through vibrations, and Super Cruise allowed hands-free driving on mapped roads. While crash test ratings were unavailable, the Escalade's safety features were comprehensive.