Cadillac Escalade ESV Sport Platinum (2025 facelift), rear 3/4 exterior. Photo: Damian B Oh, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The refreshed 2025 Cadillac Escalade brought a 55-inch curved display, standard Super Cruise and V8s from 420 to 682 hp. It started at $89,590 including destination, with production from late 2024. This review covers prices, specs, EPA mpg, towing, recalls and what to check if you buy one used.
The 2025 Cadillac Escalade was a major refresh of Cadillac’s full-size SUV, with new styling, a new interior display and more standard tech. It came as the standard model, the high-performance Escalade-V and, separately, the all-electric Escalade IQ.Â
In this guide, we’ll explore the Cadillac suv’s price, availability, features, and more. Here is what defines the 2025 model.
What Is the 2025 Cadillac Escalade?
The Cadillac Escalade is a full-size luxury SUV known for its bold design and premium features. For 2025, Cadillac has refreshed this iconic vehicle with updated styling, advanced tech, and enhanced comfort.
Available in two body styles—the standard Escalade and the longer Escalade ESV—this SUV offers space for up to eight passengers. It’s perfect for families, professionals, or anyone seeking a blend of luxury and power.
The 2025 lineup includes six trims: Luxury, Premium Luxury, Sport, Premium Luxury Platinum, Sport Platinum, and the high-performance V-Series. There’s also the all-electric Escalade IQ, a major step forward in the luxury SUV market.
With its massive size, plush interior, and top-notch features, the Escalade competes with rivals like the 2025 GMC Yukon Denali and the 2025 Chevy Suburban.
Why Choose a Cadillac Escalade?
The Cadillac suv is a top luxury SUV, blending bold style, comfort, and power. It’s not just a vehicle—it’s a statement of sophistication. Perfect for families or thrill-seekers, here’s why it shines:
Striking Design: A bold grille, LED headlights, and 24-inch wheels make this Cadillac SUV unforgettable.
Luxury Interior: Plush leather, wood trim, and a spacious cabin seat up to eight comfortably.
Advanced Tech: A 55-inch curved display and standard Super Cruise hands-free driver assistance on compatible roads.
Powerful Engines: Choose a 420-hp V8 or a 682-hp supercharged V8 for thrilling performance.
Family-Friendly: With up to 142.8 cubic feet of cargo space and safety features like automatic braking, it’s practical and safe.
The 2025 Escalade combines style and capability, which keeps it near the top of the full-size luxury SUV market.
Cadillac Escalade Sport Platinum (2025 facelift), side profile exterior. Photo: Damian B Oh, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
2025 Cadillac Escalade Price: How Much Does It Cost?
The Cadillac car starts at $89,590, including destination fees. Prices vary by trim and options, with the standard-length Escalade-V starting at $161,990 before options.
Below is a table summarizing the starting prices for each trim (MSRP, including destination):
Trim
Starting Price (RWD)
4WD Option
Luxury
$89,590
+$3,000
Premium Luxury
$98,790
+$3,000
Sport
$99,390
+$3,000
Premium Luxury Platinum
$118,390
+$3,000
Sport Platinum
$118,890
+$3,000
V-Series
$161,990
Standard (AWD)
Four-wheel drive (4WD) adds $3,000 to most trims, except the V-Series, where all-wheel drive (AWD) is standard. The longer Escalade ESV was priced separately, so check Cadillac.com for current ESV pricing.
Additional options, like the Executive Second Row package or 24-inch wheels, can increase the price further.
Is the 2025 Cadillac Escalade Worth the Price?
The Escalade’s price reflects its luxury and advanced features. Compared to rivals like the 2025 GMC Yukon Denali or Lincoln Navigator, it offers standard Super Cruise on every trim and a massive 55-inch display.
Transaction prices vary by trim, region and market conditions, so compare dealer quotes. For budget-conscious buyers, the base Luxury trim provides plenty of features at a lower cost.
When Will the 2025 Cadillac Escalade Be Available?
The 2025 Escalade went on sale after production started in late 2024 at GM’s Arlington Assembly plant in Texas, and Cadillac noted the Luxury trim had late availability. Today a 2025 is mostly a used or certified pre-owned purchase.
The all-electric Escalade IQ was sold as a separate 2025 model.
Used availability varies by region, and the most common trims are the easiest to find.
What About Delivery Times?
For a used 2025, timing depends on dealer and certified pre-owned stock rather than factory orders.
High-demand trims like the V-Series or Platinum models can be harder to find.
Key Features of the 2025 Cadillac Escalade
The 2025 Escalade is packed with features that make it a leader in the luxury SUV market. Here’s a detailed look at what you get.
Exterior Design: Bold and Modern
The 2025 Escalade boasts a refreshed look inspired by Cadillac’s electric vehicles, like the Escalade IQ. Key updates include:
New Grille: A larger, bolder grille with an available illuminated surround.
Sleek Headlights: Vertical LED headlights for a modern touch.
24-Inch Wheels: The largest wheels ever offered on an Escalade.
New Colors: Aegean Stone, Deep Sea Metallic, and Latte Metallic.
The Escalade-V adds sporty touches like black exterior trim and Brembo brakes. The ESV model offers extra cargo space, with up to 4044 liters behind the first row.
Interior: A Tech-Filled Oasis
2025 Cadillac Escalade (facelift), front 3/4 exterior, red (auto show). Photo: Bull-Doser, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Inside, the standout feature is a curved, pillar-to-pillar display measuring 55 inches in total diagonal, spanning the driver and front passenger. Other interior highlights include:
Luxury Materials: Real leather, wood trim, and carbon-fiber accents (V-Series).
New Color Options: Renaissance Red and Sheer Gray interiors.
Executive Second Row Package: Includes tray tables, 12.6-inch rear screens, and massaging seats.
AKG Audio: A standard 19-speaker system, with an available 36-speaker system (40 with the Executive Second Row).
The cabin is spacious, with three rows of seating and up to 25.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row. The ESV model offers even more room for luggage or gear.
Cadillac Escalade ESV (2025 facelift), detail – Cadillac crest badge. Photo: Damian B Oh, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Cargo Versatility: Space for Everything
This full-size SUV shines when it comes to cargo space. The Cadillac Escalade offers 25.5 cubic feet behind the third row, perfect for groceries or sports gear. Fold down the third row, and you get 72.9 cubic feet.
With both rear rows folded, the standard Escalade provides 121 cubic feet, while the Escalade ESV expands to 142.8 cubic feet. A power liftgate and hands-free operation make loading easy.
Whether it’s a family road trip or a big shopping haul, this Cadillac SUV has room for it all.
Family-Friendly Features: Comfort for All
The 2025 Escalade is built for families. It seats up to eight passengers with plenty of legroom in all three rows. The available Executive Second Row package adds fold-down tray tables and 12.6-inch touchscreens for rear passengers, keeping kids entertained.
Tri-zone climate control lets everyone set their perfect temperature. Safety features like rear cross-traffic alerts and a surround-view camera make driving with precious cargo stress-free. This Cadillac SUV is a top choice for families who want luxury and practicality.
Performance: Power Meets Comfort
The 2025 Escalade offers two powerful engines:
Standard 6.2L V8: Produces 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque.
Supercharged 6.2L V8 (V-Series): Delivers 682 horsepower and 653 lb-ft of torque, paired with AWD as standard.
Both engines pair with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard, with 4WD or AWD available. The EPA rates the 6.2L at 15/19/17 mpg (2WD) and 14/18/16 mpg (4WD), and the Escalade-V at 11/17/13 mpg. The Escalade can tow up to 8,100 pounds (2WD, standard length; 8,000 for the ESV), enough for many boats and travel trailers. Magnetic Ride Control and Air Ride Adaptive Suspension ensure a smooth, comfortable ride.
Technology: Cutting-Edge Features
The 2025 Escalade is heavy on technology. Highlights include:
Super Cruise: GM’s hands-free driving system, standard on all trims, with a three-year OnStar Super Cruise plan included.
55-Inch Display: Combines navigation, infotainment, and passenger streaming.
Augmented Reality Navigation: Overlays route guidance on a live camera view in the driver display.
Night Vision: Available, and standard on Platinum and V-Series trims.
AKG Audio System: Up to 40 speakers for an immersive sound experience.
Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot keep you connected. The system also supports Google Built-In for seamless app integration.
Safety: Top-Notch Protection
Safety is a priority in the 2025 Escalade. Standard features include:
Forward Collision Warning: Alerts you to potential crashes.
Automatic Emergency Braking: Stops the vehicle to avoid collisions.
Lane Departure Warning and Assist: Keeps you in your lane.
Surround-View Camera: Helps with parking and tight spaces.
Super Cruise: Hands-free driving on compatible highways.
Higher trims add features like blind-spot steering assist and night vision. NHTSA rates the 2025 Escalade 5 stars overall (5 stars frontal and side, 3 stars rollover); check the IIHS website for its tests.
2025 Cadillac Escalade V: Performance Redefined
The 2025 Cadillac Escalade-V is the performance version. Powered by a supercharged 6.2L V8, it delivers 682 horsepower and 653 lb-ft of torque. It’s not just fast—it’s luxurious, with unique features like:
24-Inch Wheels: Standard for a bold stance.
Brembo Brakes: Six-piston front calipers for superior stopping power.
Carbon-Fiber Trim: Adds a sporty, premium feel.
V-Mode: Adjusts torque distribution for dynamic driving.
Starting at $161,990, the Escalade-V costs far more, but it is the most powerful Escalade.
2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ: The Electric Future
The Cadillac Escalade 2025 IQ is Cadillac’s first all-electric Escalade. With a starting MSRP of $127,700 (before destination), it offers:
200 kWh Battery: Up to 460 miles of GM-estimated range.
750 Horsepower: Accelerates from 0-60 mph in under 5 seconds.
55-Inch Display: Matches the gas-powered model’s tech.
Towing Capacity: Up to 8,000 pounds.
The Escalade IQ features rear-wheel steering for better handling and a sleek, futuristic design. Production started in 2024 at GM’s Factory ZERO in Detroit. It’s a bold step toward sustainability without sacrificing luxury.
How Does the 2025 Escalade Compare to Rivals?
The Cadillac Escalade 2025 faces tough competition from other full-size luxury SUVs. Here’s how it stacks up:
2025 GMC Yukon Denali
Price: Costs less than a comparable Escalade.
Features: Similar tech and available Super Cruise, but lacks the Escalade’s 55-inch display.
Performance: Offers a 420-hp V8 but no supercharged option.
2025 Chevy Suburban
Price: Far more budget-friendly.
Features: Spacious but less luxurious than the Escalade.
Performance: Similar 6.2L V8 but misses the Escalade-V’s power.
Lincoln Navigator
Price: Priced above the base Escalade.
Features: Offers a premium interior and standard BlueCruise hands-free driving.
Performance: A 440-hp V6, less powerful than the Escalade-V.
The Escalade stands out for its advanced tech and bold design, making it a top choice for luxury SUV buyers.
Buying a Used 2025 Cadillac Escalade? What to Check
The 2025 Escalade introduced the current refreshed design, so a used one looks and works much like a newer model. Here is what to check.
NHTSA recalls
NHTSA lists one recall campaign for the 2025 Escalade and Escalade ESV: 26V304, filed in May 2026, which covers trucks with 24-inch wheels where incorrect bolts may have been installed on the front wheel hubs and can loosen over time. NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2025 Escalade IQ. Check any VIN at NHTSA.
What changed after 2025
Cadillac carried the refreshed gas Escalade into the 2026 model year with the same 420-hp and 682-hp V8s, and it is still sold new. The electric Escalade IQ also continues as a separate model.
Practical checks
Super Cruise: the first three years of the OnStar Super Cruise plan are included from the original sale date, after which a plan must be purchased.
Wheels: 24-inch wheels look good but cost more to replace and are covered by recall 26V304.
Fuel costs: the EPA rates the 6.2L at 16 to 17 mpg combined and the Escalade-V at 13 mpg combined.
FAQs
How Much Is a 2025 Cadillac Escalade?
The 2025 Cadillac Escalade starts at $89,590 for the Luxury trim and reaches $161,990 for the V-Series before options. The Escalade IQ starts at $127,700 before destination.
When Will the 2025 Cadillac Escalade Be Available?
Production of the 2025 Escalade started in late 2024 at Arlington Assembly in Texas, and the Escalade IQ is built in Detroit. The 2025 is now sold mainly as a used or certified pre-owned model.
When Does the 2025 Cadillac Escalade Come Out?
The 2025 Escalade launched after production started in late 2024, with the Luxury trim arriving later. The 2026 Escalade has since replaced it.
What Are the Key Features of the 2025 Escalade?
Key features include a 55-inch curved display, standard Super Cruise, a 420-hp or 682-hp V8, and available massaging seats and up to 40 AKG speakers.
Does the 2025 Cadillac Escalade have any recalls?
NHTSA lists one: 26V304, for incorrect front wheel hub bolts on trucks with 24-inch wheels. Check your VIN to see if it applies.
What mpg does the 2025 Cadillac Escalade get?
The EPA rates the 6.2L V8 at 15/19/17 mpg with 2WD and 14/18/16 mpg with 4WD. The supercharged Escalade-V is rated at 11/17/13 mpg.
How much can the 2025 Escalade tow?
Cadillac rates the standard-length 2WD Escalade at up to 8,100 pounds and the 2WD ESV at up to 8,000 pounds.
Why the 2025 Cadillac Escalade Stands Out
The Cadillac Escalade remains a benchmark full-size luxury SUV. With its bold design, advanced technology, and powerful performance, it’s a top contender in the full-size SUV market.
A 2025 model has the current refreshed design, so it is a sensible used buy if the price is right.
Shopping for a used 2025 Cadillac Escalade?
Check the VIN for the 24-inch wheel bolt recall, confirm the Super Cruise plan status, and compare the price with a certified pre-owned example.
Morgan Reyes is the founder and editor-in-chief of NextCarReview, which Morgan launched in August 2024. A 2022 graduate of Columbia University, Morgan is based in New York and writes and edits the site’s reviews, comparisons and buying guides. Morgan does not road-test vehicles. Every article is built from published primary data: EPA FuelEconomy.gov ratings, NHTSA crash ratings, recalls and owner complaints, IIHS results, and manufacturer specifications and pricing, with each figure cited and checked before publication. Contact: admin@nextcarreview.com
