2025 Cadillac Escalade vs. the Competition
Ever since it made its triumphant debut back around the turn of the new millennium, the Cadillac Escalade has captured the attention of the majority of full-size luxury SUV shoppers. While the competition scrambled quickly in an attempt to mirror the powerful performance, luxurious interior, and timeless design of the Escalade – it remains the industry benchmark to this very day.
Some eagle-eyed fans of the Escalade will be eager to point out that this proven SUV has two siblings under the GM umbrella of brands – the GMC Yukon and Chevrolet Suburban. While it’s true that they do share the same platform, there remain plenty of exclusive advantages and perks that you can only experience by choosing the Cadillac Escalade. Interested in learning more about the key differences between the Escalade, Yukon, and Suburban? Crestmont Cadillac has all the information you need to see how the Escalade tops both the Yukon XL and Suburban in this useful reference guide.
Escalade vs Yukon vs Suburban – Quick Comparison
 2025 Cadillac Escalade ESV
|
VS |  2025 GMC Yukon XL
|
 2025 Chevrolet Suburban
|
|---|---|---|---|
| $122,895 | Starting Price* | $69,900 | $61,500 |
| 6.2L V8 (420 horsepower / 313 lb-ft of torque) | Standard Engine | 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 engine (355 horsepower / 383 lb-ft of torque) | 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 engine (355 horsepower / 383 lb-ft of torque) |
| 6.2L V8 (682 horsepower / 653 lb-ft of torque) | Available Engine(s) | 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 engine (420 horsepower / 460 lb-ft of torque)
Duramax® 3.0L Turbo-Diesel I-6 (305 horsepower / 495 lb-ft of torque) |
6.2L EcoTec3 V8 engine (420 horsepower / 460 lb-ft of torque)
Duramax® 3.0L Turbo-Diesel I-6 (305 horsepower / 495 lb-ft of torque) |
| Standard | Super Cruise hands-free driver assistance technology | Available | Available |
| 55-inch curved diagonal display | Standard Infotainment Display Screen | 16.8-inch diagonal display | 17.7-inch diagonal display |
| AKG Studio 19-speaker sound system | Standard Audio System | Bose CenterPoint® Surround 10-speaker audio system | 6-speaker audio system |
| Available | Console Refrigerator with Freezer Mode | Not Available | Not Available |
| 6 | Trim Levels | 5 | 6 |
Performance
A natural starting point for this comparison, performance is a clear strength of both the Cadillac Escalade and Escalade IQ. Beginning with the Escalade, drivers can take advantage of its legendary 6.2-liter V8 engine and 10-speed automatic transmission that delivers a total of 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. Continuously improved over multiple generations, this muscular V8 has plenty of low-end response and an unmistakable rumble emitted from its dual exhaust tips. Other strengths of the Escalade include a maximum towing capacity of up to 8,100 pounds along with an available adaptive suspension system that absorbs imperfections in the road surface with ease.
Technology
Next, we’ll gain a better understanding of how the Cadillac Escalade outperforms both the GMC Yukon and Chevrolet Suburban when it comes to technology features. Looking at the standard touchscreen displays of all three models uncovers one significant advantage for Cadillac. The breathtaking 55-inch diagonal full-width touchscreen of the Escalade is much larger compared to the 16.8-inch unit of the GMC and the 17.7-inch display of the Chevrolet. Along with this impressive infotainment feature, the Cadillac Escalade also includes the award-winning Super Cruise hands-free semi-autonomous cruise control system as standard equipment. You’ll have to shell out extra cash on both the Yukon and Suburban in order to get access to this technology.
Refinement & Comfort
Peerless refinement and first-class comfort are two hallmarks of the Cadillac brand and the Escalade certainly delivers both. You’ll certainly find more premium amenities than the Yukon or Suburban with examples including heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats along with a rear entertainment system option that keeps everyone engaged and entertained on the way to your destination. Every Escalade delivers an elevated audio listening experience thanks to its standard 19-speaker AKG system. You also won’t find features like an available console refrigerator with freezer mode inside either the Yukon or the Suburban!
*The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price excludes destination freight charge, tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment.
**Safety or driver assistance features are no substitute for the driver’s responsibility to operate the vehicle in a safe manner. The driver should remain attentive to traffic, surroundings and road conditions at all times. Visibility, weather and road conditions may affect feature performance. Read the vehicle’s owner’s manual for more important safety limitations and information.