The Cadillac Escalade has long been the crown jewel of GM’s SUV lineup, combining bold American styling with luxury, space, and serious road presence. The 2025 model keeps that tradition alive while bringing in more tech, a refreshed look, and an interior that rivals anything else in its class. In Canada, the gas-powered Escalade still makes the most sense for buyers who want classic V8 power with the latest luxury features. With a smooth 6.2L V8, refined road manners, and a cabin that feels like a high-end lounge, the Escalade continues to be one of the most desirable full-size SUVs you can buy.
Powering the 2025 Escalade is a 6.2-litre naturally aspirated V8 engine that delivers 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission that shifts smoothly and confidently, whether you’re cruising on the highway or towing a trailer up a hill. Acceleration is strong and immediate, giving the Escalade a relaxed but commanding feel on the road. It’s not trying to be a performance SUV, but the V8 has more than enough pull for passing, merging, or towing with ease.
Cadillac estimates a 0 to 100 km/h time of just over 6 seconds, which is impressive for a vehicle this size. The engine note is deep and refined, and there’s a satisfying sense of muscle when you step on the throttle. Four-wheel drive is standard in Canada, giving the Escalade surefooted traction in snow, rain, and rough road conditions.
The ride is where the Escalade really stands out. With Magnetic Ride Control and optional Air Ride Adaptive Suspension, the big SUV glides over bumps and potholes with ease. It stays level and composed through curves, and body roll is kept in check without ever feeling stiff or harsh. Whether you’re on a long road trip or just commuting through the city, the Escalade delivers a smooth, quiet, and comfortable experience every time you drive it.
Step inside, and it’s clear that Cadillac designed the Escalade to impress. The focal point inside is a stunning 55-inch curved OLED display that stretches across the dash. It’s split into three main sections: a digital gauge cluster, a main infotainment screen, and a dedicated screen for vehicle controls. The resolution is crisp, the interface is fast, and the whole setup feels both futuristic and intuitive.
The cabin materials are top-notch. Even the base trims come with soft leather, real wood, and metal accents. Higher trims like the Platinum versions add features like massaging seats, premium leather, and a 36-speaker AKG sound system that turns the interior into a concert hall. There’s seating for seven or eight, depending on configuration, and the second row can be optioned with captain’s chairs and their touchscreen controls.
Comfort is excellent in all three rows, which isn’t always the case in large SUVs. Adults can sit in the third row without issue, and access is easy thanks to the power-folding seats. Rear seat entertainment is available, and there are plenty of USB-C ports and outlets to keep everyone charged up on road trips.
The Escalade isn’t just about luxury and looks, it’s also very practical. With all seats in place, there’s solid cargo space in the back, and folding the third and second rows gives you a huge, flat loading area that can handle anything from skis to Costco hauls. The long-wheelbase Escalade ESV adds even more space, and is a great option for families who travel often or carry lots of gear.
Towing capacity is strong as well, with the V8 models rated for up to 8,000 pounds when properly equipped. That makes it a great fit for trailers, boats, or snowmobiles. Cadillac includes helpful trailering tech too, including a trailer camera system and integrated controls that make it easier to manage loads with confidence.
The 2025 Escalade comes well-equipped with safety tech. Standard features include forward collision alert, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. You can also get extras like night vision, a head-up display, and enhanced parking assist.
One of the highlights is Cadillac’s Super Cruise system. It’s one of the most advanced hands-free driving systems on the market, and it now comes standard for the first three years. It works on thousands of kilometres of divided highways across Canada and the U.S., handling steering and speed while keeping you centred in the lane. It’s a great feature for long-distance drives and shows Cadillac is serious about integrating real-world technology.
The 2025 Cadillac Escalade gas model offers a compelling mix of power, comfort, and cutting-edge features. It feels just as at home pulling up to a hotel valet as it does towing a trailer through cottage country. The V8 delivers smooth, confident power, and the ride quality is excellent for such a large vehicle. Add in one of the best interiors in the segment and a long list of features, and it’s easy to see why the Escalade remains Cadillac’s flagship.
It’s not cheap, and it uses a lot of fuel, but if you’re looking for a full-size SUV that feels special every time you drive it, the Escalade still sits near the top of the list. Whether you’re driving across town or across the country, it’s the kind of vehicle that makes every trip feel like a statement.
