2025 Cadillac Escalade

There are lots of choices among the cheaper-to-buy-and-drive mid-size SUVs that, when properly configured, can safely tow at least 5,000 pounds.

Shopping for a three-row SUV means balancing priorities of seat quantity versus comfort. If the number of seats trump all, many three-row SUVs offer a second-row bench, but other models give up the second-row middle seat for captain’s chairs.

When it comes to operation, actually driving and using them, many of us prefer the mainstream-branded versions of big SUVs to the fancier, more luxurious, more expensive luxury-brand versions.

The styling updates look good, and the new screens are impressive, but the 2025 Escalade takes a step back in terms of interior plastics and trim quality, which don’t keep pace with its ever-increasing price tag.

With a base price of $89,590, the 2025 Escalade starts at $5,700 more than the 2024 model did.