By Throttle House, Car Review Expert | March 07, 2025

Hey, car lovers! I’m Jacob, your mobile review expert, and today I’m diving into the 2025 Cadillac Escalade V—a supercharged beast that’s as over-the-top as it gets. I recently watched Thomas and James from Throttle House put this hulking SUV through its paces, and I’ve paired their wild ride with my research to bring you the full scoop. This isn’t just a minivan alternative—it’s a rolling statement of American luxury and power. With a facelift, bigger screens, and that same insane V8, does it still reign supreme? Let’s find out!

What’s New with the 2025 Cadillac Escalade V?

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade V is back with a mid-cycle refresh that polishes its already bold persona. Picture this: a sharper front fascia inspired by Cadillac’s EV lineup (think Escalade IQ and Lyriq), new 24-inch wheels—the biggest ever on an Escalade—and a cabin dripping with tech upgrades. It’s still the long-wheelbase ESV monster Thomas and James tested, courtesy of Leggat Auto Group in Ontario, and it’s still packing a 682-hp supercharged 6.2L V8. Nothing’s shrunk here—everything’s gotten bigger, louder, and prouder. But with competitors like the Lincoln Navigator and Jeep Grand Wagoneer stepping up, can it hold the crown?

Pricing: Supercharged Wallet Impact

Let’s talk numbers. A base 2025 Escalade starts at $89,590 USD (per Cars.com), but slap on the “ESV” and “V” badges, and you’re in a different league. The Escalade V Thomas and James reviewed? A jaw-dropping $167,000 USD—up from the 2024 model’s $152,295 MSRP (CarBuzz). That’s a hefty hike, likely thanks to the facelift and tech goodies. In Canada, expect around CAD 180,000+ with fees, making it pricier than a loaded Infiniti QX80 ($134,000 CAD) but still a steal compared to a BMW Alpina XB7’s $170,000+ USD tag.

Is it worth it? You’re paying for XXL-sized luxury—think of it like buying a triple-XL shirt that doesn’t skimp on swagger. Fuel costs will sting (more on that later), but for sheer presence, it’s unmatched.

Powertrain: Roid Rage on Wheels

Under the hood, the 2025 Cadillac Escalade V keeps its supercharged 6.2L V8, hand-built in Kentucky, pumping out 682 horsepower and 653 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic and all-wheel drive, it’s a torque tsunami. Thomas called it “Roid Rage on wheels,” and he’s spot-on—it’s unchanged from 2024, and that’s a good thing. Launch control blasts it to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds (MotorTrend), with a 12.7-second quarter-mile at 111 mph. For a 6,500-lb SUV, that’s absurd—and the exhaust? A “firing squad” of noise James couldn’t get enough of.

Compared to the Navigator’s 510-hp twin-turbo V6 or the Grand Wagoneer’s 420-hp V8, it’s overkill. Even the BMW Alpina XB7 (630 hp) feels tame next to this drama king. Towing? Up to 7,200 lbs—down from the base Escalade’s 8,100 lbs, but still solid for a boat or camper.

Fuel Economy: Gas Station VIP

• EPA: 11 MPG city, 16 MPG highway, 13 MPG combined
• Range: ~312 miles (24-gallon tank)

It’s a gas guzzler—Thomas joked you’ll befriend your gas station clerk. Against the QX80’s 20 MPG combined or the Sienna’s 36 MPG, it’s a thirsty beast. But that’s the trade-off for 682 hp of American madness.

Ride and Handling: Big Doesn’t Mean Clumsy

Here’s where the Escalade V flexes its muscle. Despite those massive 24-inch wheels, the ride is “beautiful,” as James put it. The Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 and Adaptive Air Suspension soak up bumps like a luxury sedan, not a truck-based SUV. Thomas noted zero pitching or diving—even with hard braking, it stays composed. Steering’s light but confident, outdone slightly by the QX80’s precision, per James, but still impressive for its size.

Research backs this up: MotorTrend praised its 0.80 g skidpad grip and 118-foot 60-0 braking—better than the V6 Escalade’s 132 feet. It’s not as agile as the unibody GLS63 or XB7, but for a body-on-frame giant, it “feels smaller than it is,” Thomas said. Perfect for cross-country hauls, not European twisties.

Interior: A 55-Inch Tech Party

Step inside, and the 2025 Cadillac Escalade V is a rolling office building. The big news? A 55-inch pillar-to-pillar screen—the longest in any car, per Thomas. It’s a curved OLED beast with driver gauges, infotainment, and a passenger display, though James wished for more fun (think Hummer EV’s Unreal Engine graphics). It’s bright, stunning, and a total showpiece—perfect for “that guy in the locker room,” as Thomas quipped.

Seating and Space

• Capacity: Seven seats (no eight-seat bench here)
• Second Row: Optional ventilated captain’s chairs (new for 2025) with massaging—pure VIP vibes.
• Third Row: Roomy for adults, with 1.6 extra inches in the ESV.
• Cargo: 25.5 cu-ft behind the third row, up to 142.8 cu-ft max (ESV).

Compared to the QX80’s tighter third row or the Pacifica’s stowable seats, it’s a cargo champ. Soft leather, carbon fiber trim (a bit loose, James noted), and power doors with anti-slam tech (no update yet, but coming) add luxe touches. Oh, and a 36-speaker AKG system (upgradable to 40) turns it into a concert hall.

V-Series Swagger: What Sets It Apart

The “V” isn’t just a badge—it’s a lifestyle. That supercharged V8, Brembo brakes, and V-Mode (now on the steering wheel) dial up the aggression. New exterior bits—like a lit-up grille surround and three fresh colors (Deep Sea Metallic, Latte Metallic, Aegean Stone)—keep it flashy. Thomas called it “an exercise in American excess,” and it’s hard to argue. No Navigator or Wagoneer offers this level of fun—only the Escalade V makes you have to floor it, as James said.

Pros and Cons: The Full Picture

Pros

• Insane Power: 682 hp in a three-row SUV—pure drama.
• Plush Ride: 24-inch wheels don’t ruin the comfort.
• Tech Overload: 55-inch screen and ventilated second-row options wow.
• King Status: Outsells rivals 3-to-1 for a reason—it’s the alpha.

Cons

• Price Shock: $167,000 USD is a lot, even for this much car.
• Fuel Hog: 13 MPG combined—bring a gas card.
• Not Nimble: Slower than 682 hp suggests; XB7’s sharper.
• Screen Overkill: Ergonomics take a hit with haptic buttons and glossy trim.

Verdict: Still the King?

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade V doesn’t reinvent itself—it didn’t need to. The updates—bigger screens, ventilated seats, a slicker face—polish an already dominant package. At $167,000, it’s not cheap, and it guzzles gas like a frat party keg, but nothing hauls people in this much style and noise. Thomas and James nailed it: it’s “hilarious in all the best ways.” Against the Navigator, QX80, or even the GLS63, it’s the loudest, proudest choice—perfect for the “alpha dad” high-fiving at hockey games.

Would I take it across America? Hell yes. Europe? Nope—too big, too brash. If you crave luxury with a side of madness, this is your ride. What do you think—worth the price, or too much? Drop your thoughts below—I’m all ears!

For more car reviews and crazy builds, check out my channel—new stuff drops weekly!