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For 2025, the Escalade gets a real refresh with a more modern front end, updated vertical lighting, and new wheel options including larger 24-inch wheels. Inside is where you notice it most—a new 55-inch display, upgraded materials, and more advanced tech like standard Super Cruise. Overall, it’s the same Escalade, just more refined with noticeable upgrades in design, tech, and comfort.
I really loved this Escalade. It already worked well for families, but with the 2025 updates, it just feels more elevated and easier to live with day to day.
- Two sets of lower anchors in the second row make installs straightforward and nicely spaced out
- Tether anchors across five seats: all second and third row positions have top tether anchors, which gives you flexibility for forward-facing seats
- Wide second row spacing: tons of room between seats, which makes loading kids and buckling so much easier
- Executive second row upgrades: available tray tables, screens, and charging make this feel more functional for longer drives
- Third row is actually usable: good legroom and solid amenities make it realistic for kids or car seats
- Flexible third row access: you can walk through the captain’s chairs or slide them forward depending on what you need
- Power-folding third row: makes switching between passengers and cargo much easier
- Overall comfort for families: it just feels easy to live with, just with more tech and convenience built in
The Exterior
Updated Front End Makes This Feel More Modern
I already liked how the Escalade looked, but the 2025 updates make it feel more current. It still has that big, bold presence, just with cleaner, more modern details.
Vertical Lighting and New Details Change the Look
The biggest difference is in the lighting and front-end design.
- Updated front grille: more sculpted and a little more aggressive
- Vertical LED lighting: feels more in line with Cadillac’s newer designs
- Illuminated elements: small detail, but it stands out at night
- Refined rear lighting: still classic Escalade, just a little cleaner
Bigger Wheels and Same Functional Size
This is still a big SUV, and that hasn’t changed—but the details elevate it.
- Available 24-inch wheels: largest ever on an Escalade and they make a difference visually
- Running boards: still key for getting kids in and out
- Overall height and size: you sit high and have a great view around you
Still Big, Still Bold, Just More Polished
It keeps everything that worked before, just updates the design enough to feel new without changing what people like about it.
First Row
Feels Like You’re Driving a $100K SUV (Because You Are!)
This first row really does feel like an experience. It’s super comfortable, everything is within reach, and you can tell it was designed with the driver in mind.
Massive Curved Screen That Still Feels Easy to Use
The screen setup is the first thing you notice, and it actually lives up to the hype.
- Curved display across the dash: looks high-end and pulls everything together
- Infotainment system: surprisingly easy to use and quick to navigate
- Apple CarPlay + built-in navigation: both are simple to access
- Extra control screen: gives you quick access to settings without digging through menus
Visibility Is Strong—But You’ll Use the Camera
You sit really high in this car, which I love, and the side visibility is great. The back is where things change a bit.
The third row headrests block your rear view more than I expected, but the camera rearview mirror completely fixes that and gives you a clear, wide view behind you.
Storage Is Functional with a Few Trade-Offs
There’s a lot of usable space up front, but it’s not perfect.
- Cupholders: two standard plus a bonus third, which I actually love
- Center console: good size, and some trims have a cool box
- Wireless charger: hidden, which gives you more space but you can’t see your phone
- Door storage: wide but not deep, so bottles can feel a little loose
Materials and Comfort Feel Very Elevated
Everything up here feels cohesive and well done.
The leather, chrome, and trim all work together, and the seats are exactly what you’d expect at this price point—really comfortable and easy to sit in for longer drives.
Second Row
LATCH on Both Captain’s Chairs + Tether Anchors on All Second and Third Row Seats
- Lower anchors: one full set on each second row captain’s chair
- Top tether anchors: on both second row seats and all three third row seats
- Spacing: seats are separated, so you’re not fighting for room between car seats
- Install feel: straightforward and not cramped, especially for forward-facing setups
Wide Layout Makes Daily Use Easier
This is where the Escalade really shines—it just feels easy to use.
The aisle between the captain’s chairs is wide, which makes it easier to get in, help kids, or pass things back without climbing over seats.
Third Row Access Is Simple and Flexible
Getting to the third row is not complicated here, which I appreciate.
- Walk-through access: you can easily pass between the captain’s chairs
- Sliding seats: you can move them forward to open up more space if needed
- Kid-friendly: older kids can manage this on their own
Screens Impact Car Seat Positioning
One thing to be aware of is how the rear entertainment setup affects space.
The screens take up room behind the front seats, so if you have rear-facing car seats or taller passengers up front, it can feel tighter than expected.
Third Row
Three Seats Back Here with Full Tether Anchor Coverage
This third row is actually usable, and I like that you’re not limited when it comes to forward-facing seats.
- Top tether anchors: all three third row seats have tether anchors
- Flexibility: you can place forward-facing seats in any position back here
No LATCH in the Third Row
This is the main limitation to know.
- Lower anchors: not available in the third row
- Install method: you’ll be using seatbelt installs for any car seats back here
Space That Works for Kids and Growing Families
The third row doesn’t feel like an afterthought, which I appreciate.
There’s enough legroom for kids, and even some adults can fit comfortably. It feels like three true seats, not just two plus a middle spot.
Amenities Make It Comfortable for Kids
You’re not giving up comfort back here.
- Vents: ceiling vents help keep airflow consistent
- USB-C ports: easy charging for devices
- Cupholders: built-in and easy to reach
Easy Exit Makes It More Kid-Friendly
Getting out of the third row is simple, which matters if you have older kids climbing back here.
There’s a button to release the seat in front, and it moves forward easily, so kids can get in and out without a lot of help.
Trunk
Trunk Space Is Better Than I Expected
The trunk is actually a really decent size, especially considering this is the standard Escalade and not the extended ESV. I was pleasantly surprised that the UPPAbaby Vista fit back here with the third row up.
Power Controls Make It Easy to Reconfigure
One thing I love is that you can control both the second and third rows from the trunk. The buttons are quick, easy to use, and you don’t have to awkwardly reach across the cargo area to fold or raise seats.
Family Gear Fits Without Needing the ESV
For a full-size SUV, this gives you usable space even with all three rows in use. It’s not going to be as massive as the Escalade ESV, but for strollers, groceries, and everyday kid gear, it’s more functional than I expected.
Small Storage Is Limited
There is a little underfloor storage, but it’s shallow. You could fit a few small items, but it’s not a huge hidden storage area.
Safety
This Escalade has a lot of safety tech, but these are the ones that actually stand out and make a difference when you’re driving something this big.
Core Safety Features You’ll Use
- Forward Collision Alert + Automatic Emergency Braking: helps prevent front-end collisions
- Blind Zone Alert: really helpful with the size of this car
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert: key for parking lots and backing out
- HD Surround Vision: gives you a full 360 view, which makes this car way easier to park
Key Safety Hardware to Know
- Seatbelt pretensioners: included on the driver and front passenger seats
- Airbags: full system across the vehicle
- Stability control: helps keep the car planted
Overall, it’s a solid mix of visibility features and core safety hardware, with the pretensioners up front being an important detail to know.
This Escalade is really easy to work with if you’re running two car seats. The captain’s chairs give you space, and you’re not fighting for room.
LATCH on Both Captain’s Chairs + Tether Anchors Across All Rear Seats
You get a clear, straightforward setup here, which makes installs feel much easier.
- Lower anchors: one full set on each second row captain’s chair
- Top tether anchors: on both second row seats and all three third row seats
- Install feel: easy to access and not buried
Spacing Makes Daily Life Easier
The biggest win here is how much space you have between seats.
The captain’s chairs are separated, so you’re not squeezing car seats next to each other, and it makes buckling kids in way easier.
Third Row Works for Forward-Facing Seats
You can absolutely use the third row for car seats, especially once kids are forward-facing.
- Tether anchors: available in all three third row seats
- No lower anchors: you’ll be using seatbelt installs back here
- Best use: forward-facing seats on the sides or even the middle if needed
Access to Third Row Is Actually Easy
This is one of the easier setups for getting to the third row.
You can walk straight through the captain’s chairs or slide them forward, which makes a big difference when you have kids climbing back there.
One Trade-Off to Know
The rear entertainment screens take up space behind the front seats.
If you have rear-facing car seats or taller drivers, it can push things a little tighter than expected.
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