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Chevrolet Tahoe vs Cadillac Escalade: Which is Better?
The 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe is a robust, truck-based SUV with ample space for passengers and cargo, featuring strong towing capacity and engine options. Its Z71 model excels in off-road adventures. The interior accommodates up to eight people and offers a range from modest to luxurious configurations. For those needing more space, the Suburban, its long-wheelbase counterpart, is a viable option. In contrast, the Escalade, evolving from its controversial start, stands out as Cadillac’s iconic model. The Escalade boasts a plush ride, secure handling, a powerful 6.2L V8, and a high-tech interior with a curved OLED digital display. Available in standard or ESV configurations, the latter offers increased cargo space.
| Chevrolet Tahoe | Cadillac Escalade | |
| Dimensions | 210.7 in x 81.0 in x 75.9 in | 211.9 in x 81.1 in x 76.7 in |
| Engine | 5.3L V8 | 6.2L supercharged V8 |
| Horsepower | 355 hp | 682 hp |
| Torque | 383 lb-ft | 653 lb-ft |
| 0-60 MPH | 7.5 sec | 4.3 sec |
| 0-100 MPH | 20.5 sec | 10.3 sec |
| Top-Speed | 115 mph | 125 mph |
Chevrolet Tahoe
Engine & Performance
The majority of Tahoes come equipped with a V8 engine. Either a 355-hp 5.3L or a 420-hp 6.2L paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Most models feature standard RWD, with the option for AWD. An optional diesel 3.0L inline-six, generating 305 hp and 495 lb-ft of torque, is available across all trims. The diesel variant includes the same 10-speed automatic transmission and is customizable for every trim level. The Tahoe Z71, tailored for off-road adventures, features a two-speed transfer case for traditional 4WD, 20-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, and underbody protection.
Price & Mileage
We believe the RST and Z71 models, positioned at the mid-level, provide the most value. With the RST offering a more vibrant appeal and the Z71 catering to adventurous individuals who occasionally venture off-road. The expected starting price for the Tahoe is around $59,000, reaching up to $79,000 for the High Country trim. While the EPA hasn’t disclosed fuel economy estimates for the 2025 Tahoe. We anticipate minimal changes from the previous year’s model. In 2024, the diesel-powered Tahoe boasted impressive ratings of 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. The standard 5.3L V8 exhibited slightly better city fuel efficiency than the optional 6.2L V8, but both achieved up to 20 mpg on the highway.
Acceleration & Features
Our test of a pre-facelift Tahoe Z71, equipped with the 5.3L V8, revealed satisfactory acceleration, a responsive brake pedal, and an impressively quiet cabin at highway speeds. All Tahoes come with a 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen, strategically angled towards the driver for convenient access to radio, navigation, phone, and other functions. Standard features include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a wireless smartphone charging pad. Additionally, the Tahoe boasts an 11.0-inch digital instrument cluster. For those seeking an enhanced audiovisual experience. Optional upgrades include a Bose stereo system and a rear-seat entertainment system with dual displays positioned behind the front seats.
Cadillac Escalade
Engine & Performance
The Escalade, Cadillac’s largest SUV, is equipped with a standard 6.2L V8 engine. Producing 420 hp, and featuring cylinder deactivation for fuel efficiency. An alternative powertrain option is a 3.0L diesel inline-six. Both engines come with a 10-speed automatic transmission, and buyers can opt for RWD or AWD configurations. In the higher-end trims, air springs with adaptive dampers are available. While the 277-hp diesel engine may not match the straight-line performance of the standard V8. Some buyers appreciate the trade-off for improved fuel economy and a robust 460 lb-ft of low-end torque. For those with a need for speed, the V variant is the top choice, boasting a powerful supercharged 6.2L V8 with an impressive 682 hp.
Price & Mileage
When it comes to the Escalade, going for the full luxury experience is the way to go, so aim for the Premium Luxury Platinum trim. The starting price is $83,890 for the Luxury trim and goes up to $154,290 for the V-Series. Gas V8 Escalades with RWD have EPA ratings of 14 mpg city, 19 mpg highway, and 16 mpg combined. Choosing AWD lowers the highway number by 1 mpg. The high-performance V model sacrifices efficiency, with EPA ratings of 11 mpg city and 16 mpg highway. Opting for the turbo-diesel engine significantly improves fuel efficiency, with estimates as high as 21 mpg city and 27 mpg highway.
Acceleration & Features
The Escalade ESV, equipped with the V8 engine, impressively reached 60 mph in just 5.9 seconds on the test track. Meanwhile, the V, armed with a supercharged 6.2L V8 producing 682 hp, demonstrated its might by propelling the massive SUV to 60 mph in a mere 4.3 seconds. Cadillac has amped up the Escalade’s electronic features, most notably the digital dashboard. This innovative setup consists of three curved OLED displays stacked to create an expansive 38 inches of combined digital space. Some sections serve as the driver’s gauge cluster, while others showcase the CUE infotainment system for both driver and passenger. Additional tech highlights include an augmented-reality navigation system and an optional rear-seat entertainment package featuring two 12.6-inch displays with streaming capability.