Cadillac Escalade vs GMC Hummer EV SUV

The 2024 GMC Hummer EV SUV was reminiscent of Arnold Schwarzenegger's evolution from a serious action star to a more approachable and humorous public figure. This electric vehicle, with its ability to crab walk, embodied a playful spirit while maintaining the rugged, aggressive styling of its predecessors. Despite its vanity appeal, the Hummer EV proved to be a competent daily driver, offering a unique blend of style and functionality. However, it retained some of the compromises of earlier models, such as limited visibility due to its vertical windshield and the challenge of entering and exiting the high cabin.

Inside, the Hummer EV SUV's futuristic design was evident, though the interior materials did not match the luxury expected at its price point. The cabin featured a functional layout with exclusive graphics on the dual displays, but the extensive use of plastic and bronze accents detracted from the overall quality. Despite these shortcomings, the Hummer EV's image, engineering, and technology were its main selling points, offering a distinctive driving experience that appealed to those seeking a bold and capable vehicle.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade continued to embody old-school Cadillac luxury, positioning itself as the brand's flagship model. The updated design further distinguished it from its Chevrolet and GMC counterparts, with a new front end and vertical headlights that aligned it with Cadillac's EV lineup. The Escalade's imposing presence was enhanced by available 24-inch wheels, while the interior showcased a high-tech interface with a 55-inch display spanning the dashboard. Despite its truck-like engineering, the Escalade offered a refined driving experience, though it couldn't match the handling of some European rivals.

Inside, the Escalade provided ample space and comfort, with various trim levels offering different interior motifs and materials. The Premium Luxury Platinum model featured Whisper Beige upholstery and wood trim, elevating the cabin's ambiance. While the Escalade's V8 engine delivered solid performance, it lacked the torque of the discontinued diesel option. The Escalade-V, with its supercharged V8, offered a more exhilarating driving experience. Overall, the Escalade combined traditional luxury with modern technology, appealing to those seeking a spacious and well-appointed SUV.

The 2024 GMC Hummer EV SUV was a heavyweight contender, tipping the scales at nearly 4,000 kilograms. Its three-motor powertrain delivered an impressive 860 horsepower and 11,500 pound-feet of torque, enabling it to accelerate to 96 km/h in just 3.5 seconds with the Watts to Freedom launch control. However, the Hummer's massive size and weight were always apparent, affecting its ride quality and handling. The Extreme Off-Road Package added features like 35-inch mud-terrain tires and underbody skid plates, enhancing its off-road capabilities.

Despite its power, the Hummer EV SUV's efficiency was lacking, consuming 43.7 kWh/100 kilometres according to NRCan estimates. Its range of 465 kilometres was competitive, and it supported fast charging, though real-world charging experiences were mixed. The Hummer's four-wheel steering improved maneuverability, but the Crabwalk feature felt more like a novelty. Overall, the Hummer EV SUV offered a unique blend of power and off-road prowess, but its size and weight required careful handling.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade offered a different performance profile, with a naturally aspirated 6.2-litre V8 engine producing 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. The Escalade-V took performance up a notch with a supercharged V8 delivering 682 horsepower and 653 pound-feet of torque. All models featured a 10-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth and efficient power delivery. In Canada, four-wheel drive was standard, with the Escalade-V offering a performance-oriented all-wheel drive system.

While the Escalade's V8 power provided strong acceleration, its brakes left something to be desired. The optional Performance Upgrade Package added Brembo front calipers and other enhancements, improving braking performance. The Escalade's Magnetic Ride Control and optional air suspension offered a comfortable ride, though it couldn't match the handling of some luxury competitors. Overall, the Escalade delivered a refined driving experience with ample power, but its braking performance and handling fell short of some rivals.

The 2024 GMC Hummer EV SUV's design posed challenges for entry and exit, with its high ground clearance and large tires. Inside, the cabin offered comfortable seating and ample storage space, with 1,016 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats and a maximum of 2,316 litres with the seats folded. The Hummer's open-air driving experience was a highlight, with removable roof panels and a power tailgate adding to its versatility. However, the tailgate's design could be inconvenient when parallel parked.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade provided generous interior space, with both standard and long-wheelbase configurations. The Escalade ESV offered additional cargo space and third-row legroom, making it ideal for larger families. The interior featured high-quality materials and a range of seating configurations, with power-folding seats and a power liftgate enhancing convenience. The Escalade's towing capacity of up to 3,675 kilograms met segment expectations, though it lacked some of the towing features offered by competitors.

The 2024 GMC Hummer EV SUV featured a 12.3-inch digital driver display and a 13.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system, both with exclusive graphics and Google Built-in technology. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a 14-speaker Bose sound system providing decent audio quality. The Hummer's infotainment system offered various apps related to its electric drive system, and over-the-air updates kept the tech current.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade boasted a 55-inch door-to-door display, incorporating a digital instrument cluster, infotainment touchscreen, and front-passenger screen. A 19-speaker AKG audio system was standard, with a 36-speaker version available. The Escalade retained standalone wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a user-friendly interface and haptic feedback for the smaller control screen. The optional Executive Second Row Package added rear-seat entertainment and additional controls, enhancing passenger comfort.

The 2024 GMC Hummer EV SUV came equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and Super Cruise for hands-free driving. However, during testing, the driver aids temporarily stopped working, highlighting potential reliability issues. No crash-test ratings were available at the time of writing.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade also offered a range of standard driver assist features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and Super Cruise. The Safety Alert Seat provided additional warnings, and the system performed well during testing. However, the handoff to manual control in construction zones was abrupt. Like the Hummer, no crash-test ratings were available for the Escalade.