Cadillac Escalade vs Nissan Armada

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade maintains the momentum of one of the most recognizable SUV nameplates. The current-generation Escalade was introduced as a 2021 model, but for 2025 it gets a refresh that includes styling changes and a redesigned dashboard display. The all-electric 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ joins the lineup as well, but that’s covered in a separate review. This gasoline Escalade competes against full-size luxury SUVs like the BMW X7, Infiniti QX80, Land Rover Range Rover, Lexus LX, Lincoln Navigator, and Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class.

Verdict: If you’re willing to spend extra on a well-optioned example, the Escalade is a credible luxury vehicle. But its platform’s shortcomings can’t be erased.

The everyman’s version of the Infiniti QX80, Nissan’s full-size SUV gets an expanded range for 2025. It’s still offered in familiar SV, SL, and Platinum trims, but Platinum Reserve has joined the roster and so, for the first time ever, has PRO-4X. We tested both new trims on a first drive program hosted by the automaker in Franklin, Tennessee.

Verdict: Nissan has undeniably improved the Armada with this new generation, and the PRO-4X and the Platinum Reserve trim levels both bring something new to the table. The PRO-4X adds just enough adventure-ready content to make it worth a look to shoppers who may not have considered it before, while the Platinum Reserve challenges the value of stepping up to an Infiniti.