Cadillac improved the 2025 Escalade V by making it quieter, as the previous version was considered somewhat excessive.
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When the Cadillac Escalade V debuted for 2023, it was arguably one of the loudest SUVs available. However, the updates for 2025 offered more than just a technological upgrade and a new front design; they also quieted the boisterous V SUV.
After spending a week driving the 2025 Cadillac Escalade V, both I and my friend Philip observed that this version of the V felt … less noisy than its predecessor. It turns out that’s indeed the case. Cadillac spokesperson Michael Albano confirmed to The Drive that the 2025 Cadillac Escalade V is quieter than the previous model due to changes in exhaust tuning.
"We just turned it down to an 11," Albano stated.
He's not wrong, as the 2025 Escalade V still produces a comically loud thunderclap on cold starts, and its idle has a burble that could send chills down anyone's spine.
This adjustment was made for the sake of refinement. Nonetheless, according to Albano, no hardware modifications were made.
The only reason the Escalade V is quieter now is due to different exhaust tuning. Albano did not provide specifics on the changes but emphasized multiple times that the hardware remained the same; only the system's tuning was altered.
Moreover, the tuning adjustments extend beyond the physical exhaust components. The active noise cancellation system in the Escalade V has been fine-tuned for a more sophisticated feel. The outcome? When cruising on the highway, the Escalade V’s exhaust doesn’t drone, especially notable for those in the second row, as noted by my friend Philip. He traveled nearly 700 miles in the second row of both the original 2023 model and the updated 2025 model. He knows what he’s talking about.
For anyone hoping to disturb the neighborhood with the Escalade V, rest easy; it still has that capability. Philip remarked, "We heard you long before we saw you come around the corner." I had the Escalade V purposely in V mode, which opens the electronic exhaust dumps. It was 7:05 a.m. Sorry, not sorry.
Loud and proud, the Escalade V’s exhaust has been … refined. While your neighbor might not notice the difference, your rear-seat passengers certainly will.
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Cadillac improved the 2025 Escalade V by making it quieter, as the previous version was considered somewhat excessive.
"Cadillac spokesperson Michael Albano stated, 'We simply lowered it to an 11.'"