When it comes to class and luxury, the Cadillac Escalade stands at the top. Its attention-grabbing exterior and opulent interior set it apart as a symbol of prestige. In the large luxury SUV market, where competitors from German automakers and GM’s own GMC brand are strong contenders, nothing quite matches the iconic status of the Escalade. The name itself carries a level of prestige that often makes it the top choice for consumers in this segment.
While the current Escalade’s interior is beginning to show its age compared to some of Cadillac’s newer models, it still offers an excellent driving experience. For those seeking a more updated and modern interior, the upcoming refreshed Cadillac Escalade features a revamped design that will further enhance its luxury appeal.
Performance
The Escalade offers three engine options: a 6.2L V8, a 3.0L Turbo Diesel, and a supercharged V8. The model we tested was equipped with the 6.2L V8, which performed well, delivering ample power for a large SUV of this size. While the Escalade might not win acceleration awards—except for the Escalade V, which is truly a powerhouse—the standard V8 ensures that the Escalade never feels sluggish. Power is readily available when needed, and acceleration feels effortless.
The transmission complements the engine well, delivering smooth shifts and enhancing the overall driving experience by providing power on demand. Although the Escalade isn’t designed to be sporty, it handles surprisingly well for a vehicle of its size. The steering is light and responsive, making parking and navigating around town easier than you might expect for such a large SUV.
Interior
The Escalade’s cabin is a truly exceptional place to spend time. It’s both luxurious and spacious, exactly what you’d expect from a full-size luxury SUV. Everything inside feels upscale, exuding a premium vibe that matches the Escalade’s price tag. While the interior may seem a bit dated compared to Cadillac’s newer models, like the Lyriq or the upcoming electric Escalade, it still holds its own. The centerpiece is the impressive 38-inch OLED display that stretches across the dashboard, setting the tone for the front cabin.
Most controls inside are user-friendly, and while many functions can be managed through the touchscreen—including climate control—there are also dedicated physical buttons for climate settings located below the screen. These buttons are not only highly functional but also aesthetically pleasing, adding to the overall design appeal. The entire interior strikes a balance between luxury and practicality, making it a comfortable and refined space for both drivers and passengers.
Despite its status as a luxury symbol and the go-to choice for many celebrities, the Escalade is, at its core, a practical family SUV. It’s designed with real-world usability in mind, offering generous space for passengers in all three rows. Each row provides plenty of room for adults, ensuring comfort for everyone, whether on short trips around town or long road journeys. This practicality, combined with its luxurious features, makes the Escalade a well-rounded option for families who want both style and substance.
Comfort
Ride quality is crucial in a luxury SUV, and the Escalade ranks among the best in its class. The suspension is particularly effective, ensuring that the Escalade remains comfortable in most driving conditions. Even on rough roads, the ride is smooth, with the suspension doing an excellent job of absorbing bumps. The seats are also comfortable and supportive, making them ideal for long family trips. They’re visually pleasing as well, contributing to the overall aesthetic of the interior.
The cabin is impressively quiet, which enhances the sense of luxury. Even at highway speeds, there’s minimal noise, delivering the refined experience one would expect from an Escalade.
Technology
The Escalade is better than ever, thanks largely to GM’s commitment to building more technologically advanced vehicles. The standout feature in the cabin is Super Cruise, a truly impressive system that deserves its own review. It’s arguably one of the best in the industry, allowing for hands-free driving on most approved highways. This makes road trips and daily commutes significantly easier by handling the more tedious aspects of driving, such as rush hour traffic and long stretches on the highway.
Super Cruise is a game-changer, offering capabilities that go beyond traditional radar cruise control. For example, it can even change lanes on its own when it detects slower-moving vehicles ahead. This level of automation and ease of use sets the Escalade apart in the luxury SUV segment, making it not just a vehicle but a cutting-edge driving experience.
The Escalade also offers a unique feature that’s not commonly found in most vehicles: a night vision camera. On paper, this sounds like an impressive addition, but in real-world driving, it feels more like a cool gimmick than an essential tool. While it may not be something most drivers will use regularly, it can still be useful in situations where visibility is extremely low, such as on particularly dark roads.
The 38-inch OLED display that spans the dashboard serves as both a digital instrument cluster and an infotainment screen, offering a high level of customization for drivers. Standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto make it easy to connect your phone without the hassle of wires. The Escalade also includes a wireless charging pad and USB-C ports in every row, ensuring that all passengers have convenient options to keep their devices charged throughout the journey.
Storage
At its core, the Escalade is a practical family SUV, offering both impressive cargo capacity and generous interior space. The available adaptive air suspension is a standout feature, allowing you to lower or lift the vehicle to make loading items easier. The cabin is thoughtfully designed to maximize space, with well-placed pockets for storing personal belongings.
Fuel Economy
The Escalade isn’t known for its fuel efficiency, which holds true regardless of which engine you choose—especially if you opt for the Escalade V with the supercharged V8. The standard V8 version is rated at 16.6L/100km in the city and 13.0L/100km on the highway, making it far from the most economical option. If fuel efficiency is a priority but you still want an Escalade, the upcoming Escalade IQ, which is fully electric, might be a great alternative to consider. It combines the luxury and space of the Escalade with the benefits of an electric powertrain.
