Pros: Bold styling; smooth, absorbent ride—especially in extended-length ESV model; posh, luxurious cabin; impressive selection of comfort, convenience, and safety features
Cons: Steep pricing; poor fuel economy; Cadillac’s CUE touchscreen interface can be finicky to use; third-row seat in non-ESV models is a bit cramped; sheer bulk means handling can be cumbersome, especially in close quarters
CG Says: Cadillac’s flagship SUV is redesigned for 2015, gaining new styling, a more powerful 6.2-liter V8, Cadillac’s CUE touchscreen system, and a power third-row seat that folds flat into the floor. New safety features include lane-departure warning, front and rear automatic braking, and a front-center air bag located in between the driver and front-seat passenger. The Escalade shares its basic design with the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban and the GMC Yukon, which are also redesigned for 2015. Properly equipped, the Chevy and GMC cousins are a much better value than the Escalade: They match it in terms of functionality, but not in unabashed luxury and street “presence.” If those two qualities are high on your shopping list, then the Escalade is a must-see.
| Class | Premium Large SUV |
| Body Style(s) | 4-door wagon |
| Passenger Count | 7 or 8 |
| Drive Wheels | rear- or 4-wheel drive |
| Manufacturer | Cadillac |
| Nation of Manufacture | USA |
| Base Prices | Base: $72,970 ESV Base: $75,970 AWD Base: $75,570 AWD ESV Base: $78,570 Luxury: $76,970 ESV Luxury: $79,970 AWD Luxury: $79,570 AWD ESV Luxury: $82,570 Premium: $81,470 ESV Premium: $84,470 AWD Premium: $84,070 AWD ESV Premium: $87,070 Platinum: $89,275 ESV Platinum: $92,275 AWD Platinum: $91,875 AWD ESV Platinum: $94,875 |
| Base Engine 6.2-liter V8 |
| Horsepower 420 |
| Std. Transmission 6-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 14-15 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 20-22 |
