2016 Cadillac Escalade

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: After its redesign for 2015, Cadillac’s flagship SUV gains an available lane-keep-assist feature and updates to the CUE touchscreen system for 2016. Cadillac says the CUE software has been updated to make the system faster and more intuitive, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality are now available. The Escalade is a regally trimmed full-size SUV that comes in regular or extended-length ESV models. All are powered by a 420-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 and come standard with luxurious features such as a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, heated and cooled front seats, heated second-row seats, and a power third-row seat that folds flat into the floor. Power-retracting side steps, a rear entertainment system, massaging front seats, and a cooled front center console are among the optional features. Available 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. 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.

Links

2017 Cadillac Escalade Review

2015 Cadillac Escalade Review