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: The 2017 Cadillac Escalade now offers a rear camera mirror that eliminates most blind spots. Automatic parking assist is also newly 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 and mitigation, 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.
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: $73,395 ESV Base: $76,395 AWD Base: $75,995 AWD ESV Base: $78,995 Luxury: $78,395 ESV Luxury: $81,395 AWD Luxury: $80,995 AWD ESV Luxury: $83,995 Premium Luxury: $82,895 ESV Premium Luxury: $85,895 AWD Premium Luxury: $85,495 AWD ESV Premium Luxury: $88,495 Platinum: $92,195 ESV Platinum: $95,195 AWD Platinum: $94,795 AWD ESV Platinum: $97,795 |
Base Engine 6.2-liter V8 |
Horsepower 420 |
Std. Transmission 6-speed automatic |
Avail. Transmission NA |
EPA City Range (mpg) 15 |
EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 20-22 |
ROAD TESTS AND ADDITIONAL INFO
Test Drive: 2017 Cadillac Escalade