Cadillac Escalade
Cadillac Escalade
Cadillac Escalade

2018 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: The 2018 Cadillac Escalade gets a new 10-speed automatic transmission to replace the previous 6-speed auto. 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, a camera rearview mirror, 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.

The Facts
Class Premium Large SUV
Body Style(s) 4-door wagon
Passenger Count 7 or 8
Drive Wheels rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive
Manufacturer Cadillac
Nation of Manufacture USA
Base Prices Base: $75,290
ESV Base: $78,290
AWD Base: $78,290
AWD ESV Base: $81,290
Luxury: $80,690
ESV Luxury: $83,690
AWD Luxury: $83,690
AWD ESV Luxury: $86,690
Premium Luxury: $85,290
ESV Premium Luxury: $88,290
AWD Premium Luxury: $88,290
AWD ESV Premium Luxury: $91,290
Platinum: $94,390
ESV Platinum: $97,390
AWD Platinum: $97,390
AWD ESV Platinum: $100,390

Base Engine
6.2-liter V8
Horsepower
420
Std. Transmission
10-speed automatic
Avail. Transmission
NA
EPA City Range (mpg)
14
EPA Hwy Range (mpg)
21-23

Cadillac Escalade
2018 Cadillac Escalade
NHTSA Ratings
Overall - 4
80%

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Crash - 4
80%
Side Crash - 5
100%
Rollover - 3
60%

For complete ratings click here.

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