2022 Cadillac Escalade

Pros: Cavernous and luxurious interior; smooth ride quality; lots of tech features, including available Super Cruise hands-free driving assist

Cons: Cumbersome in close quarters; base prices of top models exceed $100,000

CG Says: The 2022 Cadillac Escalade adds standard and available active-safety features, but otherwise sees no significant changes. The Cadillac Escalade was redesigned for 2021, gaining bigger dimensions, an independent rear suspension that improved ride quality, and a host of new technology features. Compared to the previous-generation model, the regular-length Escalade grew 7.1 inches in overall length, and the extended-length ESV version is 2.6 inches longer. (The regular-length Escalade has an overall length of 211 inches; the ESV is 15.9 inches longer, with an overall length of 226.9 inches.) That extra length benefits second- and third-row legroom, as well as cargo room, with a gain of more than 10 inches of third-row legroom in the regular-length model. Cargo room behind the third-row seat grew by almost 10 cubic feet with last year’s redesign—cargo volume with second- and third-row seats folded is almost 15 cubic feet greater, for a total of 109.1 cubic feet in the regular-length models. Also aiding rear passenger space and cargo room is an independent rear suspension that takes up less space than the previous-gen Escalade’s solid-axle arrangement. GM’s Magnetic Ride Control adaptive suspension is available, as is a load-leveling and height-adjustable air suspension.

The base engine is a 420-horsepower 6.2-liter V-8; a 277-horsepower 3.0-liter turbodiesel inline six is available. Both engines are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The dramatic dashboard design is highlighted by a high-definition curved Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) screen that measures an impressive 38 inches and encompasses the instrument cluster, infotainment screen, and a second control screen. The audio systems are by high-end manufacturer AKG; a 19-speaker system is standard, and an ultra-premium 36-speaker system is available. Cadillac’s Super Cruise hands-free driving-assist system, which includes automated lane-change capability, is available as well. Standard safety features include automatic emergency braking, front and rear pedestrian detection, automatic high-beam headlights, and a Teen Driver system that can monitor the driving habits of a new driver. Available safety features include adaptive cruise control, blind-spot alert, lane-keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and night vision. The Escalade’s ambitious redesign last year addressed the interior-room shortcomings of previous generation, and added some truly remarkable new luxury and technology features that help keep this posh hauler at the top of its class.