Cadillac Escalade
Latest Model
2021 Model Redesign Year
The super-roomy, three-row Escalade is much more luxurious and high-tech than its Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban siblings.
The standard 420-hp, 6.2-liter V8 supplies effortless power, and the 10-speed automatic shifts smoothly, though its 16 mpg overall is dismal.
The Escalade's high step-in compromises access, and the tall hood hampers visibility.
Handling is ungainly but secure, and the SUV rides comfortably.
The plush, quiet, and high-tech interior is dominated by a curved 55-inch display stretching from pillar to pillar, and the smaller, lower screen houses the climate controls and other shortcuts.
BSW and RCTW are now standard.
Notable Changes
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Base MSRP Range
$91,100 - $171,000
Destination Charge: $2895
Base MSRP Range
$91,100 - $171,000
Destination Charge: $2895
2026 Cadillac Escalade
CR MPG
Notable Changes
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Road Test Score
Predicted Reliability
Predicted Owner Satisfaction
2026 Cadillac Escalade
Base MSRP
$91,100 - $171,000
CR MPG
mpg
Road Test Score
Predicted Reliability
Predicted Owner Satisfaction
Notable Changes
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2021-Present
2021 Model Redesign Year
The Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV have been redesigned for 2021, growing in size and features.
As before, the Escalade shares much with the similar Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL, including the move to a contemporary independent rear suspension.
Judging from our time with the Tahoe and Suburban, it improves the ride and allows for more rear cargo space.
The standard engine is a 420-hp, 6.2-liter V8.
A 277-hp, 3.0-liter six-cylinder diesel engine was also offered until 2025.
Both engines are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
2025 Cadillac Escalade
Retail Price
$84,025 - $174,600
EPA MPG
16
mpg
Reliability Verdict
Owner Satisfaction
2024 Cadillac Escalade
Retail Price
$66,225 - $127,700
EPA MPG
16
mpg
Reliability Verdict
Owner Satisfaction
2023 Cadillac Escalade
Retail Price
$53,650 - $115,450
EPA MPG
16
mpg
Reliability Verdict
Owner Satisfaction
2022 Cadillac Escalade
Retail Price
$49,700 - $64,200
EPA MPG
16
mpg
Reliability Verdict
Owner Satisfaction
2021 Cadillac Escalade
Retail Price
$42,200 - $56,525
EPA MPG
16
mpg
Reliability Verdict
Owner Satisfaction
2015-2020
2015 Model Redesign Year
Few vehicles arrive with the Escalade's imposing look.
It's extremely quiet and plush inside, with a natty interior finished in stitched leather.
But its luxury is disappointingly skin deep.
The stiff ride, particularly with the 22-inch wheels, is out of place in a luxury vehicle.
With its clumsy handling and mediocre braking performance, the Escalade makes other full-sized SUVs seem graceful.
Power is plentiful, but even with the new eight-speed automatic the Caddy gets just 16 mpg.
2020 Cadillac Escalade
Retail Price
$24,225 - $35,825
EPA MPG
17
mpg
Reliability Verdict
Owner Satisfaction
2019 Cadillac Escalade
Retail Price
$20,625 - $29,875
EPA MPG
17
mpg
Reliability Verdict
Owner Satisfaction
2018 Cadillac Escalade
Retail Price
$17,525 - $25,725
EPA MPG
17
mpg
Reliability Verdict
Owner Satisfaction
2017 Cadillac Escalade
Retail Price
$12,450 - $21,875
EPA MPG
17
mpg
Reliability Verdict
Owner Satisfaction
2016 Cadillac Escalade
Retail Price
$11,375 - $20,225
EPA MPG
17
mpg
Reliability Verdict
Owner Satisfaction
2015 Cadillac Escalade
Retail Price
$10,650 - $17,750
EPA MPG
17
mpg
Reliability Verdict
Owner Satisfaction
2007-2014
2007 Model Redesign Year
A redesign for 2007 brought a 403-hp, 6.2-liter V8 mated to a six-speed automatic.
Maximum towing capacity is 8,100 pounds.
The interior is much nicer, but handling is clumsy, fuel economy is poor at 13 mpg overall, and the third-row seat is small.
Still, when it comes to luxury, nothing else in the category (built in America) can compete with the ultra-plush Escalade's features.
As long as you focus on comfort and space, the Escalade shines.
Bring dynamics into the equation and there are better offerings to be had from offshore.
2014 Cadillac Escalade
Retail Price
$9,750 - $13,875
EPA MPG
15
mpg
Reliability Verdict
Owner Satisfaction
2013 Cadillac Escalade
Retail Price
$7,125 - $12,525
EPA MPG
15
mpg
Reliability Verdict
Owner Satisfaction
2012 Cadillac Escalade
Retail Price
$4,950 - $11,425
EPA MPG
15
mpg
Reliability Verdict
Owner Satisfaction
2011 Cadillac Escalade
Retail Price
$3,375 - $10,200
EPA MPG
15
mpg
Reliability Verdict
Owner Satisfaction
2010 Cadillac Escalade
Retail Price
$3,375 - $8,475
EPA MPG
15
mpg
Reliability Verdict
Owner Satisfaction
2009 Cadillac Escalade
Retail Price
$3,375 - $7,575
EPA MPG
15
mpg
Reliability Verdict
Owner Satisfaction
2008 Cadillac Escalade
Retail Price
$5,900 - $7,100
EPA MPG
15
mpg
Reliability Verdict
Owner Satisfaction
2007 Cadillac Escalade
Retail Price
$5,875 - $6,525
EPA MPG
15
mpg
Reliability Verdict
Owner Satisfaction
2002-2006
2002 Model Redesign Year
With leather upholstery, wood trim, a cushier ride, and an inflated price tag, the Escalade became the full-size American luxury SUV of choice when it was introduced.
The 2002 redesign was still truck-based, with power coming from a large 6.0-liter V8 engine.
The ESV is a longer version based on the Chevrolet Suburban, while the EXT pickup is essentially a plusher version of the Chevrolet Avalanche.
2006 Cadillac Escalade
Retail Price
$6,125 - $7,125
EPA MPG
NA
Reliability Verdict
Owner Satisfaction
2005 Cadillac Escalade
Retail Price
$5,550 - $6,750
EPA MPG
NA
Reliability Verdict
Owner Satisfaction
2004 Cadillac Escalade
Retail Price
$5,075 - $5,925
EPA MPG
NA
Reliability Verdict
Owner Satisfaction
2003 Cadillac Escalade
Retail Price
$4,500 - $5,625
EPA MPG
NA
Reliability Verdict
Owner Satisfaction
2002 Cadillac Escalade
Retail Price
$3,550 - $5,000
EPA MPG
NA
Reliability Verdict
Owner Satisfaction
1999-2000
This sheep in cashmere clothing pretends to be an all-new luxury SUV, but it's just a rebadged Chevy Tahoe with leather upholstery, wood trim, a cushier ride, and an inflated price tag.
Virtues include a powerful engine, a smooth-shifting transmission, selectable full-time four-wheel drive, and a spacious interior.
But expect sloppy handling and abysmal fuel economy.
This generation Escalade was short-lived as a quick fix so Cadillac dealers had an SUV to sell like their Lincoln competitors do.
2000 Cadillac Escalade
Retail Price
$3,000 - $4,250
EPA MPG
NA
Reliability Verdict
Owner Satisfaction
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