The 2023 Cadillac Escalade, now in its fifth generation, has improved significantly since it first appeared in 1999 as a GMC Yukon Denali with a new paint job. Until the second wave emerged in 2002 with its personality, the Escalade was a stand-in, like a younger sister going through adolescence and coming out of the shadows. The three-row, seven-seat Escalade was established as a respectable competitor in the luxury SUV market that served a broad spectrum of demographics by that succeeding generation. The standard 17.5-foot Escalade and the almost 19-foot long-wheelbase ESV are now available.
The 2023 Escalade is offered in six trim levels (Luxury, Premium Luxury, Sport, Premium Luxury Platinum, Sports Platinum, and the high-performance V), with the basic model starting at $82,690 and the Premium Luxury Platinum and Sport trims with two-wheel drive costing up to $108,990. Of course, it doesn’t include the brand-new 2023 V version, a raucous $152,590 performance car with four-wheel drive, a good howl, and more horses than the typical luxury SUV. The Escalade remains identical for this model year except for the new, eye-catching V trim. (All costs include the required $1,500 three-year OnStar membership and the $1,895 destination charge.)
The 2023 Escalade is a competitor for the title of King of the Luxury SUVs against competitors like the Lincoln Navigator, Grand Wagoneer, and Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class, and it’s unquestionably a favorite, spanning across a large demographic of admirers from all over the nation. The EPA gives rivals of the Escalade higher ratings for fuel economy, with Cadillac’s SUV only scoring 16 combined mpg and 23 mpg for the diesel. Even with the third row in position, the Escalade’s roomy 25.5 cubic-foot load space is hard to better.
The 2023 Escalade has a standard 6.2-litre V8 engine with 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque connected to a 10-speed automated gearbox that powers the rear wheels. A turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel engine with 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque is also offered, as is four-wheel drive. However, the V is the most powerful model, producing 682 horsepower and 653 lb-ft of torque thanks to its supercharged 6.2-litre V8 and distinctive all-wheel-drive system.
The Escalade’s basic model has a 19-speaker AKG Studio audio system and faux leather upholstery throughout the interior. Upgrades in the Premium Luxury Platinum variant include genuine semi-aniline leather and a 36-speaker AKG audio system. The unusually comfortable seats and relaxing ambient lighting provide the atmosphere of a limousine-like trip. The 2023 Escalade is loaded with technology, including lane departure warning, lane keeping assistance, frontal collision warning with automated braking, and GM’s Super Cruise system, which makes lengthy highway rides simple. Additionally, Cadillac’s limited warranty is stronger than Mercedes-Benz’s for the GLC-Class SUVs, covering four years or 50,000 miles, and the powertrain warranty is better than Lincoln’s, covering six years or 70,000 miles.
Performance:Cadillac Escalade
Aside from the V performance option, the 2023 Cadillac Escalade has two engine choices: a turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel engine with 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque or a 6.2-litre V8 engine with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. An all-wheel drive is an option; rear-wheel drive is the default.
The Escalade V is the best option for those who like their SUV to come with in-your-face power like a Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat on performance-enhancing drugs. The 6.2-liter V8 engine’s 682 horsepower and 653 lb-ft of torque combine for a compelling experience. It’s thrilling, but it’s not quiet.
With two-wheel drive, the 2023 Escalade can tow up to 8,200 pounds, which is plenty to haul a boat or camper for a family outing. For $2,700, improve your towing technology as part of the Performance package for enhanced parking and visibility.
Fuel efficiency: Cadillac Escalade
The 2023 Cadillac Escalade achieves an EPA-estimated 16 mpg combined, 14 mpg city, and 19 mpg highway with the base 6.2-liter V8 engine and two-wheel drive (one mpg less on the road with the 4WD). The Escalade performs poorly compared to the four-wheel-drive Lincoln Navigator, which gets 18 mpg, and the Mercedes-Benz GLS 450, which brings 20 mpg combined. The Escalade is more efficient when the diesel engine and two-wheel drive are used, achieving 23 combined mpg (22 mpg with 4WD) in 21 cities and 27 highways.
When fitted with the new optional twin-turbo six-cylinder engine (510 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque), the 2023 Jeep Grand Wagoneer 4WD’s combined fuel economy increases to 17 mpg.
It is sufficient to mention that this sector has no super-efficient vehicles. When the Escalade was first, the about $1,600 diesel upgrade was a no-brainer; however, since diesel gasoline sometimes sold for less than premium, a small premium above ordinary unleaded. Since then, the cost of diesel fuel has risen to the point where you’ll need to do some user-specific calculations to see if switching to diesel is advantageous for you.
Safety and driver support technology:
Rearview cameras, forward collision warning, forward automatic emergency braking, front, and rear pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning and lane-keep assist, front and rear parking sensors, and a surround-view parking camera system are all included as standard on the Cadillac Escalade. All trims other than the “base” Luxury trim come standard with adaptive cruise control, a head-up display, and a rearview mirror camera (which transmits a view of what’s behind the car to the rearview mirror).
However, the optional Super Cruise system, an improved adaptive cruise control, steals the show.
The 2021 Cadillac Escalade received four out of five stars from the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), five stars for side collision testing, four for frontal crash testing, and three for rollover rating. Our ratings have been somewhat lowered due to the IIHS’s (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) failure to undertake crash testing.
Comfort and Space
Because the Escalade is so tall, there is a step up to enter the cabin. When driving, one has a wide-ranging vision of the road, and the camera system is helpful when parking. The optional bench seat can accommodate eight people instead of the standard seven. All three rows have enough second and third-row legroom. The Escalade’s internal passenger capacity increases to 170.4 cubic feet in the ESV from 168.4 cubic feet in the standard wheelbase model.
The Escalade features 34.9 inches of legroom in the third row and 41.7 inches in the back seats. The Grand Wagoneer beats the competition with 42.7 and 36.6 inches, while the Navigator delivers 41.4 and 36.1 inches, respectively. The third-row legroom in the extended-wheelbase Escalade ESV increases to 36.6 inches, matching the third-row of the Grand Wagoneer. (Escalade’s first and second rows still have the exact dimensions.) Navigator L measures 36.1 inches.
You’ll need to upgrade to the Premium Luxury variation for heated and ventilated seats and one level up on a small scale to Premium Luxury Platinum for massaging seats operated with a button built into the door.
The Escalade’s star power is diminished compared to that of newcomers like the Grand Wagoneer. Jeep’s three-row luxury SUV is gorgeous, loaded with cutting-edge technology, and has plush seats. The Escalade also seems to have failed to adorn the third row with just as much luxury as the front two.
Infotainment: Cadillac Escalade
Even in the basic Escalade, wireless phone charging, Wi-Fi, and smartphone connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. The available augmented reality-enabled navigation uses live street views and directional markers to provide an incredibly unreal effect. Cadillac made a significant investment in the AKG audio system, which starts with 19 speakers and escalates up to an impressive 36 speakers at the top of the range. Dual displays are part of the optional back entertainment package.
The driver’s gauge cluster and Caddy’s CUE infotainment control system are housed on three curved screens that measure 38 inches across together. Each Grand Wagoneer, Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class, and Lincoln Navigator has an excellent interior and a ton of equipment; the Grand Wagoneer has screens arranged in an outstanding pattern across the cabin. Nevertheless, the Escalade’s 16.9-inch curved OLED infotainment screen, 14.2-inch instrument cluster, and 7.2-inch-diagonal touch control panel to the driver’s left provide a sophisticated counterpoint to the Grand Wagoneer’s flash. Additionally, the Grand Wagoneer is around $10,000 more expensive.
Storage & Cargo Space:
With all rows erect, the Escalade has 25.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity, 72.9 cubic feet behind the second row, and 121 cubic feet with the rear two seats folded down from Cadillac. Compared to the 19.3 feet in the Navigator and 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space with all three rows upright in a Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class, the Escalade comes out on top. With 27.4 cubic feet behind the third row, 72.9 behind the second row, and 116.7 folded, the Grand Wagoneer comes close.
Not even considering the lengthier Escalade ESV’s incredible 41.5 cubic feet of space behind the third row, plus 94.1 cubic feet with the third row folded and 142.8 cubic feet with the second and third row both stowed, is even close to enough. With its increased overall length of one foot, the Grand Wagoneer L is in the running. Its cargo space behind the third row is 42.1 cubic feet, behind the second, 85.3, and when the second row is folded, it can hold up to 130.9 cubic feet.
With plenty of door pockets and bins for extras like chapstick, sunglasses, and snacks, little storage is very substantial. To add cold beverages to the mix, add the $700 in-car cooler to the console.
Design:Cadillac Escalade
The Escalade’s extended wheelbase ESV body type adds 18.9 feet to its 17.7-foot length. The two vehicles’ curb weights vary from 5,635 to 6,407 pounds, and the longer Escalade has more luggage space and better third-row legroom. The 2023 Escalade enters whatever place it fills with presence in any situation. Sharp external lines, a prominent grille, distinctive front lighting components, and bracket-style taillights make this vehicle easy to recognize. The Escalade V has quad exhaust pipes, red Brembo brake calipers, and a blacked-out exterior design.
Inside the Escalade, Cadillac raises the bar with valuable and abundant amenities. A glow-up at night and softer accents during the day are provided by ambient lighting, and the available semi-aniline leather is as buttery as you’d expect. If forced to choose, we prefer the Sport trim in white, black, or other primary colors for its subtlety.
Is the 2023 Cadillac Escalade Worth it?
Two body types (regular and extended wheelbase) and six trim levels (Luxury, Premium Luxury, Sport, Premium Luxury Platinum, Sports Platinum, and V) are offered for the 2023 Escalade, with prices beginning at $81,090. The Premium Luxury model, which is lavishly covered in soft leather, is what we advise. This trim adds a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, and a driver-assist package upgrade with features like a head-up display, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-change assist. The base price of this trim is $91,490, which consists of the required $1500 OnStar and $1895 destination fee. These are significant upgrades for this large vehicle, which would be difficult to park and maneuver without.
An electronic limited-slip differential, an adjustable suspension, and towing upgrades are other optional extras that may be added to the $2,700 Performance package. The Touring option, which softens the ride with an adaptive air suspension and soft-close doors, may be added on top of that for $2,550. Even though it costs $2,000 more, the Escalade V, which starts at $149,195, comes standard with the Night Vision feature.
How Much Does the 2023 Cadillac Escalade Cost to Insure?
Like all its premium rivals, the Cadillac Escalade is costly to insure. An average yearly premium for a 30-year-old female driver with a clean driving record ranges from $2,840 for the basic Luxury model to $3,300 for the Sports Luxury ESV. However, this figure includes all 50 states. A standard Lincoln Navigator costs $2,850, while a Black Label long-wheelbase costs $3,270. Similarly, the GMC Yukon Denali ranges from $2,470 to $2,550, while the Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 costs about $3,200.
Verdict
The Escalade is an unquestionably luxurious vehicle. This luxurious three-row leans firmly into the six-figure bracket and has the credentials to match. A 6.2-litre V8 or a turbodiesel inline-six powers it. This large vehicle’s eye-catching appearance, comforting comforts, and excellent towing capacity will appeal to those who prefer to make a statement as they cruise the highway. However, that trio of indulgences naturally uses up gasoline quickly. The diesel fuel’s relatively high cost limits even the oil burner’s efficiency. The Escalade has a luxurious interior, but because this market thrives on competition, its rivals are soon working to surpass Cadillac’s largest SUV.
