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Cadillac Escalade

EPA MPG: NA
Average Retail Price
$3,550 - $5,000

RECALL ALERT:
There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

First Take
A 2002 redesign brought an edgy new look and significant mechanical improvements to Cadillac's once-forgettable luxury SUV. Now based on the Chevrolet Tahoe/GMC Yukon platform that debuted for 2000, the Escalade exhibits braking, handling, and ride characteristics that are much improved over those of its antiquated predecessor. Rear-drive models use GM's ubiquitous 5.3-liter, 285-hp V8, while Escalades equipped with the available all-wheel-drive system get a 345-hp, 6.0-liter version. A standard removable split third-row seat brings passenger capacity to eight. AWD Escalades are equipped with StabiliTrak electronic stability control, as well as a "road-sensing" suspension with electronically controlled shock absorbers. GM's OnStar driver-assistance system is also included.

2002 SUVs Reliability

No Data Available

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
NA
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
NA
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

Cadillac vs. Other New Car Brands

Cadillac vs. Other New Car Brands

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
NA
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

2002 Luxury SUVs 3-row Ratings

$3,550 - $5,000
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$3,750 - $4,225
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$3,700 - $4,875
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$3,875 - $4,100
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$3,375 - $4,350
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
Features & Specs
Body Style
    4-door SUV
Seating
2 front, 3 rear, 3 third
Drive Wheels
AWD, Rear
Engines Available
  • 5.3-liter V8 (295 hp)
  • 6-liter V8 (345 hp)
Transmissions Available
  • 4-speed automatic
Warranty
Coverage varies among versions of this vehicle

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties
Model History
2021-
Current Generation

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. The modern cabin is overflowing with high-tech features, including a large, curved display and an available premium stereo. The Escalade comes standard with FCW and AEB with pedestrian detection. BSW and RCTW became standard for 2025. Plus, it now offers the latest version of the Super Cruise automated driving system that is standard with a subscription.

2015-2020
2015 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. For all its size, none of its seats really leave room to stretch out. And the third-row seat is tiny in the regular-length version. The unintuitive CUE infotainment system is a constant aggravation. Updates for 2016 included available lane-keeping assist and the addition of Apple CarPlay to the infotainment system. Updates for 2018 included a new 10-speed automatic, replacing the eight-speed unit.


2007-2014
2007 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.
2002-2006
2002 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.