Name: 2018 Cadillac Escalade
Brand: Cadillac

Cadillac Escalade

EPA MPG: 17 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 17 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

2018 Luxury SUVs 3-row Ratings

2018 Cadillac Escalade

$23,175 - $35,275

EPA MPG 17 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2018 Acura MDX

$18,300 - $21,875

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2018 Audi Q7

$15,625 - $18,475

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2018 BMW X5

$17,075 - $34,650

EPA MPG 20 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2018 Buick Enclave

$14,225 - $20,125

EPA MPG 20 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2018 GMC Acadia

$11,950 - $18,625

EPA MPG 20 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2018 Infiniti QX60

$13,900 - $14,425

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2018 Infiniti QX80

$19,275 - $21,325

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2018 Land Rover Discovery

$14,525 - $17,550

EPA MPG 18 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2018 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

$18,375 - $37,575

EPA MPG 19 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2018 Lexus GX

$27,350 - $30,825

EPA MPG 17 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2018 Lexus LX

$50,850 - $51,700

EPA MPG 15 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2018 Lexus RX L

$ NA

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2018 Lincoln Navigator

$17,100 - $30,600

EPA MPG 18 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2018 Toyota Land Cruiser

$53,975

EPA MPG 15 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2018 Volvo XC90

$17,100 - $24,225

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

See All Luxury SUVs 3-row Ratings

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. Plus, it offers the latest version of the Super Cruise automated driving system that is standard with a subscription as of 2025.

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.

1999-2000

1999 Redesign Year

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.

Cadillac Escalade

2018 SUVs Reliability

Crash and Rollover Tests

Crash and Rollover Tests

Cadillac vs. Other New Car Brands

Owner Reports

Cadillac vs. Other New Car Brands

Cadillac vs. Other New Car Brands

Crash and Rollover Tests

2018 Luxury SUVs 3-row Ratings