2008 Cadillac Escalade Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
In the full-size luxury SUV category, Cadillac's Escalade stands out, if only for its size. It shares its platform with the Chevy Tahoe and...
In the full-size luxury SUV category, Cadillac's Escalade stands out, if only for its size. It shares its platform with the Chevy Tahoe and the GMC Yukon. But there's more here than just sheet metal distinctions.
Under the hood, the only engine available is also one of the most powerful in its class. The 6.2-liter V8 generates 403 hp through a six-speed automatic transmission. 0-60 comes up in 7.5 seconds with the all-wheel-drive version, though one reviewer managed it in 6.5 seconds; rear-wheel drive is also available. The all-wheel-drive version can haul up to 7,400 pounds. However, you'll really pay at the pump for serious towing with the Escalade: One long-term review found that at 20,000 miles, the gas-mileage average sunk to 9 mpg and saw numbers as low as 5 mpg. Without anything attached, the EPA ratings are 13/19 mpg city/highway, while testers got averages of 15 mpg highway and 12.7 in city driving.
Naturally, handling for the big SUV is not sport-like. However, with Cadillac throwing all the electronic aids it can at the suspension, the Escalade generates 0.74 g on the skidpad - not bad, considering its 5,500-pound bulk. Overall the Escalade reacts in a stable and confident manner when low to moderate speed changes and changes of direction are needed.
The spacious interior is well done. Some reviewers even reminisced about the Cadillac "mystique" being restored. Seats are comfortable, and controls are within easy reach. Tasteful trim in alloy, faux-walnut inlays, and good quality plastics abound. The third row of seating, however, drew fire from all reviewers as being ill conceived. The third row leaves little space for normal-size adults, doesnâ??t fold flat into the floor, and is very heavy to lug out of the car and make more cargo space.
The Escalade comes standard with side curtain airbags for all outboard passengers, a rollover sensor, and antilock disc brakes. It also gets a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA for protection of front occupants in head-on collisions.
What owners say
"Overall, drivers generally love the 2008 Cadillac Escalade for its spaciousness, comfortable ride, and strong performance. Many appreciate the luxurious interior features like leather seats and a good sound system. However, some do mention the high fuel consumption as a downside, which is typical for larger vehicles. A few reviews also expressed concerns about maintenance appearances."
The Escalade is a very comfortable ride and has a great amount of amenities. The 6.2 L Vortec engine provides more than enough power for towing cargo or a boat. Comfortable leather seats. 3 Zone climate control is wonderful. 22 inch wheels are very pleasing to the eye and do not adversely affect the ride quality.
June 19, 2013Great gas mileage for a car this size. Amazing performance handling and ride. The sound of the engine is one of my favorite things about this car! I have driven many cars and used to be a dealer. This car is my favorite!
December 29, 2014Excellent Escalade top notch in everyway nicest suv that you can buy and this one is clean clean. I would without hesistation purchase this one for myself if I had the means. Drives out perfect tires have 30,000 left on them
November 30, 2010What owners say
The Escalade is a very comfortable ride and has a great amount of amenities. The 6.2 L Vortec engine provides more than enough power for towing cargo or a boat. Comfortable leather seats. 3 Zone climate control is wonderful. 22 inch wheels are very pleasing to the eye and do not adversely affect the ride quality.
June 19, 2013Great gas mileage for a car this size. Amazing performance handling and ride. The sound of the engine is one of my favorite things about this car! I have driven many cars and used to be a dealer. This car is my favorite!
December 29, 2014Excellent Escalade top notch in everyway nicest suv that you can buy and this one is clean clean. I would without hesistation purchase this one for myself if I had the means. Drives out perfect tires have 30,000 left on them
November 30, 2010This car is a great car for cruising but can also do a nice acceleration.
May 24, 2008its a nice car that is big and cool. i love this car it has good performance no bad quality because we got it new. in side the car there is leathered seats, seat wormer, 2 DVD players and a navagetion. the gas price is alot cuz its a big car so it drinks alot of gas. But this car is fun to ride i love it!!!
August 2, 2009this car has navigation, 7 dvd players, and leather seats
June 7, 2008This is probably the best production SUV to customize. I had no problem fitting the wheels on the truck after the stock suspension was replaced. This car was still fly without all the customization, but I decided to trick it out anyways. To put it in perspective, the Honda Civic of the truck world.
May 30, 2008interior: it needs more space but its WAYYY better than the old escalade exterior: new look leads to a better look. beautiful performance: excellent!!!
February 4, 2008The appearance of the vehicle, especially in the engine area and the front led me to believe it was a poorly maintained vehicle.
September 29, 2022Trims & specs
Base MSRP $55,990 | Seating 8 |
Engine 6.2L 403 hp V8 | Cargo Capacity 16.9 cu ft |
Combined MPG 15 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $76,595 | Seating 8 |
Engine 6.2L 403 hp V8 | Cargo Capacity 16.9 cu ft |
Combined MPG 15 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $79,095 | Seating 8 |
Engine 6.2L 403 hp V8 | Cargo Capacity 16.9 cu ft |
Combined MPG 15 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $58,490 | Seating 8 |
Engine 6.2L 403 hp V8 | Cargo Capacity 16.9 cu ft |
Combined MPG 15 | Drivetrain AWD |
Pricing trends
MSRP range
$55,990 - $79,095
Current avg. market price
$9,469
Trending down by 0.7% this month
May 2026 - November 2026
