The Cadillac Escalade burst onto the automotive scene in 1999 as a direct reaction to the Lincoln Navigator, which debuted in 1998 as a full-size luxury SUV. It was rushed out the door as a re-badged GMC Yukon Denali, and only lasted two years in that first generation before a major overhaul separated it from its General Motors full-size, body-on-frame SUV cousins—the GMC Yukon and the Chevrolet Tahoe.
As the generations progressed, the gap increased, and though the platform and underpinnings are largely the same, the Cadillac Escalade has been set apart by more luxurious amenities and high-end tech. While features such as the Cadillac User Experience (CUE), haven’t always been well-received, there’s no arguing that Cadillac has continually pushed the tech envelope—right up to the current 38-inch OLED display that runs from gauge cluster to infotainment screen.
The current competitive in the luxury SUV set includes the Infiniti QX80, the Lexus LX, the Lincoln Navigator and the Jeep Wagoneer, but the Escalade is the only one with a V8 engine, as all the others have gone to turbo six-cylinder units.
Cadillac Escalade: Cost, Reliability, and the Best Years to Buy
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Cadillac Escalade Pros and Cons
- Cadillac Escalade Generations
- Cadillac Escalade Fifth Generation (2021–present)
- Cadillac Escalade Fourth Generation (2015–2020)
- Cadillac Escalade Third Generation (2007–2014)
- Cadillac Escalade Second Generation (2002–2006)
- Cadillac Escalade First Generation (1999–2000)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Cadillac Escalade years are the best?
CarComplaints.com generally shows spikes in complaints and problems in the first couple years of a new generation, so if you’re looking for an older example, a good bet is to look at the last year or two of that generation. That said, the 2011 model had 0 complaints. However, if you opt for this model, make sure the airbags were replaced under the Takata airbag recall.
What are the worst Cadillac Escalade years?
The beginning of the fourth generation didn’t get off to a good start. According to CarComplaints.com, 2015 and 2016 model years had the most complaints of any Escalade, largely due to engine and transmission problems. The website named the 2015 model the worst year to buy, and the most-frequently reported problem is said to be a loud tapping noise in the engine. Keep an eye out for all the above on a test drive.
Is a used Cadillac Escalade a good deal?
A new Cadillac Escalade can be a pricey thing, so a used vehicle can be a very good deal. According to Kelley Blue Book, if you go back just two years, then the average transaction price is about $20,000 off the original MRSP. Going back to the last year of the previous generation sees even better deals, with prices ranging from $40,000 to $45,000, with the biggest depreciation on top trims. That’s as much as a 50% drop over the original pricing on the most expensive models.
Cadillac Escalade Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Luxurious and comfortable interior
- Easy to drive for a large vehicle
- Multiple powertrain options
Cons:
- Poor fuel economy
- Poor ride quality
- Might not fit in your garage
Cadillac Escalade Generations
Cadillac Escalade Fifth Generation (2021–present)
This latest generation of Cadillac Escalade made a huge leap forward in terms of tech, design, and spaciousness. It’s about seven inches longer than its predecessor and the ESV (which stands for Escalade Stretch Vehicle, and denotes the long-wheelbase version) adds a further 2.5 inches, while the new ladder frame construction combined with independent rear suspension made the second and third rows extra roomy.
The exterior was sharpened up but the biggest changes were inside with a new 38-inch, high-definition curved OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) information panel that spans from gauge cluster to infotainment system. Other standard features include 12-way power adjustable synthetic leather upholstery, front and rear heated seats, tri-zone climate control, a power liftgate, wireless phone charger, and a 19-speaker sound system. Standard driver assistance technology includes automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, a rear-seat reminder, a surround-view parking camera, lane-departure warning, front- and rear-parking sensors, and Teen Driver, which allows parents to monitor their offspring’s behaviour at the wheel. While captain’s chairs are standard, a middle bench seat is available as a no-cost option.
The huge list of available features includes the Super Cruise hands-free driving system, 16-way power adjustable leather seats, a panoramic sunroof, a head-up display, a rear camera mirror, Cadillac’s Magnetic Ride Control adaptive damping system, air ride adaptive suspension, massaging seats, semi-aniline leather, park assist, a 36-speaker AKG audio system, soft-close doors, adaptive cruise control, automatic reverse braking, a night vision system, and an electronic limited-slip differential. Got all that?
This generation continues to be available with both rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD), and the 6.2-liter V8 and 10-speed automatic transmission were carried over from the previous generation. For the first time, the Escalade had a diesel option in the form of a 277-horsepower, 3.0-liter, inline-six turbodiesel engine, also with a 10-speed automatic, but it was dropped after the 2024 model year due to low demand.
Trim levels comprise Escalade Luxury, Sport, Premium Luxury, Premium Luxury Platinum and Sport Platinum. Cadillac launched the high-performance V-Series model in 2023. Equipped with Brembo brakes and a supercharged 6.2-liter V-8, the Escalade-V is available in standard and ESV versions and boasts specs of 682 horsepower and a 0-60-mph time of 4.4 seconds.
New Escalade prices started at $87,595 at the time of writing, and Kelley Blue Book said national average used prices ranged from about $60,000 for a base 2021 model to around $128,000 for the Cadillac Escalade-V. Online listings showed vehicles in this generation ranged from about $45,000 to $172,000, and their relative youth means many will be found on franchised dealership forecourts.
Cadillac Escalade Fourth Generation (2015–2020)
The fourth generation of the Cadillac Escalade had a blockier and more aggressive exterior, while the interior was refined and dripping with tech. Original plans to turn this model into a unibody construction were quickly scrapped due to customer feedback, and remained body-on-frame. The standard drivetrain was RWD and AWD was available, as were standard and ESV versions.
This Escalade model had standard features such as active-aero shutters, 20-inch chrome-plated aluminum wheels, a hands-free power liftgate, remote start, tri-zone climate control, and a 8,300-pound towing capacity. One of the big additions for this generation was a power-operated third row of seats that folded flat into the floor. Other highlights included a surround-view camera, the CUE (Cadillac User Experience) infotainment system, 4G LTE connectivity, and a new Cadillac Crest logo, but power adjustable pedals were ditched for this generation.
A 420hp, 6.2-liter V8 was the only powertrain and the original transmission was a six-speed automatic, but that changed to an eight-speed auto part way through the first year of production. There was another transmission upgrade in 2018, this time to a 10-speed automatic.
Driver assistance features including automatic high-beam control and lane-keep assist were added in 2016, plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a fully loaded Platinum trim. The following year introduced a new trim structure (Standard, Luxury trim, Premium Luxury, and Platinum), an updated grille, new headlights, and an updated CUE (Cadillac User Experience—basically the infotainment screen) system, along with the Live-View rear-vision camera to the rearview mirror and a rear-seat reminder. Cadillac kept the changes simple in 2018, by adding a fresh center console fascia with new cupholders and memory seats.
Average prices vary widely according to Kelley Blue Book, starting at $18,000 for a 2015 model and rising to $45,000 for a top-end 2020 example. We saw listings ranging from $9,000 for high-mileage models to $57,000 for late low-mileage versions in excellent condition.
Cadillac Escalade Third Generation (2007–2014)
The third-generation Cadillac Escalade further distinguished this full-size body-on-frame SUV from its General Motors cousins with more power, upgraded materials, a six-speed automatic transmission, power folding second-row seats and head-curtain airbags.
A 403hp 6.2-liter V8 was the only available powertrain, and also happened to be the industry’s first mass-produced pushrod engine with variable valve timing.
Rear-wheel drive was standard, all-wheel drive was available, and the ESV and EXT versions were carried over from the third-generation Escalade. It included standard features such as tri-zone climate control, Nuance leather seats, real wood accents, heated first and second row seats, 14-way power adjustable front seats, remote start, a premium audio system with a six-disc CD changer, rear audio controls and a power liftgate. The posh Platinum trim added luxurious upgrades such as the DVD rear-seat entertainment system, navigation, heated and cooled cup holders, a rear-view camera, cooled front seats, Tehama leather, and power-retractable running boards.
A two-mode hybrid version debuted in 2009, equipped with a 6.0-liter V8 engine, itself mated to a pair of 60-kilowatt electric motors with a combined output of 379hp.
A steady stream of improvements kicked off in 2008, when seating capacity increased to eight, then 2009 saw tech upgrades, including standard Bluetooth, a power-tilting steering wheel, and an optional satellite navigation system with instant traffic updates. The 2010 model year had more hefty changes, including the addition of Active Fuel Management (AFM) with cylinder deactivation for better economy, a USB port in the center console, a locking steering column, and revised front-side thorax airbags. The Escalade Premium trim was upgraded to look more like the Platinum trim in 2012, and LED daytime running headlamps were added in 2013. The hybrid and EXT variants were dropped in 2014.
Third-generation Escalades typically cost less than $20,000. Kelley Blue Book says the national average for the non-hybrid model ranges from $8,000 to $17,000, while the hybrid spans $12,000 to $17,000. Listings show this generation topping off at about $30,000 for top-end, low-mileage models. Salvage vehicles are priced around $2,000, and high-mileage examples in good condition are priced at around $5,000.
Cadillac Escalade Second Generation (2002–2006)
The second-generation Cadillac Escalade was far more than a rebadged GMC Yukon Denali, adding upscale materials and amenities as well as a bespoke exterior. Unique interior features included a new gauge cluster and standard OnStar (GM’s subscription-based communication service) with hands-free, voice-activated phone capability and personalized news, sports, weather and financial information. Also unique to the second-gen Escalade was a fully automatic Road Sensing Suspension (RSS) system. There were still components shared with the GMC Yukon Denali, including self-leveling rear suspension, the StabiliTrak stability control system, and a standard 11-speaker Bose Acoustimass audio system with an in-dash, six-disc CD changer.
Rear-wheel drive was standard, along with a 285hp, 5.3-liter V8 engine. The larger Escalade ESV model made is debut in this generation, adding more cargo space (it coincided with the 2003 update) as did the EXT pickup truck version, both of which came standard with AWD and a 345hp, 6.0-liter V8.
The 2003 refresh was largely confined to the interior. It included upgraded audio systems, power adjustable pedals, a touchscreen GPS navigation system, a revised gauge cluster, updated seat designs in all rows, while the OnStar controls were relocated to the rearview mirror. This refresh also added an optional rear-seat entertainment system produced by Panasonic, which included a DVD player and wireless headphones. In 2005, Cadillac dropped the base 5.3-liter V8, and the 6.0-liter V8 became standard across the board.
Though Kelley Blue Book says the average price of vehicles in this generation ranges from $6,000 to $7,000, the listings can tell a different story. There were high-mileage junkers priced at about $1,000 and well-kept, low-mileage models for about $17,000. We even saw an armored Escalade with low miles for around $60,000.
Cadillac Escalade First Generation (1999–2000)
The first-generation Cadillac Escalade was a pure reaction to the introduction of the Lincoln Navigator in 1998, hence its rushed production run. Since it was rushed through the product cycle, it was little more than a rebadged GMC Yukon Denali, with the same underpinnings as its GMC cousin and an identical 5.7-liter, 255hp V8 engine.
It launched as a five-seat, two-row SUV with a short-wheelbase configuration. The exterior, other than badging and grille treatment, was nearly identical to the GMC’s. Real and imitation wood accents could be found inside, along with perforated leather seats.
Standard features included Auto-Trac selectable four-wheel drive, 16-inch chrome-clad alloy wheels, a Bose Acoustimass premium audio system, an in-dash CD player, auto-dimming mirrors, automatic headlights, front and rear heated seats, front and rear Bilstein shock absorbers, and GM’s OnStar connectivity system. There was also the choice of a twin rear barn door or a split tailgate with a rear-window wiper.
Used car prices for the first-generation Escalade can vary wildly, and listings ranged from $3,000 to $23,000. But as Kelley Blue Book points out, average prices typically span $3,600 to $4,000.
