2023 Cadillac Escalade-V Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Write a reviewPros
Powerful engine
Fun to drive
Impressive technology
Cons
Poor fuel economy
High starting price
The Escalade-V delivers acceleration and handling you never thought possible from a full-size luxury SUV.
The Escalade-V visually differentiates itself from the rest of the Escalade lineup with revised lower front and rear fascias. You have to know what you are looking for since they are rather small details on an otherwise massive machine. The dark mesh grille, dark headlight bezels, and dark window trim are all similar to that of the non-V Escalade Sport, but the Escalade-V stands out with unique dark 22-inch wheels. It also features several V badges that would be massive on any other vehicle in Cadillac’s V-Series lineup.
Inside, the dash is dominated by the 38-inch curved OLED fully digital instrument panel and infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto. This screen draws attention the second you step into the big cabin, but you’ll soon be distracted by the comfortable front bucket seats. Standard features on the Escalade-V include semi-Aniline premium leather upholstery with a unique quilt pattern, Zebra-wood inlays, heated and ventilated 16-way power-adjustable front seats, and massage function for the front seats. While the front seats are plush, the rear seats are stiff in both appearance and feel. They fold flat for cargo use, so it's understandable that they’re not quite as plush as the front seats—something had to give.
The Escalade-V boasts a 36-speaker stereo system, a rear-seat entertainment system with dual 12.6-inch rear-seat screens, and a massive panoramic sunroof. Many of these features are options on the standard Escalade, but on the Escalade-V, they come standard.
The new Escalade-V features an intercooled and supercharged 6.2-liter V8. The engine is hand-built at GM’s Bowling Green Performance Build Center. Each engine has the name of its builder stamped on a cover above the rather large supercharger. Though this engine shares architecture with that of the CT5-V Blackwing, GM beefed up the supercharger setup. The result is an output of 682 horsepower and 653 pound-feet of torque, routed through a 10-speed automatic transmission to standard all-wheel drive (AWD).
The whole setup makes for impressive acceleration. It feels the quickest in the 20 mph to 80 mph acceleration, rather than from a complete standstill. The laws of physics still apply with the Escalade-V, but only at low speeds. GM claims a zero-to-sixty time of 4.4 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 12.74 seconds at 110 mph. These would be respectable for a sporty sedan, let alone a 6,200-pound full-size luxury SUV (6,400 pounds for the longer ESV trims). When properly equipped, the Escalade-V can tow up to 7,000 pounds.
Cadillac equips the Escalade-V with Magnetic Ride Control, Air Ride Adaptive suspension, and Brembo performance front brakes. Air suspension is optional in the non-V Escalade, but here, the dampers have been tuned for a responsive ride. For as much as it’s fun to mash the throttle in a straight line, the most impressive moments with the Escalade-V come in the corners, where the body roll is minimal and the steering is sports-car direct, responsive, and communicative.
But perhaps the most incredible feat is the braking. Along with the steering, throttle response, shift mapping, and exhaust note, the brakes have dual personalities thanks to the V-Mode or Tour mode. It would have been perfectly fine if the brakes were strong with a “truck brakes” feel, but the pedal feel on the Escalade-V is incredible. You can take a big “bite” leading up to a turn, and threshold brake as you negotiate a sharp curve at speed. In all, the various systems play a delicate dance to keep the Escalade-V feeling more taut and responsive than any vehicle its size deserves to be.
Oh, and if you want to have some real fun, activate V-Mode, put the shifter in Manual mode, and take your foot off the throttle to let the vehicle coast. It will emit more snaps and burbles than you’ve ever heard in the most heavily modified sports car.
Three-row seating is standard in this big SUV. Buyers can choose the standard-wheelbase Escalade-V and the long-wheelbase Escalade-V ESV. The standard version provides 121 cubic feet of cargo space with 2nd and 3rd rows folded. With just the third row folded, there are 72.9 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 25.5 cubic feet behind the third-row seats. Moving up to the Cadillac Escalade-V ESV brings cargo space to 142.8 cubic feet of total cargo space. There are 94.1 cubic feet with the second row in use, and 41.5 behind the third row.
There’s plenty of adult-friendly passenger space in all three rows. The second-row seats easily fold to provide third-row access, but you can just as easily make your way through the space between the second-row captain’s chairs. The best place to sit, however, is up front. Here, the driver and front passenger have plenty of room to spread out in comfort.
Storage space is everywhere, from multiple in-door cubbies to a massive center console with external pockets on either side. Each door has multiple cupholders, and the second row gets a retractable set of cupholders that pop out from the back of the center console.
The standard 38-inch curved OLED screen is serious business. Cadillac has developed a screen that tapers off into sharp angles (rather than squared off corners) and features dual touch zones. There’s the main 16.9-inch touchscreen area in the center of the dash, which has a logical layout and boasts standard navigation. But then on the left side of the instrument panel, there is an additional small touchscreen. It includes the trip computer and toggles for the head-up display, night vision, and augmented-reality instrument panel. This lefthand toggle screen is a clever solution to how we interact with modern cars, where some require touch controls for some functions and steering-wheel buttons for others.
We’ve seen massive digital screen setups from brands like Mercedes. But where the Escalade stands out is the curved screen, giving it a sense of depth to go along with its sheer width. Many of these new massive screens simply feel snapped on at the last minute (which is kind of true, as automakers develop the infotainment technology last, so as to assure it is as new as possible). But with the OLED curved dash, it feels like it’s supposed to be there.
The Escalade-V comes equipped with a 36-speaker AKG premium stereo system. AKG might not be a household name, but it is widely used in the music and movie industry. With all these speakers, the system creates individual audio ecosystems for each document. You’ll find speakers nestled in the roof, dash, headrest, and more. Listening to a song you’ve heard a million times on this system reveals new details. Playing a live track on this system presents the lead guitarist in one corner of the cabin and the vocals in another.
Cadillac also nestles microphones throughout the car, allowing for a seamless in-cabin communication system so that you don’t have to yell back to the third row.
The Escalade-V comes standard with a host of assistance features including standard forward-collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, GM’s safety alert seat, lane-departure warning, and an HD surround-view parking monitor. It also comes standard with adaptive cruise control, reverse automatic braking, and rear cross-traffic alert. The driver is also treated to a vivid head-up display, and the OLED screen includes night vision and an augmented reality display. The latter presents a live feed of the road ahead on the instrument panel, including turn-by-turn directions.
We also spent time in the driver’s seat with our hands off the wheel, thanks to the latest iteration of Cadillac’s Super Cruise hands-free driving technology. It does all the things we’ve come to expect, such as hands-free highway driving, smooth lane following, and being able to accurately sense vehicles around it. It notifies you that the system is engaged with a solid green light that’s embedded in the top of the steering wheel. But for 2023, there’s a new function added to the mix—automatic lane change.
Say you’re traveling on a three-lane highway in the middle lane with Super Cruise activated. As the Escalade-V approaches a slower vehicle, it automatically scans the left lane, and if it is clear, it will merge into the left lane, pass the slower vehicle, and then merge back to the right when the coast is clear. You don’t have to do anything. If you want to manually change lanes while in Super Cruise, you can still do that simply by tapping the turn signal to the left or right.
The system still scans the driver’s face to make sure they are paying attention. If it senses you are looking down at your phone or otherwise distracted, the green light on the steering wheel will start to flash. If you don’t put your hands back on the wheel, it will flash red and start to disengage. The system can make the Escalade-V start to coast and merge to the right, eventually slowing down in the breakdown lane. All-in-all, it’s an impressive system that even works while towing a trailer. Most importantly, Super Cruise requires that you always remain vigilant of your surroundings.
The EPA has not yet released fuel economy estimates for the 2023 Cadillac Escalade-V, but in our time with the Escalade-V ESV, we averaged 15.5 mpg. There was a lot of highway driving during that, but there was also plenty of opportunities to lay into the throttle—653 lb-ft will do that to you. The Escalade-V has a 24-gallon tank and the ESV has a 28.3-gallon tank, so despite the less-than-stellar fuel economy, this vehicle is designed for long hauls. And of course, the Escalade-V requires premium fuel.
The 2022 Cadillac Escalade-V starts at $149,990. The Escalade-V ESV starts at $152,990. Compare that to the non-V Escalade, which starts at $76,495 and costs more than $112,000 when fully loaded. The Escalade-V is backed by a 6-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty.
With gas prices on the rise, now seems like a strange time to unleash the fastest, most powerful Escalade ever. But perhaps that’s just the point. The Escalade-V has been long-awaited and seemed inevitable, but GM also had to get around to it before the industry started to truly pivot towards electric. Much like the Dodge Challenger/Charger and its insane lineup of V8 engines, this feels like the opening chord of a swan song… and its name is Blackwing.
As long as there are untamed rural areas, long desert roads, and those looking to venture out there with minimal stops, there will still be a place for large, powerful full-size SUVs. The need for towing, hauling, and cargo space will ensure there’s still a demand for these vehicles. They may go from mainstream to niche, but don’t count out vehicles like the Escalade just yet. The combination of potent supercharged V8 and game-changing tech like the curved OLED dash and Super Cruise show that the Escalade-V truly is a luxury SUV at a crossroads.
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2023 Cadillac Escalade-V Pricing
Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Air filtration: ionizing · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Rear air conditioning: with independent controls · Single rear air conditioning zones · Second and third row rear heat vents
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Wireless headphones · Pandora internet radio · Premium brand: AKG · HD radio · Rear audio: separate rear audio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total speakers: 35
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Premium brakes: Brembo · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear outboard seats · Center console trim: leather · Dash trim: leather · Door sill trim: illuminated scuff plate · Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: stainless steel · Headliner trim: Alcantara · Shift knob trim: chrome · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Active parking system: driver controlled brake, gas and gear selection · Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Assist handle: rear · Cargo area power outlet: 115V · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 115V · Rearview mirror: camera-based · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: sunglasses holder · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 16
Drivetrain
4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 3.23 · Limited slip differential: rear
Engine
Alternator: 220 amps · Battery: heavy duty · Oil cooler: auxiliary
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: black · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: quad exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: black · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black surround · Lower body step rails: power-retractable · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Rocker panel color: black · Running boards: black · Side door type: soft close · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2 · Number of third row headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: app marketplace integration · Infotainment: Cadillac Infotainment System · Infotainment screen size: 16.9 in. · Smartphone integration: wireless Apple CarPlay · Video monitor location: dual rear · Video monitor size: 12.6 in. · Video system: screen mirroring
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 7.2 in. and 14.2 in. (dual) · Warnings and reminders: low battery
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: LED · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power folding
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 16
Rear Seats
Folding: power return · Type: bucket
Roof
Moonroof: one-touch open/close · Moonroof / Sunroof: power sunshade · Roof rails: black
Safety
Automatic emergency braking: front · Blind spot safety: trailer coverage · Camera system: surround view · Camera system washer: rear · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: rear · Dash camera: side recording · Parking sensors: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: vibrating driver seat · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Programmable safety key: MyKey · Rear pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point · Third row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Third row headrests: adjustable · Third row seat folding: flat · Upholstery: semi-aniline leather
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Mount Location: underbody · Size: full-size
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Stability and Traction
Traction control: with trailer stability control
Suspension
Driver Adjustable Suspension: ride control · Front Arm Type: upper and lower control arms · Front Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Front shock type: monotube · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Shock Type: coil over shock · Rear Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Rear shock type: monotube · Stabilizer bar(s): front · Suspension control: magnetic
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: Turn-by-Turn Navigation · Smart device app compatibility: myCadillac with Connected Access · Smart device app function: maintenance scheduling · Wifi: hotspot
Third Row Seat
Type: 40-60 split bench · Upholstery: leather
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: polished aluminum with painted accents
Towing and Hauling
Trailer wiring: 7-pin
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 18
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Laminated glass: acoustic · Liftgate window: manual flip-up · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Air filtration: ionizing · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Rear air conditioning: with independent controls · Single rear air conditioning zones · Second and third row rear heat vents
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Third row side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · USB auxiliary audio input · Wireless headphones · Pandora internet radio · Premium brand: AKG · Touch screen display radio · Rear audio: rear volume control · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total speakers: 35
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Premium brakes: Brembo · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear outboard seats · Center console trim: leather · Dash trim: leather · Door sill trim: illuminated scuff plate · Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: stainless steel · Headliner trim: Alcantara · Shift knob trim: chrome · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Active parking system: driver controlled brake, gas and gear selection · Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Assist handle: front · Cargo area power outlet: 115V · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: steering wheel · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): USB-C rear · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Rear power outlet: 115V · Rearview mirror: camera-based · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 16
Drivetrain
4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 3.23 · Limited slip differential: rear
Engine
Alternator: 220 amps · Battery: maintenance-free · Oil cooler: auxiliary
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: black · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: quad exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: black · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black surround · Lower body step rails: power-retractable · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: sensor-activated · Rocker panel color: black · Running boards: illuminated · Side door type: soft close · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2 · Number of third row headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: Google search · Infotainment: Cadillac Infotainment System · Infotainment screen size: 16.9 in. · Smartphone integration: wireless Android Auto · Video monitor location: dual rear · Video monitor size: 12.6 in. · Video system: auxiliary HDMI input
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 7.2 in. and 14.2 in. (dual) · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: self-leveling · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 16
Rear Seats
Folding: power return · Type: bucket
Roof
Moonroof: one-touch open/close · Moonroof / Sunroof: power sunshade · Roof rails: black
Safety
Automatic emergency braking: front · Blind spot safety: trailer coverage · Camera system: surround view · Camera system washer: rear · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: rear · Dash camera: side recording · Parking sensors: front · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Programmable safety key: MyKey · Rear pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point · Third row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: 4-way power lumbar · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Third row headrests: adjustable · Third row seat folding: power · Upholstery: semi-aniline leather
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Mount Location: underbody · Size: full-size
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Stability and Traction
Traction control: with trailer stability control
Suspension
Driver Adjustable Suspension: ride control · Front Arm Type: upper and lower control arms · Front Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Front shock type: monotube · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Shock Type: coil over shock · Rear Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Rear shock type: monotube · Stabilizer bar(s): rear · Suspension control: magnetic
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: Turn-by-Turn Navigation · Smart device app compatibility: myCadillac with Connected Access · Smart device app function: maintenance scheduling · Wifi: hotspot
Third Row Seat
Type: 40-60 split bench · Upholstery: leather
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: polished aluminum with painted accents
Towing and Hauling
Trailer wiring: 7-pin
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 18
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Laminated glass: acoustic · Liftgate window: manual flip-up · Power windows: remote operation · Rear wiper: intermittent