2023 Cadillac Escalade Review: Big In Stature, Even Bigger In Luxury

If one disregards the upcoming Celestiq EV uber-luxury car, the Escalade serves as Cadillac's de facto flagship model. This luxury full-size three-row SUV has proven to be consistently popular, and indeed helped drag Cadillac through the dark ages following the 2008 financial crisis. Now in its fifth generation, the Escalade gets more appealing with each new iteration, and the latest one carries this momentum forward.

While the Escalade shares its GM T1XX platform with Chevrolet Suburban and GMC Yukon, extensive re-engineering has ensured that it's very different to its siblings, with unique styling and an ultra-high-tech cabin. It goes up against some formidable opponents, however, with notable Cadillac Escalade competitors, including the smaller Mercedes-Benz GLS and BMW X7, as well as the similarly-sized Lincoln Navigator. But to further its appeal, the Cadillac is also available in an array of configurations with an extended wheelbase version and the high-performance Cadillac Escalade V, which we review separately, to choose from. The standard Escalade is available in five trim levels, with a choice between two engines: a 6.2-liter gas V8 with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque or a 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder turbodiesel with 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, both managing to move the behemoth along. But with a rather high price tag, is this still the best option in the segment?

What's the Price of the 2023 Cadillac Escalade?

The level of space and luxury the Cadillac Escalade presents doesn't come cheap. The base Luxury costs $79,295, and that's before tax, licensing, and registration costs, plus a $1,895 destination charge.

Following this is the Premium Luxury at $88,095 and the Sport at $91,095. Topping the lineup are the Premium Luxury Platinum and Sport Platinum trims which, although styled differently, carry the same MSRP of $105,595. Upgrading to 4WD adds $3,000 to your bill.

2023 Escalade Exterior

Dimensions

2023 Escalade Performance

2023 Cadillac Escalade Handling and Driving Impressions

The Escalade is a massive and very heavy three-row luxury SUV, and none of those elements are conducive to sporting behavior of any kind. It doesn't really matter that the Escalade presents loads of body roll and early-onset understeer in corners, though, because it isn't meant to corner with any enthusiasm. Forget about the numb steering feel and rather luxuriate in a ride that's unashamedly biased towards occupant comfort.

But, the Escalade is a body-on-frame SUV that shares many of its underpinnings with more pedestrian trucks, and as a result, some shudders and thumps can intrude on the cabin's serenity. The optional air suspension mitigates this effect to a large degree, however, so that option box really should be ticked on the order form.

As for performance, a starting curb weight of over 5,300 pounds means that not even the 6.2-liter V8's 420 hp and 460 lb-ft will result in lively acceleration. A 0-60 mph dash in around 6.1 seconds is respectably quick, but merely average when measured against its competitors - not that rapid acceleration is what the Escalade was made for.

2023 Escalade Interior

2023 Escalade Trunk and Cargo Space

Warranty

Verdict: Is The 2023 Cadillac Escalade A Good SUV?

The Cadillac Escalade is intended to be the ultimate expression of the American luxury SUV, so it majors on cabin space and cargo volume to go with every conceivable gadget in the very nicely-trimmed interior. It's in these areas where the Escalade shines, because not only is its exterior a great expression of conspicuous luxury, but it's just as flashy and obviously luxurious inside. If you want to announce to the world that you've arrived, very loudly, this is the vehicle for you. Its handling doesn't really measure up to its European rivals, but the opulence inside certainly compensates for any dynamic shortcomings. The bias towards comfort is obvious, and if that's what you're buying it for, you won't be disappointed. Just be prepared for a hefty price tag.

What 2023 Cadillac Escalade Model Should I Buy?

The base Luxury trim offers plenty of comfort features, but we think the Premium Luxury and Sport trims are worth the upgrade. We slightly prefer the Sport, which adds a more aggressive appearance, plus the magnetic ride suspension and a limited-slip differential. From there, we'd add the Touring Package for $2,550, which rolls in the adaptive air suspension, soft close doors, and more. If you can show restraint without choosing any more options, you can get an Escalade Sport for just over $95k, including destination