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2017 Cadillac Escalade review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
7 photos

Cadillac Escalade highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • 6.2L V8 engine as standard
  • Quiet, luxurious cabin
  • Huge amount of utility for both work and play

Cons

  • Uncomfortable third-row seating
  • Slow and confusing infotainment system
  • Less refined ride than others in its class

Mileage (EPA estimate)

15 city, 20 highway, 17 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

7 photos
Price
Year

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All Cadillac Escalade years

What is new for the 2017 Cadillac Escalade?

  • The Escalade is available in a variety of new trims, including the ESV Premium Luxury and Premium Luxury.
  • The ESV Premium and Premium trims have been discontinued for 2017.
  • Escalade trims have been upgraded with Automated Parking and Android Auto as standard equipment this year.
  • Rear Sunshade and Flex Fuel Vehicle features are now available as options on select trims.
  • The ESV Luxury trim now comes with Quad Seats and Full Roof Rack as standard equipment.
  • The ESV trim now comes with Quad Seats as standard equipment.
  • The Platinum trim now comes with Full Roof Rack as standard equipment.
  • The ESV Platinum trim now comes with Full Roof Rack as standard equipment.
  • The Base trim now comes with Quad Seats and Full Roof Rack as standard equipment.
  • The Luxury trim now comes with Quad Seats and Full Roof Rack as standard equipment.

Cadillac Escalade photos

5 reasons to buy the 2017 Cadillac Escalade

1. Spacious interior

The 2017 Cadillac Escalade has a large, opulent, and comfortable cabin. With plentiful passenger space for up to eight people, the Escalade delivers a plush ride for large families, the sports team, or the largest class of rideshare. The second row provides 38.7 inches of headroom and 39 inches of legroom, so taller passengers can stretch out. Farther back, check out 15.2 cu-ft of cargo space or a huge 94.2 cu-ft with all the rear seats folded down. That's well above average for full-size SUVs.

2. Powerful performance

Under the hood of the 2017 Escalade is a stout 6.2L V8, delivering an impressive 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. The massive torque ensures brisk acceleration away from stop signs and allows for confident overtaking on highways. This powertrain is connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission and features cylinder deactivation, which effectively turns it into a four-cylinder when cruising or at stoplights. You won't notice the cylinder deactivation, but you will notice a difference at the pump. The 2017 Cadillac Escalade gets a reasonable EPA-estimated 17 mpg combined from its mighty V8.

Whether cruising around town or enjoying a long road trip, the Escalade offers a commanding and exhilarating driving performance.

3. Platinum trim

The Escalade is more than brute force, and the top-tier Platinum trim is where it shows off finesse. Outside, look for the 22-inch chrome wheels and Platinum badges, while the inside shows off upgraded leather seating and dash surfaces. Platinum tech touches include a rearview mirror that can display a wide-angle view from the rear camera, eliminating rear blind spots; and side steps automatically deploy when the doors open, ensuring easy entry and exit. Power folding rear seats make it easier to convert from people hauling to cargo duty, while the power liftgate opens simply by waving a foot under the rear bumper.

4. Cutting-edge technology

The 2017 Escalade is packed with modern technology features that enhance convenience and entertainment. The Escalade boasts standard features such as a responsive high-resolution CUE infotainment system with an eight-inch touchscreen, navigation, Bluetooth® connectivity, and smartphone integration.

The 2017 Escalade's optional features include a refrigerator in the center console, a premium Bose® sound system, a rear-seat entertainment system, and multiple USB ports for an enjoyable and connected experience.

5. Towing capability

The Escalade is built to handle more than just passengers, and it can handle towing duties with similar ease. With its robust body-on-frame construction, the 2017 Escalade is well-suited for hauling trailers, boats, or recreational vehicles. The 2017 Cadillac Escalade with rear-wheel drive and the V8 engine can tow an estimated maximum of 8,300 lbs when properly equipped.

If you're planning a family camping trip or need to tow heavy equipment for work, the Escalade provides the power and capability you need.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4.2 out of 5

6 customer reviews
3
Average

RepairPal gave the Cadillac Escalade an overall reliability rating of 3 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Average. This rating ranks Cadillac Escalade 8th out of 20 among Luxury Fullsize SUVs.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Cadillac Escalade

Cadillac Escalade features and specs

Base 2WD 4D Sport Utility

Standard Features

  • 20 Inch Plus Wheels
  • A/C Seat(s)
  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Automated Parking
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • BOSE Sound System
  • CD Audio
  • Cruise Control
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Full Roof Rack
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Leather Seats
  • Memory Seat(s)
  • Navigation System
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Folding Third Row
  • Power Hatch/Deck Lid
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Quad Seats
  • Rear Air Conditioning
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear Seat Heaters
  • Rear View Camera
  • Remote Start
  • Running Boards
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Third Row Seat
  • Tow Hitch
  • Traction Control
  • Flex Fuel Vehicle
  • Rear Entertainment System
  • Rear Sunshade
  • Running Boards

Drive Wheels

Rear Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

6.2L

Horsepower

420

Torque (ft-lbs)

460

Engine type

Gas

Fuel capacity

26

Wheelbase

116"

Overall length

203.9"

Width

80.5"

Height

74.4"

Leg room

F 45.3"/M 39"/R 24.8"

Head room

F 42.8"/M 38.7"/R 38.1"

Front tires

P275/55R20

Rear tires

P275/55R20

Seating capacity

7

Max towing capacity

830/8300 lbs.

Transmission

Automatic

2017 Cadillac Escalade FAQ

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