2018 Cadillac Escalade review
Cadillac Escalade highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Powerful V8 engine delivers strong acceleration
- Towing capacity up to 8,300 pounds
- Cabin remains quiet regardless of road conditions
Cons
- Less refined ride and seat comfort than other luxury SUVs
- Low handling limits and heavy steering
- High, uneven cargo floor makes loading objects difficult
Mileage (EPA estimate)
14 city, 21 highway, 17 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
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Brash and bold styling define the full-size 2018 Cadillac Escalade SUV
Big, brash, and bold, the 2018 Cadillac Escalade is a full-size three-row SUV that layers a heavy dose of luxury upon SUV underpinnings shared with the Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon. Quiet, leather-trimmed and with comfortable seating for eight, the Escalade is also surprisingly quick thanks to its powerful V8 engine and new-for-2018 10-speed automatic transmission. Based as it is on a utilitarian platform, it’s also a capable SUV, with four-wheel drive and a tow rating of up to 8,300 pounds, easily out-towing many of its car-based competitors. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
Inside, the Escalade is filled with luxurious amenities, but only on the upper trim levels. The Premium Luxury trim adds what we would consider “must haves” such as a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assist systems that includes adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking. However, despite Cadillac’s best efforts, the Escalade’s ride quality is compromised by its old-school suspension setup, which includes a truck-like solid rear axle. The cargo space is also smaller than expected. Not surprisingly, fuel economy is not the Escalade’s strong suit.
All Cadillac Escalade years
What is new for the 2018 Cadillac Escalade?
- Escalade trims have been upgraded with 8511 as standard equipment this year.
2018 Cadillac Escalade trims
Base:
- 420-hp, 460-lb-ft of torque 6.2L
- Rear Air Conditioning
- Rear Defroster
- Cruise Control
- Third Row Seat
- Leather Seats
- Power Seats
- Memory Seats
- Front Seat Heaters
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Luxury:
- Includes all features available on the Base
- Sunroofs
- Head Up Display
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Lane Departure Warning
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Premium Luxury:
- Includes all features available on the Luxury
- Automated Cruise Control
- DVD Video System
- Blu-ray Video System
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Platinum:
- Includes all features available on the Premium Luxury
- Seat Massagers
- 8511
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ESV:
- Includes all features available on the Platinum
- 130 inch wheelbase
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ESV Luxury:
- Includes all features available on the ESV
- No significant upgrades found on the ESV Luxury
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ESV Premium Luxury:
- Includes all features available on the ESV Luxury
- No significant upgrades found on the ESV Premium Luxury
- View our Cadillac Escalade ESV Premium Luxury inventory
ESV Platinum:
- Includes all features available on the ESV Premium Luxury
- No significant upgrades found on the ESV Platinum
- View our Cadillac Escalade ESV Platinum inventory
Cadillac Escalade photos
5 reasons to buy the 2018 Cadillac Escalade
What We Like
Engine power: With 420 horsepower on tap from the 6.2-liter V8 engine, the big Escalade has no problem getting up to speed despite its size. The 10-speed automatic that debuted for 2018 is a good companion to the engine. It downshifts quickly and will skip gears under moderate acceleration to avoid the feeling of “hunting” for the right gear.
Interior quiet: Compared to its Chevrolet and GMC siblings, the Cadillac Escalade stands out for its excellent noise control on the highway. This is even more remarkable considering that the big Caddy isn’t an inherently slippery shape when it comes to aerodynamics.
Off-road capability: While we doubt many drivers will take their Escalades off road, that has a lot more to do with their choice than the Cadillac’s inherent capability. With a true four-wheel drive system, including a low-range transfer case, the Escalade is just as capable as a Chevy Tahoe or GMC Yukon when the going gets tough. That is, if you’re not afraid to get it dirty.
What Needs Improvement
Ride quality: While ride quality is generally a Cadillac strength, that’s not true of the Escalade. The suspension includes special shock absorbers that react quickly to road imperfections to help smooth the ride. However, there’s no getting around the archaic suspension setup that includes a truck-derived solid rear axle. That, plus the occasional shiver from the body-on-frame construction, can produce a decidedly unluxurious ride.
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Ratings & reliability
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 EscaladeCadillac Escalade features and specs
ESV Luxury 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
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Bluetooth Technology
- BOSE Sound System
- CD Audio
- Cruise Control
- Front Seat Heaters
- Head Up Display
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Lane Departure Warning
- 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
- Sunroof(s)
- Third Row Seat
- Tow Hitch
- Traction Control
- Full Roof Rack
- Rear Entertainment System
- Running Boards
Drive Wheels
Rear Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
6.2L
Horsepower
420
Torque (ft-lbs)
460
Engine type
Gas
Fuel capacity
31
Wheelbase
130"
Overall length
224.3"
Width
80.5"
Height
74"
Leg room
F 45.3"/M 39.7"/R 34.5"
Head room
F 39.7"/M 39.1"/R 38.5"
Front tires
P285/45R22
Rear tires
P285/45R22
Seating capacity
7
Max towing capacity
810/8100 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2018 Cadillac Escalade FAQ
The 2018 Cadillac Escalade is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- ESV Luxury: 14 MPG City and 23 MPG Highway
- ESV Platinum: 14 MPG City and 23 MPG Highway
- ESV Premium Luxury: 14 MPG City and 23 MPG Highway
- Luxury: 14 MPG City and 23 MPG Highway
- Platinum: 14 MPG City and 23 MPG Highway
- Premium Luxury: 14 MPG City and 23 MPG Highway
- Base: 14 MPG City and 23 MPG Highway
- ESV: 14 MPG City and 23 MPG Highway
The Cadillac Escalade received a rating of 3 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Average. This rating ranks the Cadillac Escalade as 7 out of 20 among Luxury Fullsize SUV
The 2018 Cadillac Escalade has received an average 5.0 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2018 Cadillac Escalade, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2018 Cadillac Escalade Reviews.
The 2018 Cadillac Escalade has a maximum towing capacity of between 7900 and 8300 pounds, when properly equipped. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
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Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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