2020 Cadillac Escalade

Escalade is as much about its honking-big size and beefy looks as it is about its utility- Autotrader

Very few SUVs out there can claim to have the level of success that the Cadillac Escalade has had since it is both Cadillac's most recognizable model and its biggest cash cow. There are some flaws with this big SUV but this is the last model year of the fourth generation. With an all-new Escalade just on the horizon for the next model year, we expect all the shortcomings to be rectified. 

Comparatively, the ownership costs of the Escalade are less. You may have to shell out nearly $16,000 every year for various parameters such as maintenance, repair, fuel, depreciation, etc. According to our calculation, the Escalade charges $1.09 for every mile you drive, which is less than its rivals. With a reliability score of 84, the Escalade is the most reliable vehicle in its class. 

 As all the Cadillac Escalades boasts an extensive list of features but we would suggest you go with the Premium Luxury trim. It comes with all the features of Luxury trim and adds a rear entertainment system, adaptive cruise control, forward and reverse automatic emergency braking, and adaptive headlights. 

This Caddy is a costly SUV that matches its competitors in some areas and falls short in others- Edmunds

The Cadillac Escalade is available in four trims: Base, Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Platinum. The base trims start at $75,195 while the range-topping Platinum trim costs $92,295. A destination charge of $1,695 will be added to the price tag at the time of purchase. An RWD drivetrain is standard but a 4WD system can be ordered for an extra $3,000.

Even the base trim comes with a wide array of equipment, but the Premium Luxury and Platinum models take this huge, lavish machine to another level. Speaking of options, a rear-seat entertainment system is available on the Luxury trim for $1,720 and the Premium Luxury trim adds an option of power-retractable running boards for $1,750. 

Trims	Base	Luxury	Premium Luxury	Platinum
MSRP (RWD)	$75,195	$80,795	$85,195	$92,295
MSRP (4WD)	$78,195	$83,795	$88,195	$95,295
Key Features	Tri-zone automatic climate control	Adds/ Upgrades to Base trim	Adds/ Upgrades to Luxury trim	Adds/ Upgrades to Premium Luxury trim
	8-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto	Power sunroof	Rear-seat entertainment system	Premium semi-aniline leather for the first two rows and Mulan leather for the third row
	Magnetic Ride Control suspension	22-inch alloy wheels	Forward & reverse automatic emergency braking	18-way power front massaged seats
	20-inch aluminum wheels	Second-row fold & tumble seats	Adaptive cruise control	Center console cooler
	12-way power front leather seats	Rearview camera	Adaptive headlights	Power-retractable running boards
	Heated & ventilated front seats	Head-up display
	Heated second-row seats	Lane departure warning
	Wireless device charging	Lane keep assist
	Hands-free tailgate	Lane change alert
	16-speaker Bose surround-sound system	Forward collision warning
	Power-folding third-row seats	Blind-spot monitoring
	Auto-dimming rearview mirror	Rear cross-traffic alert
	Park assist	Low-speed automatic emergency braking
	Surround-view parking camera	Safety alert seat

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The big V8 is one of the Escalade's greatest assets- Edmunds

The Cadillac Escalade is equipped with a 6.2L V8 engine that makes a healthy 420 hp and 460 lb-ft. of torque. A 10-speed automatic transmission, jointly developed by GM and Ford, is used to drive the power to the wheels, which is one of the best in the class. Both RWD and 4WD configurations are available on all models. Also, this engine has a maximum towing capacity of 8,300 pounds, which is more than most of the other luxury SUVs. 

The Escalade’s ride quality is comfortable thanks to the standard Magnetic Ride Control suspension. However, you may feel the occasional bump over, particularly uneven roads. You get a stiff ride with the optional 22-inch wheels setup but the SUV holds its ground nicely thanks to its balanced steering. The heavyweight of the Escalade can be felt at the corners and there is a noticeable body lean. Overall, the Escalade's handling is stable but its ride quality isn't luxurious. 

Despite its humongous size, the Escalade offers brisk acceleration and feels effortless to reach highway speeds. . It can sprint from 0-60 MPH in just 5.5 seconds, which is impressive for a 5,578-pound SUV. It further covers a quarter of a mile in 14 seconds and has a top speed of 150 MPH. Even the brakes on the Escalade feel strong and achieve an average stopping distance of 133 feet. The behemoth also nosedives a bit when strong brakes are applied.

Models	2020 Cadillac Escalade	2020 BMW X7	2020 Lincoln Navigator	2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS 580
MSRP	$75,195	$92,600	$76,185	$97,800
Engine	6.2L V8	4.4L Twin-Turbo V8	3.5-liter Twin-Turbo V6	4.0L Twin-Turbo V8
Drivetrain	RWD	AWD	RWD	AWD
Transmission	10-Speed Automatic	8-Speed Automatic	10-Speed Automatic	9-Speed Automatic
Power	420 hp @ 5,600 RPM	456 hp @ 5,250 RPM	450 hp @ 5,500 RPM	483 hp @ 5,500 RPM
Torque	460 lb-ft. @ 4,100 RPM	479 lb-ft. @ 1,500 RPM	510 lb-ft. @ 3,000 RPM	516 lb-ft. @ 2,000 RPM
0-60 MPH	5.5 sec	5.2 sec	5.9 sec	5.4 sec
Quarter Mile	14.0 sec	13.6 sec	14.5 sec	14.0 sec
Top Speed	150 MPH	163 MPH	150 MPH	150 MPH
Towing Capacity	8,300 lbs	7,500 lbs	8,300 lbs	7,700 lbs

The Mercedes-Benz GLS 580 houses the most powerful engine and most expensive option in this segment. However, its acceleration levels with the Escalade. The slightly less powerful BMW X7 displays better agility thanks to its low curb weight but it has the lowest towing capacity. The Lincoln Navigator produces 30 hp more than the Escalade but its performance is slower.

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The 2020 Cadillac Escalade is far from thrifty- The Car Connection

Fuel economy? Who cares! Anyone who is buying this big, bulky, muscular SUV must be rich enough to spend that extra bucks on the fuel. Anyways, the Cadillac Escalade with the V8 engine has an EPA rating of 14 MPG in the city, 23 MPG on a highway, and 17 MPG combined which is pretty low when compared to the rivals.

 Opting for the 4WD system falls down the highway estimates by 2 MPG but the city and combined gas mileage remains the same. The Escalade gets the largest fuel tank in this segment. Owing to this large tank, the Escalade delivers 481 miles of combined driving range while the 4WD models can drive up to 455 miles only. 

Models	2020 Cadillac Escalade	2020 BMW X7	2020 Lincoln Navigator	2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS 580
MPG (City)	14	15	16	16
MPG (Highway)	23	21	23	21
MPG (Combined)	17	17	19	18
Fuel Tank Capacity (Gallon)	26.0	21.9	23.2	23.8
Range (City/Highway/Combined; Miles)	364/598/481	329/460/394	371/534/452	381/500/440

The BMW X7 is the most fuel-efficient SUV in this class but its small fuel tank leads to a smaller driving range. The fuel estimates of the Lincoln Navigator and the Mercedes-Benz GLS 580 are almost the same but the latter being more powerful, it is more efficient than the Navigator. The Escalade has the lowest fuel ratings in this competition. 

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Boasting soft-touch materials as far as the eye can see, the Escalade wows every time you enter- Kelly Blue Book

Inside, the Cadillac Escalade boasts an upscale cabin but if observed carefully, you will find some cheap-feeling plastics. Leather adorns almost everywhere in the cabin. It seats up to eight passengers but the optional second-row captain chairs reduce it to seven. The front seats are comfortable and have power adjustability, heated and ventilated functions even on the base trim. The top-end Platinum trim also adds front massaged seats.

The second-row passengers will sit lower than the front passengers. Even the second-row seats are heated on higher trims and you get retractable running boards for quick egress sand ingress. You get decent levels of head and legroom but there's no way to slide the seat to create limousine levels of legroom. The third row feels cramped for full-grown adults and is best left for kids. Given the size of the Escalade, the cabin feels really compact. 

The CUE infotainment system uses an 8-inch touchscreen display that features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Platinum trim also adds a rear-seat entertainment system that includes dual 9-inch screens with a DVD player. The infotainment system is a little bit slow to respond to but easy to use. The screen attracts fingerprints and dust easily. The music system in the Escalade is a 16-speaker bose surround sound system. 

Models	2020 Cadillac Escalade	2020 BMW X7	2020 Lincoln Navigator	2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS 580
Passenger Capacity	8	7	8	7
Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)	42.8/64.9/45.3	41.9/60.0/39.8	41.8/65.2/43.9	39.4/59.3/40.3
Second Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)	38.7/64.4/39.0	39.9/58.1/37.6	40.0/65.1/42.6	40.2/58.5/41.9
Third Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)	38.1/62.6/24.8	36.6/47.9/33.3	40.9/64.2/40.9	38.9/50.3/35.0
Cargo Volume (cu-ft.)	15.2	12.8	19.3	17.4

Speaking of cargo space, You get 15.2 cu-ft. of cargo space behind the third-row seats, which is small for a three-row SUV. Cargo space of 51.6 cu-ft.  with the third row folded, and finally, you get 94.2 cubic feet overall with the second row folded as well.  Power-folding third and second-row seats are available. The cargo capacity is impressive for a full-size SUV although the Lincoln Navigator offers better cargo space than the Escalade. Some main cabin highlights of the Escalade are:

• Power tilt & telescopic multi-function leather, heated steering wheel
• 18-way power front leather seats
• Heated, massaged & ventilated front seats
• Heated second-row captain chairs
• Power sunroof
• Refrigerated storage
• Chrome and woodgrain interior accents
• 8-inch touchscreen display with Apple Carplay and Android Auto
• 16-speaker Bose surround-sound system
• Dual 9-inch rear screens 
• Wireless charging
• Navigation system

The 2020 Cadillac Escalade has a refined appearance highlighted by a massive grille- Kelly Blue Book

The Cadillac Escalade is the big boss of the GM’s luxury lineup. It is one of the most recognizable Cadillacs on the road today thanks to its slanting edges and daunting stance. There is also no denying the fact that this SUV boasts more swagger than any other vehicle that has hit the road. Its unmistakable styling is evident from every angle and it shares much of its structure with the Chevy Tahoe, Suburban, and the GMC Yukon. The only 2020 change to mention is that there is now a new color called Dark Mocha Metallic. 

You get full-LED headlights with four crystals that act as high beams, giving off radiant light. Long vertical taillight also gets LEDs which makes it easy to follow the Escalade when visibility is low. An aerodynamic rear spoiler adds a sporting flair to this SUV. Naturally, around the back, the same boxy looks carry over. The wheels for the Escalade are 22-inch aluminum wheels but there are 10 different wheel designs to choose from. These wheels keep this SUV 8 inches above the ground. Its short overall length contributes to better maneuverability.  

Models	2020 Cadillac Escalade	2020 BMW X7	2020 Lincoln Navigator	2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS 580
Curb Weight (lbs)	5,578	5,617	5,760	5,699
Length (in)	203.9	203.3	210.0	205.2
Width (in)	80.5	78.7	79.9	79.9
Height (in)	74.4	71.1	76.4	71.8
Ground Clearance (in)	8.0	8.7	9.7	7.9
Wheelbase (in)	116.0	122.2	122.5	123.4

The Mercedes-Benz GLS 580 has the widest wheelbase in this competition. It benefits from better third-row passenger space than the Escalade. It also offers better stability and handling on the road. The Lincoln Navigator has the highest ground clearance here, though many won't take this luxury beast off the smooth pavements. Like the Escalade, even the BMW X7 is a short vehicle and as mentioned before, maneuverability is better. Some noticeable exterior features of the Escalade are:

• Active aero chrome grille shutters
• LED headlights
• LED DRLs
• Puddle lamps
• Door courtesy lights
• Power-folding, heated exterior mirrors
• Chrome roof rails
• Power-retractable illuminated running boards
• Chrome door handles
• Chrome bodyside moldings
• Chrome window trim
• 22-inch aluminum wheels
• Rear roofline spoiler

Most driver-assistance technology costs extra and isn't available on base models- CarAndDriver

NHTSA has not conducted a full crash test on the Cadillac Escalade. It received 4 stars for the side-impact crash test and 3 stars for the rollover crash test. On the other hand, IIHS didn't conduct any crash tests due to its exorbitant price tag. Therefore, we cannot comment on the Escalade's safety but this large SUV comes with seven airbags as standard. 

As far as safety features are concerned, there are no optional packages available like its rivals. Cadillac has segregated all the driver-assist features nicely in each trim level. Therefore, as you climb the trim ladder, the number of features keeps on increasing. Cadillac's Super Cruise System won't be offered until the next-generation Escalade. Some of the safety features are:

• Rearview camera
• Park assist
• Front & rear parking sensors
• Surround-view parking camera
• Rain-sensing windshield wipers
• Teen Driver
• Low-speed automatic emergency braking
• Forward collision warning
• Lane change assist
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Front & reverse automatic emergency braking
• Lane departure warning
• Lane keep assist
• Adaptive cruise control
• Adaptive headlights
• Safety alert seat
• Automatic high beams
• Head-up display

2020 Cadillac Escalade vs 2020 BMW X7

The price difference between the BMW X7 and the Escalade is nearly $17,400. That's a huge gap. It is quicker than the Escalade as its engine is slightly more powerful and efficient too. But the Escalade has the upper hand in terms of towing. The X7's third row is adult-friendly, which is not the case with the Escalade while the cargo capacity is almost similar. The Escalade may come with plenty of driver aids but the X7 adds some unique safety features, which makes it special. 

2020 Cadillac Escalade vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS 580

The Mercedes-Benz GLS 580 is the most expensive and powerful SUV in this competition. Its agility is equal to the Escalade but the latter is the option if you need a towing workhorse. The GLS 580 offers better ride quality and handling than the Escalade. The GLS 580 gains more points when it comes to in-cabin passenger space and fuel economy. However, the Escalade is ahead in terms of cargo room. Both the SUVs offer a long list of driver-assist systems. 

2020 Cadillac Escalade vs 2020 Lincoln Navigator

Both the Escalade and Lincoln Navigator are full-grown SUVs with a truck base, body-on-frame construction. They are available in extended-wheelbase versions with additional cargo capacity behind third-row. The key difference between the two is that Lincoln has redesigned the Navigator for 2020 while the Escalade remains the same since 2015. The V6 engine on the Navigator is more fuel-efficient and it is also more spacious inside. Therefore, in most cases, Lincoln marches ahead of the Cadillac.

The 2020 Cadillac Escalade is the epitome of full-size SUVs and pairs itself with a luxurious interior along with excellent towing capacity. Although its trucklike body-on-frame is a big disadvantage as this SUV compromises ride quality over uneven pavements. It also does not feel confident over corners like other SUVs. The Escalade boasts one of the best interiors in the class, however, the infotainment system is a bit of a letdown. Regardless, the Escalade is the best looking and ranks high as compared to rivals.

2020 Cadillac Escalade FAQs

How many miles can the Cadillac Escalade last?

The Cadillac Escalade has a lifespan of 200,000 miles. 

Is the Cadillac Escalade bulletproof?

No, the stock Cadillac Escalade comes standard with regular glass but it can be ordered with bulletproof glass. 

Do Cadillac Escalades have a lot of problems?

Buyers have complained about transmission failure, harsh ride quality, and engine problems. 

What are the trim levels for the 2020 Cadillac Escalade?

The 2020 Cadillac Escalade has four trims- Base, Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Platinum. 

What is the difference between Cadillac Escalade Luxury and Premium Luxury?

The Premium Luxury trim adds adaptive headlights, a rear-seat entertainment system, forward collision warning, forward & reverse automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control.