2018 Cadillac Escalade ESV Review

Name: 2018 Cadillac Escalade ESV Review
Brand: Cadillac

Price Range: $31,698 - $50,998

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Cadillac Escalade ESV model years

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Edmunds' Expert Review

by Dan Frio^{Correspondent
Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to Edmunds, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.}

Pros

Strong V8 engine never lacks for power
Cabin remains quiet and serene on any type of road
Seats up to eight passengers
Tows up to 8,100 pounds

Cons

Ride quality is less refined than that of some other luxury SUVs
Sheer size requires careful maneuvering in tight quarters
High cargo floor hinders easy luggage and cargo loading
Infotainment interface isn't always intuitive

What’s new

For 2018, the Cadillac Escalade ESV gets a 10-speed transmission. The new transmission helps the Escalade ESV accelerate a bit more quickly and, according to EPA estimates, increases highway fuel efficiency slightly.

Vehicle overview

With undeniable road presence and luxury cachet, the 2018 Cadillac Escalade ESV offers an admirable skill set. Its chiseled design is bold and distinctive, and it adds brawn to its beauty with a powerful V8 engine, traditional body-on-frame construction, and an ability to tow up to 8,100 pounds. Being the long-wheelbase version with enhanced passenger and cargo room, the ESV can accommodate eight passengers with exceptional room and comfort.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

For sale nearby

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2018 Cadillac Escalade ESV
Luxury 4dr SUV
$25,899
great price
$3,427 below market
- 107,845 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, corporate fleet vehicle
- 7 Seats, 14 City / 21 Hwy MPG
- Timeless Motorcars (318 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
Close
Located in Stafford, VA
Timeless Motorcars we Thrive on our Customer Service and the capability to Provide cars to the community at a Fair Price. When you buy from Timeless M...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
17 Combined MPG (14 City/21 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 1GYS4HKJ4JR142828
Stock: 142828
Certified Pre-Owned: No
New Listing
2018 Cadillac Escalade ESV
Platinum 4dr SUV
$27,500
great price
$4,311 below market
- 115,916 miles
- No accidents, 3 owners, corporate fleet vehicle
- 7 Seats, 14 City / 21 Hwy MPG
- Ignition Exotics (415 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
Close
Located in Jacksonville, FL
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
17 Combined MPG (14 City/21 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 1GYS4KKJ7JR235369
Stock: R235369P
Certified Pre-Owned: No

See all for sale

Those truck-based underpinnings come back to haunt the Escalade, however: It rides rougher than most other luxury SUVs (not helped any by massive 20- and 22-inch wheels). Other rivals are also easier to live with every day and achieve better fuel economy, even if they lack the Escalade's power and capabilities. But if you need to ferry several passengers in grand style, and maybe even pull an Airstream trailer while doing it, the Escalade ESV is among the best.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

7.0 / 10

Not many luxury SUVs can accommodate eight passengers, tow an 8,000-pound trailer, and still have room for luggage. The 2018 Cadillac Escalade ESV can do that and more. But compared to SUVs of similar price, the Escalade doesn't quite offer the same refinement or ease of use.

Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2018 Cadillac Escalade ESV Platinum(6.2L V8 | 10-speed automatic | 4WD).

Scorecard

Overall	7.0 / 10
Driving	7.0
Comfort	7.0
Interior	7.0
Utility	7.0
Technology	7.5

Driving

7.0

Big V8 power is the primary driver of the Escalade's performance. The 10-speed transmission shifts smoothly and even rev-matches downshifts, but the Escalade is too big to be a competent handler.

Acceleration

7.0

The 6.2-liter V8 engine is responsive and torquey, and it sounds good as the revs rise. Thanks to the Escalade's robust power and quick-shifting 10-speed transmission, 0-60 mph comes in at under 7 seconds. The engine's responsiveness is one of the Escalade's high points.

Braking

6.0

For a vehicle of this size, you shouldn't expect braking performance like a sport car's. The pedal has a long travel with a slow and gradual buildup of brake pressure. There's no initial grabbiness, which may reduce confidence.

Steering

6.0

There's no on-center feel, very little feedback, minimal self-centering, and a slow steering ratio. That means you have to wind the wheel a lot to get it to turn. On the plus side, the Escalade is responsive to inputs, with moderate weighting. You just can't tell what the front tires are doing.

Handling

6.0

The Escalade has low cornering limits, even among other full-size SUVs. The adjustable dampers keep body motions under control, up to a point. Sport mode stiffens the ride and decreases body roll, but the ride gets overly rough on bumpy roads. The Escalade is big and you can't escape physics.

Drivability

7.5

The Escalade's powertrain is responsive, particularly in Sport mode. The 10-speed transmission tends to skip gears, simulating a traditional five- or six-speed automatic, so there's less hunting around. Due to the Escalade's weight, though, nothing happens particularly quickly.

Off-road

6.5

The transfer case features a true low range and an auto mode to allow the front axle to engage as needed. Airing down is not recommended for more grip due to the low-profile tires. It's no rock crawler, but it can tackle aggressive terrain. Its size and maneuverability are its biggest issues.

Comfort

7.0

Oddly, ride comfort, once a Cadillac strength, suffers noticeably in the Escalade. The excellent massaging seats in our Platinum-trim tester helps the balance, but there's no avoiding the fact that many competitors do better for the same or less money.

Seat comfort

8.0

Although the padding and general contouring of the seats are comfortable, you can feel the stitching in the upper seatback. The seat bottom is wide with no bolstering, so it feels like you're in your dad's old recliner. You frequently find yourself shifting around to straighten your posture.

Ride comfort

6.0

The adjustable shocks work well on smooth rolling roads, but they get overwhelmed on bumps in quick succession. And they're ineffective against square-edge bumps, such as the choppy conditions on concrete highways. You can occasionally feel the solid axle jiggling around on certain bumpy roads.

Noise & vibration

7.0

For the most part, the Escalade's interior is a quiet place since active noise cancellation keeps the bulk of noise at bay. Road noise sneaks in over coarse road surfaces, and certain impacts are out of sync with the active noise cancellation system causing boominess. The cabin is vibration-free.

Climate control

8.0

The three-zone climate control can be adjusted via the touchscreen or by capacitive-touch buttons. Front passengers get seat ventilation and heating, while the second-row seats get heating only. The system is quiet and works well.

Interior

7.0

Aside from the infotainment system, the rest of the interior is a nice place to while away the miles. The only real issues are the compromises made to the floor of the cabin and third-row seats to accommodate the solid rear axle and non-sliding second-row seats.

Ease of use

7.0

The primary controls are easy to use. The infotainment software is adequate, but the buttons around the display are laggy and lack the haptic feedback of the lower buttons. The glossy infotainment stack shows fingerprints and glare.

Getting in/getting out

7.0

Even with large door apertures and automatically retracting steps, getting in and out of the Escalade is like climbing two steps of tall stairs. The power-operated tumbling second-row seats allow easy access to the third row.

Driving position

7.0

The power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and adjustable pedals allow both short and tall drivers to drive the Escalade comfortably. The reach to the infotainment system, particularly the passenger-side buttons on the center console, requires a stretch even for taller drivers.

Roominess

7.0

The inside of the Escalade is generous, with ample shoulder room, leg- and headroom for first- and second-row passengers. The third row is limited by its high floor and so-so legroom. The Lincoln Navigator's third row is much better.

Visibility

6.5

The front and driver's side provide excellent visibility but, due to the vehicle's size, views to the rear and to the passenger side are restricted. Quarter-view blind spots are large due to wide pillars. The surround-view camera's display is low-res and distorted, but it's better than nothing.

Quality

7.0

The Escalade is well-built, and parts sharing of switches and touchpoints from the Suburban is the only real sore point. The materials quality is noticeably better for the front seats versus the rear seats. The hard plastic used in some areas of the interior feels cheap.

Utility

7.0

This is the realm of the full-size SUV, and the Escalade is about average. We would gladly give up the standard, somewhat tepid, center console cooler for more storage space. An oversight is any towing-friendly tech, found in other GM products, on this otherwise capable platform.

Small-item storage

6.0

A standard cooler takes up all the space in the center console. Two slim areas, in front of the cool box and in front of the cupholders, are barely enough for cables. Dual-tier door pockets alleviate the issue. The lower pocket is large, while the upper pocket is partially blocked by the armrest.

Cargo space

7.0

With its rear seats folded down, the Escalade ESV can hold up to 120.1 cubic feet of cargo. Cargo height is limited due to a high load floor, and loading bulky and heavy items is difficult due to its deep reach-over. More tie-down points are needed.

Child safety seat accommodation

7.5

A car seat can be installed in any of the rear seat positions. Because the second row doesn't slide, installing a seat in that row will prevent entry to the third row from that side. All anchor points are clearly labeled and easily accessible.

Towing

7.0

Two-wheel-drive models can tow 8,100 pounds; four-wheel-drive models can tow 7,900 pounds. Tow mode holds gears longer and keeps revs higher for better acceleration and more engine braking. The adjustable suspension keeps the body level for steady handling. But there's no trailer brake controller.

Technology

7.5

Lack of top-level driver's aids is the Escalade's only real fault. For instance, where's Cadillac's Super Cruise on this otherwise great road-trip hauler? Otherwise, the CUE haptic touch feedback system suffers only because of its gloss-black finish and lack of a dedicated audio-source select button.

Audio & navigation

7.0

The surround-sound audio system has a crisp and full sound to it. But the navigation system seems a generation behind. You'll have smoother functionality via smartphone mirroring. The rear-seat entertainment system has dual headrest-mounted screens and dual overhead screens.

Smartphone integration

9.0

Bluetooth, auxiliary-in and three USB ports that support Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard. There's a 12-volt outlet for the front and a 12-volt outlet and 110-volt plug in the second row. A wireless charging pad is on the center armrest.

Driver aids

7.0

Adaptive cruise, lane departure warning, parking sensors, and blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are all standard features on the Platinum. For the most part, they work well. But lane departure warning comes on later than expected, and the auto-parking feature requires a lot of room.

Voice control

7.0

Cadillac's own voice control system is satisfactory, but you'll have an easier time using your smartphone's voice controls.

Compare 2018 Cadillac Escalade ESV trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

2018 Cadillac Escalade ESV models

The 2018 Cadillac Escalade ESV is a full-size luxury SUV available in four trim levels: base, Luxury, Premium Luxury and Platinum. The base trim comes with a dizzying array of equipment, but the Premium Luxury and Platinum take this big, plush American machine to a whole different level.

The base trim is generously appointed both inside and out. Standard features include a 6.2-liter V8 engine (420 horsepower, 460 pound-feet), a 10-speed automatic transmission, rear-wheel drive (four-wheel drive is optional on every trim), 20-inch wheels, an adaptive suspension, LED headlights, front and rear parking sensors, an automatic parking system, a hands-free power liftgate and remote start.

Inside the cabin, you'll find tri-zone automatic climate control, a heated and power-adjustable steering wheel, power-adjustable pedals, leather upholstery, heated and ventilated power-adjustable front seats, heated rear seats, and power-folding split third-row seats.

Standard electronic features include the CUE infotainment interface with an 8-inch touchscreen, OnStar with 4G in-vehicle Wi-Fi, a surround-view camera system, a customizable gauge cluster, a navigation system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Bose 16-speaker audio system with satellite radio, five USB ports and a wireless device charger.

For additional driver aids and more plush equipment, the Luxury trim adds 22-inch wheels, a sunroof, automatic high beams, power-folding second-row seats, a head-up display, a camera-based rearview mirror system in which the rearview mirror is a screen displaying what the camera sees behind the vehicle. It also includes a blind-spot monitoring system, lane departure warning and intervention, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward collision warning and mitigation with automatic braking.

Our recommended trim, the Premium Luxury, hits the sweet spot with the above features plus adaptive cruise control, a rear entertainment system with a Blu-ray player and two overhead-mounted displays, adaptive cruise control, and a more advanced collision mitigation system with both forward and reverse automatic braking.

The most lavish Escalade ESV is the Platinum trim, which adds power-retracting side steps, upgraded power front seats with massaging function, upgraded leather upholstery, a cooled front-seat center console, and two more rear entertainment screens (mounted in the front headrests) with the ability to display individual video sources, for times when your passengers can't agree on what to watch.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2018 Cadillac Escalade ESV 4dr SUV (6.2L 8cyl 10A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.58 per gallon for premium unleaded in Tennessee.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Tennessee

$248/mo

$204/mo

Avg. Large SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

2.5/5Average

#15 out of 20 among Luxury Fullsize SUVs

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Cadillac Escalade ESV from 2008-2022.}

$851/yr

vs. $735/yr
for Average Luxury Fullsize SUV

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

1.65x/yr

vs. 1.83x/yr
for Average Luxury Fullsize SUV

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

24.4%

vs. 16.5%
for Average Luxury Fullsize SUV

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Cadillac Escalade ESV Reviews

Owner Reviews

3.2

30 reviews

5(44%)

4(7%)

3(13%)

2(3%)

1(33%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

My dream vehicle!

Cindy W., 01/28/2020

2018 Cadillac Escalade ESV Premium Luxury 4dr SUV 4WD (6.2L 8cyl 10A)

If you're looking for a great ride, a ton of bells and whistles and a stylish vehicle, you're going to love owning an Escalade. This SUV has everything, hiding spots for your belongings, USB ports everywhere, 120v plugin, a ton of Bose speakers and so much more. The camera system is amazing! When I flip up my rear view mirror I see traffic behind me. When I pull into my garage I …

Stay Away, Transmission complete garbage

bbtx1987, 10/18/2019

2016 Cadillac Escalade ESV Luxury 4dr SUV 4WD (6.2L 8cyl 8A)

We bought our 2016 Escalade ESV new 3.5 years ago and have been PLAGUED with issues. Drove it off the lot and brought it back within 3 weeks complaining of rough transmission shifting at low speeds, steering wheel vibrations and a whining noise at high speeds. Car always 'within spec' so nothing the dealer could do. If we would of just returned the dang thing. Since then, we've had the …

GM reliability destroying once great Escalade

Adam S, 05/13/2019

2016 Cadillac Escalade ESV Luxury 4dr SUV 4WD (6.2L 8cyl 8A)

Bought a certified 2016 Escalade ESV because we just had our 3rd kid and needed something with extra room for 3 car seats and 2 strollers. Traded in my 2013 Infiniti JX35 with 90k trouble free miles. Loved that SUV, but too small for my needs. Day 1 of owning Escalade heard tranny slipping and truck bangs and thumps with every shift. Dealer replaced tranny fluid and that made a huge …

Last Cadillac I will own

22jrm, 06/16/2016

2016 Cadillac Escalade ESV Luxury 4dr SUV 4WD (6.2L 8cyl 8A)

Purchased a $90,000 2016 Cadillac Escalade ESV only to find engine coolant on garage floor. Ended up finding out engine was sent out of the factory with bad left engine head. Ended up with motor of the Brand new engine stripped down to motor block in small town GM shop with parts laying all around to be fixed. Asked Cadillac to exchange vehicle since I will never trust this engine and …

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2018 Cadillac Escalade ESV, so we've included reviews for other years of the Escalade ESV since its last redesign.

See all 30 reviews of the Cadillac Escalade ESV

Write a vehicle review

2018 Cadillac Escalade ESV video

2018 Cadillac Escalade ESV Review

As the luxury SUV market expands to include exotic supercar manufacturers, is there still a space where the Cadillac Escalade stands out? Special correspondent Elana Scherr plays VIP for a day in the 2018 Cadillac Escalade ESV 4WD Platinum and reports back on where it sits in the high-dollar-hauler lineup.

2018 Escalade ESV Highlights

Trim:

Base

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$76,995
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	17 MPG
Cost to Drive	$248/month
Seating	7 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	39.3 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the Escalade ESV models:

Rear Camera Mirror: Cadillac's rearview camera mirror doubles as a screen that displays what the rearview camera sees out of the back of the car.
OnStar: Cadillac's OnStar system includes automatic crash notification, on-demand roadside assistance and remote door unlocking.
Adaptive Cruise Control: The Escalade's adaptive cruise control is paired with forward and rear collision warning with automatic braking.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger4 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover3 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover20.4%

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2018 Cadillac Escalade ESV Review

Price & Payment

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Vehicle overview

For sale nearby

2018 Cadillac Escalade ESVLuxury 4dr SUV

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

2018 Cadillac Escalade ESVPlatinum 4dr SUV

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

Edmunds' Expert Rating

Trim tested

Scorecard

Driving

Acceleration

Braking

Steering

Handling

Drivability

Off-road

Comfort

Seat comfort

Ride comfort

Noise & vibration

Climate control

Interior

Ease of use

Getting in/getting out

Driving position

Roominess

Visibility

Quality

Utility

Small-item storage

Cargo space

Child safety seat accommodation

Towing

Technology

Audio & navigation

Smartphone integration

Driver aids

Voice control

Which Escalade ESV does Edmunds recommend?

2018 Cadillac Escalade ESV models

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2018 Cadillac Escalade ESV 4dr SUV (6.2L 8cyl 10A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.58 per gallon for premium unleaded in Tennessee.

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

Cadillac Escalade ESV Reviews

Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

My dream vehicle!

Stay Away, Transmission complete garbage

GM reliability destroying once great Escalade

Last Cadillac I will own

2018 Cadillac Escalade ESV video