Aside from a 14-inch increase in wheelbase and an additional 250 pounds or so, the 2019 Cadillac Escalade ESV is the same as the regular Escalade. Like its standard-wheelbase brother, the Escalade ESV is built on GM's full-size truck and SUV platform and shares its underpinnings and powertrain with the GMC Yukon XL and the Chevrolet Suburban. As the top model of the range, the Escalade ESV boasts more unique interior appointments and a longer list of standard and optional features.

Though the Escalade ESV's first- and second-row seating accommodations are essentially the same as the Escalade's, its longer wheelbase liberates much more legroom for third-row occupants. Additionally, its cargo area is larger to the tune of a maximum of 120.9 cubic feet (the regular Escalade's is 94.2 cubic feet).

Despite its more premium cabin, there are some compromises associated with its utilitarian roots. The cargo area's load floor is very high, the ride quality is middling at best, and its driving dynamics border on indifferent. The Escalade ESV has its charms, but it's a concept that's showing its age.

Trim levels & features

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 the 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 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, and 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 with automatic emergency 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.

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 Cadillac Escalade Platinum (6.2L V8 | 10-speed Automatic | 4WD).

Note: The 2018 Escalade we tested differs from the ESV by having a shorter wheelbase and comparatively less third-row seat room and cargo space. Most of our observations still apply, however.

Driving

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

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

2.5

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

2.5

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

2.5

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

3.5

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

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

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

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

2.5

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2.5

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

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

2.5

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

2.5

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

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

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

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

3.5

Lack of top-level drivers 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

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

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

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

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

Consumer reviews

There are no consumer reviews for the 2019 Cadillac Escalade ESV.

Write a consumer review of your vehicle for a chance to WIN $100!

Write a review

See Official Rules for eligibility and other requirements.

Write a review

Be the first to write a review

Features & Specs

MSRP

$91,195

MPG

14 city / 21 hwy

Seats 7

10-speed shiftable automatic

Gas

420 hp @ 5600 rpm

MSRP

$100,295

MPG

14 city / 21 hwy

Seats 7

10-speed shiftable automatic

Gas

420 hp @ 5600 rpm

MSRP

$86,795

MPG

14 city / 21 hwy

Seats 7

10-speed shiftable automatic

Gas

420 hp @ 5600 rpm

MSRP

$83,795

MPG

14 city / 23 hwy

Seats 7

10-speed shiftable automatic

Gas

420 hp @ 5600 rpm

See all 2019 Cadillac Escalade ESV features & specs

Safety

Our experts’ favorite Escalade ESV safety features:

Rear Camera Mirror: Displays a camera view in the rearview mirror. You can still see out, even with a full load of cargo.
OnStar: Provides automatic crash notification, on-demand roadside assistance and remote door unlocking.
Adaptive Cruise Control: Modifies your set speed to account for the varying speed of traffic, then resumes when the road is clear.

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%

People who viewed this also viewed

Lincoln Navigator

(12)

See Inventory

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

(4)

See Inventory

Cadillac Escalade ESV vs. the competition

2019 Cadillac Escalade ESV

2018 Lincoln Navigator L

Cadillac Escalade ESV vs. Lincoln Navigator L

The Navigator L is the Escalade ESV's primary foe. It was redesigned last year and is the best in its class. Why? The Navigator is refined, with a beautiful cabin, and has a strong turbocharged V6 engine. Compared to the Escalade, it has a more versatile second-row seat and a more comfortable ride quality on bumpy roads.

Compare Cadillac Escalade ESV & Lincoln Navigator L features

Cadillac Escalade ESV vs. Land Rover Range Rover

As it lacks third-row seating, the Range Rover won't likely be in the running if you absolutely need to accommodate more than five occupants. It is, however, more performance-oriented, with a potent supercharged V8 and tidier handling. It's also more expensive than the Escalade ESV. And if you ever find yourself off-road, the Range Rover outshines the Escalade ESV in its ability to adapt to different terrain.

Compare Cadillac Escalade ESV & Land Rover Range Rover features

Cadillac Escalade ESV vs. GMC Yukon XL

It's hard to ignore the Yukon Denali XL if you're shopping the Escalade ESV. They're both fundamentally the same vehicle, sharing the same body, frame and powertrain. The differences come down to features — the Escalade ESV is simply better-equipped when it comes to creature comforts, though there's a price premium associated with it.

Compare Cadillac Escalade ESV & GMC Yukon XL features

2019 Cadillac Escalade ESV for Sale

Edit Filters

New 2019

Cadillac Escalade ESV

Luxury

(1)

Jim Coleman Cadillac

18.3 mi away

MSRP$90,160

Est.Loan: $1,617/mo

View Details

New 2019

Cadillac Escalade ESV

Premium Luxury

Waldorf Cadillac

41.8 mi away

MSRP$96,225

Est.Loan: $1,715/mo

View Details

New 2019

Cadillac Escalade ESV

Platinum

Reynolds Cadillac

63.8 mi away

MSRP$101,925

Est.Loan: $1,845/mo

View Details

See all Escalade ESV models for sale

Get more for your trade-in

Edmunds shoppers get on average $235 more for their trade-in.

Receive offers from our dealer partners fast.

See your car's value

More about the 2019 Cadillac Escalade ESV

2019 Cadillac Escalade ESV Overview

The 2019 Cadillac Escalade ESV is offered in the following submodels: . Available styles include Premium Luxury 4dr SUV 4WD (6.2L 8cyl 10A), Platinum 4dr SUV 4WD (6.2L 8cyl 10A), Luxury 4dr SUV 4WD (6.2L 8cyl 10A), Luxury 4dr SUV (6.2L 8cyl 10A), Premium Luxury 4dr SUV (6.2L 8cyl 10A), 4dr SUV (6.2L 8cyl 10A), Platinum 4dr SUV (6.2L 8cyl 10A), and 4dr SUV 4WD (6.2L 8cyl 10A).

What do people think of the 2019 Cadillac Escalade ESV?

Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2019 Cadillac Escalade ESV and all its trim types. 0 Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2019 Escalade ESV.

Edmunds Expert Reviews

Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2019 Cadillac Escalade ESV and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2019 Escalade ESV featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.

Edmunds Scorecard

Overall3.0 / 5.0

Driving

3.0 / 5.0

Acceleration3.0 / 5.0

Braking2.5 / 5.0

Steering2.5 / 5.0

Handling2.5 / 5.0

Drivability3.5 / 5.0

Comfort

3.0 / 5.0

Seat comfort4.0 / 5.0

Ride comfort2.5 / 5.0

Noise & vibration3.0 / 5.0

Climate control4.0 / 5.0

Interior

3.0 / 5.0

Ease of use3.0 / 5.0

Getting in/getting out3.0 / 5.0

Driving position3.0 / 5.0

Visibility2.5 / 5.0

Quality3.0 / 5.0

Utility

2.5 / 5.0

Small-item storage2.5 / 5.0

Technology

3.5 / 5.0

Audio & navigation3.0 / 5.0

Smartphone integration5.0 / 5.0

Driver aids3.0 / 5.0

Voice control3.0 / 5.0

Our Review Process

This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.

We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.

What's a good price for a New 2019 Cadillac Escalade ESV?

2019 Cadillac Escalade ESV Platinum 4dr SUV 4WD (6.2L 8cyl 10A)

Available Inventory:

We are showing 1 2019 Cadillac Escalade ESV Platinum 4dr SUV 4WD (6.2L 8cyl 10A) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.

2019 Cadillac Escalade ESV Premium Luxury 4dr SUV 4WD (6.2L 8cyl 10A)

Available Inventory:

We are showing 1 2019 Cadillac Escalade ESV Premium Luxury 4dr SUV 4WD (6.2L 8cyl 10A) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.

2019 Cadillac Escalade ESV Luxury 4dr SUV 4WD (6.2L 8cyl 10A)

Available Inventory:

We are showing 2 2019 Cadillac Escalade ESV Luxury 4dr SUV 4WD (6.2L 8cyl 10A) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.

Which 2019 Cadillac Escalade ESVS are available in my area?

Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2019 Cadillac Escalade ESV for sale near. There are currently 21 new 2019 Escalade ESVS listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $88,090 and mileage as low as 0 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the Carfax and Autocheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2019 Cadillac Escalade ESV.

Can't find a new 2019 Cadillac Escalade ESVs you want in your area? Consider a broader search.

Find a new Cadillac Escalade ESV for sale - 1 great deals out of 18 listings starting at $24,358.

Find a new Cadillac for sale - 3 great deals out of 6 listings starting at $11,362.

Compare prices on the New Cadillac Escalade ESV for sale in Ashburn, VA to other major cities

City
Great Deals
Cars for Sale
Starting Price

Los Angeles, CA
Great Deals94
Cars for Sale3450
Starting Price$11,560
Houston, TX
Great Deals89
Cars for Sale1905
Starting Price$12,074
San Antonio, TX
Great Deals75
Cars for Sale6674
Starting Price$13,458
Dallas, TX
Great Deals3
Cars for Sale527
Starting Price$11,845
San Jose, CA
Great Deals41
Cars for Sale3098
Starting Price$16,117
San Francisco, CA
Great Deals57
Cars for Sale7228
Starting Price$15,732
Charlotte, NC
Great Deals80
Cars for Sale2249
Starting Price$10,557
Denver, CO
Great Deals23
Cars for Sale4165
Starting Price$15,141
Seattle, WA
Great Deals26
Cars for Sale1226
Starting Price$15,399
Portland, OR
Great Deals13
Cars for Sale6408
Starting Price$12,604
Louisville, KY
Great Deals96
Cars for Sale7404
Starting Price$13,351
Oklahoma City, OK
Great Deals87
Cars for Sale5486
Starting Price$7,956
Long Beach, CA
Great Deals28
Cars for Sale8012
Starting Price$14,065
Virginia Beach, VA
Great Deals19
Cars for Sale4290
Starting Price$18,203
Tulsa, OK
Great Deals94
Cars for Sale7480
Starting Price$7,959
Minneapolis, MN
Great Deals59
Cars for Sale2115
Starting Price$18,232

Why trust Edmunds?

Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color.

Should I lease or buy a 2019 Cadillac Escalade ESV?

Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.

Check out Cadillac lease specials
Check out Cadillac Escalade ESV lease specials

2019 Cadillac Escalade ESV

New

Used

2019 Cadillac Escalade ESV pricing

Which Escalade ESV does Edmunds recommend?

Edmunds' Expert Review

Overall rating

Trim levels & features

Trim tested

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

Features & Specs

Safety

People who viewed this also viewed

Cadillac Escalade ESV vs. the competition

Cadillac Escalade ESV vs. Lincoln Navigator L

Cadillac Escalade ESV vs. Land Rover Range Rover

Cadillac Escalade ESV vs. GMC Yukon XL

2019 Cadillac Escalade ESV for Sale

Get more for your trade-in

2019 Cadillac Escalade ESV Overview

What do people think of the 2019 Cadillac Escalade ESV?

Edmunds Expert Reviews

Edmunds Scorecard

Our Review Process

What's a good price for a New 2019 Cadillac Escalade ESV?

2019 Cadillac Escalade ESV Platinum 4dr SUV 4WD (6.2L 8cyl 10A)

2019 Cadillac Escalade ESV Premium Luxury 4dr SUV 4WD (6.2L 8cyl 10A)

2019 Cadillac Escalade ESV Luxury 4dr SUV 4WD (6.2L 8cyl 10A)

Which 2019 Cadillac Escalade ESVS are available in my area?

Can't find a new 2019 Cadillac Escalade ESVs you want in your area? Consider a broader search.

Compare prices on the New Cadillac Escalade ESV for sale in Ashburn, VA to other major cities

Why trust Edmunds?

Should I lease or buy a 2019 Cadillac Escalade ESV?

Related vehicle information

2019 Cadillac Escalade ESV Information

Related 2019 Cadillac Escalade ESV Vehicles

More Cadillac Escalade ESV by Year

Related Cadillac Vehicles