2020 Cadillac Escalade ESV
What’s new
- Last year's dual-screen rear entertainment system has been discontinued
- Part of the fourth Escalade generation introduced for 2015
Pros & Cons
- Strong V8 engine never lacks for power
- Cabin remains quiet on any type of road
- Seats up to eight passengers
- Tows up to 8,100 pounds
- It has a less refined ride quality than 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
2020 Cadillac Escalade ESV pricing
in Ashburn, VA
2020 Cadillac Escalade ESV Review
The Cadillac Escalade is already a large luxury SUV. The Escalade ESV is the supersized version, measuring 20.4 inches longer nose to tail. Why would anyone need something this big? The short answer is cargo.
With a rather paltry 15.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, the standard Escalade has one of the smallest capacities in the class. The ESV's added dimensions pay dividends, more than doubling the capacity to 39.3 cubic feet. In addition to hauling a lot of stuff, the Escalade ESV is also adept at transporting up to eight passengers in comfort. Combine these with a maximum tow rating of 8,100 pounds and you have a very capable vehicle for a luxurious family vacation.
As accomplished as the Escalade ESV may be, there are some drawbacks to consider. We're not impressed by its comparably stiff ride, and the large footprint makes precise maneuvers challenging. As big as the cargo hold is, the high floor height can make it difficult to load bulky objects.
As it stands, the 2020 Cadillac Escalade ESV plays second fiddle to our class favorite, the Lincoln Navigator L. We suggest checking out both before making a decision. To further complicate matters, it looks likely that a redesigned Escalade is on the horizon.
Which Escalade ESV does Edmunds recommend?
2020 Cadillac Escalade ESV models
The 2020 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. All Escalade ESVs are powered by a 6.2-liter V8 engine (420 horsepower, 460 lb-ft) paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard; four-wheel drive is optional on every trim.
The base trim is generously appointed both inside and out. Standard feature highlights include 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 front seats, heated rear seats, and power-folding split third-row seats.
Standard electronic features include an 8-inch touchscreen, a Wi-Fi hotspot, a surround-view camera, a navigation system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Bose 16-speaker audio system with satellite radio, five USB ports and a wireless charging pad.
For additional driver aids and more plush equipment, choose the Luxury trim, which equips 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 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 a massaging function, premium leather upholstery, and a cooled front-seat center console.
Sponsored cars related to the Escalade ESV
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2020 Cadillac Escalade ESV.
Trending topics in reviews
- reliability & manufacturing quality
- comfort
Most helpful consumer reviews
We purchased this truck on 12/2/19 and it's been at the dealer 3 times for weeks at a time for the same issue. This truck has been a lemon with electrical issues from the day we purchased. Unfortunately we will never recommend or purchase another Cadillac ever again.
You really can’t find a better option at this size. All electric everything. Every comfort imaginable for driver and guests.
Features & Specs
| Platinum 4dr SUV 4WD 6.2L 8cyl 10A | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $98,295 |
| MPG | 14 city / 21 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 7 |
| Transmission | 10-speed shiftable automatic |
| Horsepower | 420 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Luxury 4dr SUV 4WD 6.2L 8cyl 10A | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $86,795 |
| MPG | 14 city / 21 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 7 |
| Transmission | 10-speed shiftable automatic |
| Horsepower | 420 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Premium Luxury 4dr SUV 4WD 6.2L 8cyl 10A | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $91,195 |
| MPG | 14 city / 21 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 7 |
| Transmission | 10-speed shiftable automatic |
| Horsepower | 420 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Luxury 4dr SUV 6.2L 8cyl 10A | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $83,795 |
| MPG | 14 city / 23 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 7 |
| Transmission | 10-speed shiftable automatic |
| Horsepower | 420 hp @ 5600 rpm |
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 | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | Not Rated |
| Driver | Not Rated |
| Passenger | Not Rated |
| Side Crash Rating | Rating |
| Overall | 5 / 5 |
| Side Barrier Rating | Rating |
| Overall | 5 / 5 |
| Driver | 5 / 5 |
| Passenger | 5 / 5 |
| Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings | Rating |
| Front Seat | 5 / 5 |
| Back Seat | 5 / 5 |
| Rollover | Rating |
| Rollover | 3 / 5 |
| Dynamic Test Result | No Tip |
| Risk Of Rollover | 20.4% |
Cadillac Escalade ESV vs. the competition
Cadillac Escalade ESV vs. Lincoln Navigator
Among full-size luxury SUVs, the Lincoln Navigator is our favorite. Like the Escalade ESV, the Navigator L is the long version, with 11.9 inches added between the bumpers. The main advantage of the longer length of both SUVs is increased cargo space, and the Escalade ESV more than doubles the standard Escalade's capacity. The Navigator L's volume measures slightly less. Even with this disadvantage, the Lincoln remains our top pick.
Cadillac Escalade ESV vs. GMC Yukon XL
The Yukon XL and the Escalade ESV are essentially the same vehicle beneath the skin, sharing the same frame, powertrain and technology. In the top Denali trim, the Yukon XL is very luxurious and can save you almost $20,000 compared to the Cadillac. It's an intriguing alternative if you don't need quite as much refinement as the Escalade offers.
Cadillac Escalade ESV vs. Land Rover Range Rover
For even more luxury than the Escalade ESV offers, the Land Rover Range Rover LWB (long wheelbase) is as posh as it gets. It will also cost about $20,000 more than the Cadillac. Helping to justify the added cost, the Range Rover has incredible off-road abilities and tons of customization options. Unfortunately, it's held back by some infotainment issues and a much smaller cargo space.
FAQ
Is the Cadillac Escalade ESV a good car?
What's new in the 2020 Cadillac Escalade ESV?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2020 Cadillac Escalade ESV:
- Last year's dual-screen rear entertainment system has been discontinued
- Part of the fourth Escalade generation introduced for 2015
Is the Cadillac Escalade ESV reliable?
Is the 2020 Cadillac Escalade ESV a good car?
How much should I pay for a 2020 Cadillac Escalade ESV?
The least-expensive 2020 Cadillac Escalade ESV is the 2020 Cadillac Escalade ESV 4dr SUV (6.2L 8cyl 10A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $78,195.
Other versions include:
- Platinum 4dr SUV 4WD (6.2L 8cyl 10A) which starts at $98,295
- Luxury 4dr SUV 4WD (6.2L 8cyl 10A) which starts at $86,795
- Premium Luxury 4dr SUV 4WD (6.2L 8cyl 10A) which starts at $91,195
- Luxury 4dr SUV (6.2L 8cyl 10A) which starts at $83,795
- Premium Luxury 4dr SUV (6.2L 8cyl 10A) which starts at $88,195
- Platinum 4dr SUV (6.2L 8cyl 10A) which starts at $95,295
- 4dr SUV (6.2L 8cyl 10A) which starts at $78,195
- 4dr SUV 4WD (6.2L 8cyl 10A) which starts at $81,195
What are the different models of Cadillac Escalade ESV?
More about the 2020 Cadillac Escalade ESV
2020 Cadillac Escalade ESV Overview
The 2020 Cadillac Escalade ESV is offered in the following submodels: Escalade ESV SUV. Available styles include Platinum 4dr SUV 4WD (6.2L 8cyl 10A), Luxury 4dr SUV 4WD (6.2L 8cyl 10A), Premium Luxury 4dr SUV 4WD (6.2L 8cyl 10A), Luxury 4dr SUV (6.2L 8cyl 10A), Premium Luxury 4dr SUV (6.2L 8cyl 10A), Platinum 4dr SUV (6.2L 8cyl 10A), 4dr SUV (6.2L 8cyl 10A), and 4dr SUV 4WD (6.2L 8cyl 10A).
What do people think of the 2020 Cadillac Escalade ESV?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2020 Cadillac Escalade ESV and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2020 Escalade ESV 3.0 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. 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 2020 Escalade ESV.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2020 Cadillac Escalade ESV and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2020 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.
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 2020 Cadillac Escalade ESV?
2020 Cadillac Escalade ESV Premium Luxury 4dr SUV 4WD (6.2L 8cyl 10A)
The 2020 Cadillac Escalade ESV Premium Luxury 4dr SUV 4WD (6.2L 8cyl 10A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $96,300. The average price paid for a new 2020 Cadillac Escalade ESV Premium Luxury 4dr SUV 4WD (6.2L 8cyl 10A) is trending $5,598 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $5,598 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $90,702.
The average savings for the 2020 Cadillac Escalade ESV Premium Luxury 4dr SUV 4WD (6.2L 8cyl 10A) is 5.8% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 1 2020 Cadillac Escalade ESV Premium Luxury 4dr SUV 4WD (6.2L 8cyl 10A) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
Which 2020 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) 2020 Cadillac Escalade ESV for sale near. There are currently 92 new 2020 Escalade ESVS listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $79,490 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 AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2020 Cadillac Escalade ESV.
Can't find a new 2020 Cadillac Escalade ESVs you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
Find a new Cadillac Escalade ESV for sale - 2 great deals out of 5 listings starting at $18,826.
Find a new Cadillac for sale - 12 great deals out of 17 listings starting at $10,002.
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 2020 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