The Escalade ESV is the long-wheelbase version of the regular Escalade, making it the largest SUV Cadillac offers. It provides significantly more cargo space and a little more third-row legroom than the regular Escalade, which we review separately. It's one of the few SUVs that can carry seven or eight passengers in the lap of luxury, haul lots of cargo behind the third row, and tow a sizable boat. But the Escalade ESV isn't just about versatility and luxury. The Cadillac also offers strong performance and a host of impressive tech features.
The Escalade ESV's standard engine is a 420-hp V8 that easily motivates the 6,000-pound luxury SUV and can tow up to 8,000 pounds when properly equipped. But for class-leading performance, look no further than the Escalade-V ESV, which touts a supercharged V8 that pumps out an incredible 682 horsepower. It also boasts additional performance goodies such as Brembo brakes, Magnetic Ride Control and an electronic limited-slip differential (all of which are optional on the regular models). As for tech, the Escalade ESV comes standard with a 38-inch curved OLED display that consists of three separate displays and offers many advanced driver aids including the Super Cruise hands-free driving system. There's also an optional 36-speaker AKG Studio audio system.
Competitors to consider
The gargantuan Escalade ESV has few rivals, but they include the highly rated Lincoln Navigator L and a newcomer, the Jeep Grand Wagoneer L. If you don't mind smaller alternatives, consider the Mercedes-Benz GLS and the BMW X7. The regular Escalade should also be considered if you don't need the additional cargo space the ESV provides. And there's another Escalade to consider. The 2025 Escalade IQ is the all-electric version of the luxury SUV. It's about the size of the Escalade ESV but packs a larger 55-inch curved display, a touted driving range of 450 miles, and up to 750 hp.
2024 Cadillac Escalade ESV trim level differences
The 2024 Escalade ESV is a large three-row luxury SUV that comes in six trim levels: Luxury, Premium Luxury, Sport, Premium Luxury Platinum, Sport Platinum and Escalade-V ESV. With the standard captain's chairs, the Escalade ESV seats seven passengers, but the optional second-row bench seat increases seating to eight.
Which Escalade ESV trim does Edmunds recommend?
The addition of the Super Cruise hands-free driving system in the Premium Luxury trim for 2024 makes it an even more attractive option, and the Escalade we recommend. It comes loaded with plenty of features like a panoramic sunroof and heated and ventilated front seats, and unlike higher trims, has a starting price below six figures. The Premium Luxury gives you the option of adding the Touring and Performance packages and the rear-seat entertainment system and the 36-speaker AKG Studio audio system.
The 2024 Cadillac Escalade ESV has a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic warranty and 2 recalls. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 2.5 out of 5, ranks it #15 out of 20 among Luxury Fullsize SUVs. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Reliability Rating by RepairPal
2.5 out of 5 stars2.5/5Average
#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
$851/yr
vs. $735/yr for Average Luxury Fullsize SUV
Frequency
1.65x/yr
vs. 1.83x/yr for Average Luxury Fullsize SUV
Severity
24.4%
vs. 16.5% for Average Luxury Fullsize SUV
powered by RepairPal
Recalls
2 recalls found
Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.
If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).
Recall Number:
25V274000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
N252494000
Number of vehicles affected:
597571
Defect Description:
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with a 6.2L V8 gas engine. The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.
Defect Consequence:
Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:
Dealers will inspect the engine, and as necessary, repair or replace the engine. For vehicles that pass inspection, dealers will add higher viscosity oil, install a new oil fill cap, replace the oil filter, and update the owner's manual. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 9, 2025. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N252494000.
Recall Number:
24V674000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
N242447990
Number of vehicles affected:
449671
Defect Description:
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2023-2024 Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade, and Escalade ESV vehicles. The electronic brake control module software may fail to display a warning light when a loss of brake fluid occurs. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
Defect Consequence:
Without a warning light, the vehicle may be driven with low brake fluid, which can reduce braking performance and increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:
The Electronic Brake Control Module (eBCM) software will be updated through an over-the-air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2024. Owners can contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N242447990.
The overall sentiment for the 2024 Cadillac Escalade ESV is mixed. Owners love how smooth it rides, its luxury features, and the stylish look inside and out. However, many owners are unhappy with issues like the bad sound system, glitches with phone connectivity, and occasional problems with the interior lights and brakes. Despite these issues, some owners are still thrilled with their purchase and recommend it for its luxurious feel and power.
This summary is AI-generated from the text of owner reviews
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Rating
Overall
4 / 5
Driver
5 / 5
Passenger
4 / 5
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
21.2%
FAQ
Is the Cadillac Escalade ESV a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2024 Escalade ESV both on the road and at the track. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Escalade ESV has 41.5 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Cadillac Escalade ESV. Learn more
What's new in the 2024 Cadillac Escalade ESV?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2024 Cadillac Escalade ESV:
Super Cruise is now standard on all but the base model
Part of the fifth Escalade generation introduced for 2021
To determine whether the Cadillac Escalade ESV is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Escalade ESV. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Escalade ESV's average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2024 Cadillac Escalade ESV a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2024 Cadillac Escalade ESV is a good car. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2024 Escalade ESV is a good car for you. Check back soon for the official Edmunds Rating from our expert testing team Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2024 Cadillac Escalade ESV?
The least-expensive 2024 Cadillac Escalade ESV is the 2024 Cadillac Escalade ESV V 4dr SUV AWD (6.2L 8cyl S/C 10A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $155,295.
Other versions include:
V 4dr SUV AWD (6.2L 8cyl S/C 10A) which starts at $155,295
What are the different models of Cadillac Escalade ESV?
If you're interested in the Cadillac Escalade ESV, the next question is, which Escalade ESV model is right for you? Escalade ESV variants include V 4dr SUV AWD (6.2L 8cyl S/C 10A). For a full list of Escalade ESV models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more