Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the Edmunds YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.
Pros
Slick tech interface
One of the roomiest cabins in the class
Abundant cargo space and in-cabin storage
Boisterous V8 power from Escalade-V ESV
Cons
Size makes for tricky parking, maneuvering in tight spaces
Rear cabin lags class leaders in interior quality
What's new
Styling update inside and out
Massive curved display
Diesel engine option discontinued
Part of the fifth Escalade generation introduced for 2021
Overview
Cadillac isn't known for subtlety. Whether you're talking about the tailfins of the 1950s or the hulking monolith that is the Escalade, this brand is about as understated as a disco ball. For those who figure too much is almost enough, the larger Escalade ESV is the longest SUV for sale today, surpassing the standard Escalade by more than a foot. It not only casts an imposing shadow, but it also provides much more passenger and cargo space. Not surprisingly, none of this comes cheap, as the price can easily slip past the six-figure mark, and you'll be lucky to get 18 mpg out of it.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2025 Cadillac Escalade ESV V 4dr SUV AWD (6.2L 8cyl S/C 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 $3.53 per gallon for premium unleaded in Texas.
The Escalade ESV receives a substantial refresh for the 2025 model year that includes some styling updates that bring it more in line with the futuristic all-electric Escalade IQ. The biggest change is found inside, with the addition of a massive 55-inch infotainment display that spans the entire width of the dashboard. That alone may be worth the price of admission, but it's worth noting GM's praiseworthy Super Cruise driving system is now standard on all models. It's not all good news, though, as the more fuel-efficient and tow-capable diesel engine option has been discontinued.
Competitors to consider
As noted up top, the Escalade ESV is the largest SUV you can get, but it's not necessarily the best. It's in the same size class as the Lincoln Navigator L and is comparably modern and refined, but we give the edge to the Navigator in a head-to-head comparison. The Jeep Grand Wagoneer L is also worth consideration if you need more towing capability, but it's not quite as comfortable as the Escalade. The smaller Mercedes-Benz GLS and BMW X7 are more luxurious but can't match the big American's interior volume.
Which Escalade ESV does Edmunds recommend?
We suggest checking out the Premium Luxury trim as it adds several desirable features to justify the $9,000-plus price jump. The Magnetic Ride Control suspension provides more comfort and stability, while the panoramic sunroof puts a spotlight on an interior bathed in leather.
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
Not Rated
Side Barrier Rating
Rating
Overall
Not Rated
Driver
Not Rated
Passenger
Not Rated
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Rating
Front Seat
Not Rated
Back Seat
Not Rated
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 2025 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 2025 Cadillac Escalade ESV?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2025 Cadillac Escalade ESV:
Styling update inside and out
Massive curved display
Diesel engine option discontinued
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 2025 Cadillac Escalade ESV a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2025 Cadillac Escalade ESV is a good car. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2025 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 2025 Cadillac Escalade ESV?
The least-expensive 2025 Cadillac Escalade ESV is the 2025 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 $162,995.
Other versions include:
V 4dr SUV AWD (6.2L 8cyl S/C 10A) which starts at $162,995
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