more about this model Like its predecessors over the past 19 years, the 2017 Cadillac Escalade delivers a blend of opulence, power and status that resonates with many shoppers exploring the realm of full-size luxury SUVs. But the fact that it's become a favorite among high-profile celebrities, sports stars and business moguls doesn't detract from the Escalade's value as a capable people, cargo and trailer hauler.
Changes for 2017 include reconfigured trim levels, new 22-inch alloy wheels, a rear passenger reminder, teen-driver monitor and a parking assist system, which uses sensors to automatically steer the Escalade into either a perpendicular or parallel space. There's also a unique rearview mirror that's actually a screen for a tailgate-mounted camera, a feature that provides a much broader view behind the vehicle than a conventional mirror.
Power for the Escalade comes from a 6.2-liter V8 engine that produces 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque and drives the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. A four-wheel-drive option includes high and low modes to cope with various road conditions and trailering requirements, as well as an auto mode for everyday driving that automatically switches from two-wheel to four-wheel propulsion.
Built on a truck chassis ? shared with the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon in standard-wheelbase form and with the Suburban and Yukon XL in the longer ESV model ? the Escalade tends to be a bit harsher over bumps than some of its car-based rivals, although this is mitigated somewhat by the standard Magnetic Ride Control. But the more robust construction will appeal to buyers who intend to tow large trailers, haul a lot of cargo or take the vehicle off-road.
The Escalade might share underpinnings with its siblings from Chevy and GMC, but on the inside the Cadillac makes an entirely different statement. The class-leading interior boasts features that include heated and cooled leather seats, wood and metal trim, ambient lighting and tri-zone climate control, as well as acoustic glass and active noise cancellation for a quiet ride. In addition to a plethora of standard equipment, a wide range of available packages and accessories allow buyers to tailor the cabin to their individual requirements.
Fuel economy may not be the Escalade's strong suit, but its numbers are par for the course with this class of vehicle. Both the two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive versions are rated by the EPA at a combined 17 mpg (15 city/22 highway and 15 city/20 highway, respectively).
The base Escalade comes extremely well equipped, but shoppers looking for more technology and convenience features can opt for the Luxury and Premium Luxury trim levels. And the top-of-the-line Platinum model piles on even more goodies, like a refrigerated center console, massaging driver seat and exotic wood trim. Whatever your preference, let Edmunds help you find the 2017 Cadillac Escalade that best meets your needs.
2017 Cadillac Escalade Overview
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2017 Cadillac Escalade and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2017 Escalade 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.
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2017 Cadillac Escalade and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2017 Escalade 2.7 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 2017 Escalade.
Vehicle
Luxury 4dr SUV 4WD (6.2L 8cyl 8A)
Review
After driving foreign SUVS for over 20 years (mostly German), this time I decided to try something different. I wanted more room, larger towing capacity, 4WD/AWD, and a nicer interior. After 2000 miles in an ESV 4WD Luxury, a new surprise emerges everyday. It has a beautiful interior, nice fit and finish, tons of electronic safety features and the oft-criticized CUE infotainment system. I am pleased and surprised with the ride quality of the suspension and 22" wheels. The sophisticated electronically controlled shock technology may be the reason. I have not found the CUE system overly complicated. There is a lot to learn here, but most of the controls seem logical and useful, if you are patient and read the owner's manual. The interior's low noise level is impressive as is the standard Bose designed sound system. A big surprise is the weight of this vehicle of this vehicle compared to its European competitors, ie., the M-B GL series and the large Range Rover. They all weigh in the 5700-6000 lb. range. Cadillac has used a lot of aluminum and lightweight high strength steel based on my research. I like the ability to run less expensive regular or mid-grade gas, (which is acceptable) although premium is recommended. Mileage so far has been slightly less than the EPA estimates. So far I have only towed my 6000 lb. boat for about 200 miles. The torque and H.P of this model's drive train seemed unfazed with the task. And the room in the rear cargo area is huge. This is a large vehicle, but it doesn't feel that way from the driver's seat or in its handling prowess. It also has a very tight turning radius. So what is there to not like? Keeping in mind the concept of this vehicle and the reason I bought it, I haven't found much to dislike yet, but I'll keep looking. Most owners that I have talked to, love their vehicles and without hesitation would buy another one. Enough said!
See all consumer reviews and retings for the 2017 Cadillac Escalade
Edmunds Value
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
The 2017 Cadillac Escalade earned a 4-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and "GOOD" ratings from the IIHS in the following caregories: and a JD POWER overall quality rating of 2.0 out of 5. Among Edmunds' many tools and resources for finding your perfect car are detailed safety ratings and analysis from NHTSA, IIHS, and JD Power, including overall ratings, frontal barrier crash ratings, side impact tests and crash ratings, rollover test results, roof strength tests, rear crash protection and head restraint ratings, side barrier ratings, combined side barrier and pole ratings, and more.
Available Cadillac Escalade 2017 Submodel Types: SUV
Available Trims: Base, Luxury, Premium, Platinum, Premium Luxury, Platinum Edition
Exterior Colors: Black Raven, White Diamond Tricoat, Crystal White Tricoat, White Diamond, Dark Granite Metallic, Quicksilver, Radiant Silver Metallic, Blue Chip, Silver Coast Metallic, Dark Adriatic Blue Metallic, Red E, Gold Mist, Sable Black, Stealth Gray, Majestic Plum Metallic, Red Passion Tintcoat, Crystal Red Tintcoat, Galaxy Gray, Infrared Tintcoat, Mocha Steel Metallic, Silver Sand, Black Ice Metallic, Bronze Dune Metallic, Gold Mist Metallic, Green Envy, InfraRed, Midnight Plum Metallic, Bordeaux Red, Celestial Blue, Dark Emerald Metallic, Deep Amethyst Metallic, Evolution Green Metallic, Gray Silk Metallic, Radiant Bronze, Rip Tide Blue, Silver Lining, Silver Lining Metallic, Terra Mocha Metallic
Interior Colors: Jet Black leather, Ebony w/Ebony Accents leather, Shale w/Cocoa Accents leather, Ebony leather, Cocoa/Very Light Cashmere leather, Kona Brown w/Jet Black Accents leather, Cashmere w/Cocoa Accents leather, Shale, Jet Black w/Jet Black Accents premium leather, Pewter, Ebony w/Ebony Accents premium leather, Tuscan Brown premium leather, Cocoa/Light Linen premium leather, Shale leather, Pewter leather
Popular Features: Alarm, Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel, Auto Climate Control, Electronic Folding Mirrors, Fold Flat Rear Seats, Heated seats, Leather Seats, Parking sensors, Power Driver Seat, Rear Bench Seats, Third-row seating, Trip Computer, Stability Control, Multi-Zone Climate Control, Towing Hitch, 2nd Row Bucket Seats, AWD/4WD, Post-collision safety system, Tire Pressure Warning, Upgraded Headlights, Power Liftgate/Trunk, Remote Start, Sunroof/Moonroof, Navigation, Cooled Seats, 8000lb Towing Capacity, Bluetooth, Blind Spot Monitoring, USB Inputs, Rear Entertainment System, Aux Audio Inputs, Back-up camera, Heads up display, Lane Departure Warning, Keyless Entry/Start, Pre-collision safety system, 360-degree camera, Mobile Internet, 6000lb Towing Capacity, Apple Carplay/Android Auto, Adaptive Cruise Control, Upgraded Stereo, 5000lb Towing Capacity
Engine/Mechanics: 8 cylinders
Transmission: AUTOMATIC
Fuel Types: regular unleaded, premium unleaded (recommended), flex-fuel (premium unleaded recommended/E85), flex-fuel (unleaded/E85)
Drivetrains: all wheel drive, four wheel drive, rear wheel drive
Edmunds attended a manufacturer-sponsored event, to which selected members of the press were invited, to facilitate this report.
