2020 Cadillac Escalade
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 is never at a loss for power
- Robust towing capacity
- Cabin remains quiet regardless of road conditions
- Less refined ride and seat comfort than other luxury SUVs
- Low handling limits and heavy steering
- High, uneven cargo floor makes loading objects difficult
2020 Cadillac Escalade pricing
in Ashburn, VA2020 Cadillac Escalade Review
If you're in the market for a large luxury SUV, the 2020 Cadillac Escalade is likely on your short list. Few other luxury SUVs have as much roadside presence or established history. Thanks to its truck-based origins, the Escalade combines a burly V8 engine with a towing capacity that maxes out at a stout 8,300 pounds. You also get an impressively quiet cabin, three rows of seating, and plenty of features. But this big SUV does come up short in a few areas.
Much of it comes down to those truck-based origins. The Escalade's ride quality and handling capabilities aren't as refined as what you get from nearly all other luxury SUVs. We're also no fans of the Escalade's cargo space, which is small and hard to load with heavy or bulky items.
The Escalade is only five years into its current generation, but its age is definitely showing. Spy shots of a new Escalade redesign are circulating, which may help you decide whether to wait for the next-gen Escalade or shop the competition. In the meantime, we suggest checking out the Lincoln Navigator and the Mercedes-Benz GLS since both are more appealing SUVs overall.
Our verdict
6.9 / 10How does it drive?
7.0We're less enamored with the Escalade when deviating from the straight-ahead. The steering's on-center feel is vague, and the slow ratio means you'll be sawing away at the wheel more than you might expect. Handling is understandably cumbersome, even when you switch the suspension to its Sport mode.
How comfortable is it?
7.0The front seats are generously padded but lack lateral support, which means you might find yourself shifting around to straighten up. For the most part, the interior is quiet and vibration-free. But road noise sneaks in when driving on coarse road surfaces.
How’s the interior?
7.0The Escalade is well-built, and parts-sharing of switches and touch points from the Suburban is the only real sore point. The materials used are noticeably better on the front seats versus the second and third rows. And the hard plastic used in some areas of the interior feels cheap.
How’s the tech?
7.5The Escalade's advanced driver safety aids generally work well. But lane departure warning comes on later than expected, and auto parking requires a lot of room.
How’s the storage?
6.0Two-wheel-drive models can tow 8,300 pounds, and four-wheel-drive models can tow 8,100 pounds. Tow mode holds gears longer and keeps revs higher for better acceleration and more engine braking. An adjustable suspension keeps the body level for steady handling. But there's no trailer brake controller.
How economical is it?
7.0Is it a good value?
6.5Wildcard
7.0Which Escalade does Edmunds recommend?
2020 Cadillac Escalade models
The 2020 Cadillac Escalade is a full-size, body-on-frame 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 yet another level. All Escalade models are equipped with a 6.2-liter V8 engine (420 horsepower, 460 lb-ft of torque) and a 10-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard, and four-wheel drive is optional.
The base trim is generously appointed inside and out. Standard equipment highlights include 20-inch wheels, an adaptive suspension, LED headlights, automatic parallel and perpendicular parking assist, a hands-free liftgate, three-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated power-adjustable front seats, heated rear seats, and power-folding split third-row seats. Standard electronic features include an 8-inch touchscreen, a surround-view parking camera system, a navigation system, and a Bose 16-speaker audio system.
For a few more driver aids and a bit more plush equipment, you can step up to the Luxury trim. It adds a sunroof, power-folding second-row seats, a head-up display, a camera-based rearview mirror system, and the Driver Awareness package that bundles a variety of driver safety aids.
Our recommended trim, the Premium Luxury, adds adaptive cruise control, a rear entertainment system with a Blu-ray player and an overhead-mounted display, and a more advanced collision mitigation system with both forward and reverse automatic braking.
The most expensive and most lavishly appointed Escalade is the Platinum trim level. It certainly possesses all the bells and whistles, but you may not need all the extras it provides. The Platinum adds power-retracting side steps, upgraded power front seats with massaging function, upgraded leather upholstery, and a cooled front-seat center console.
Sponsored cars related to the Escalade
Features & Specs
| Luxury 4dr SUV 4WD 6.2L 8cyl 10A | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $83,795 |
| 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 | $88,195 |
| MPG | 14 city / 21 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 7 |
| Transmission | 10-speed shiftable automatic |
| Horsepower | 420 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Platinum 4dr SUV 4WD 6.2L 8cyl 10A | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $95,295 |
| 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 | $80,795 |
| MPG | 14 city / 23 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 7 |
| Transmission | 10-speed shiftable automatic |
| Horsepower | 420 hp @ 5600 rpm |
Safety
Our experts’ favorite Escalade 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 vs. the competition
Cadillac Escalade vs. Lincoln Navigator
The Lincoln Navigator is our top pick in the class. Coming off a recent full redesign, the new Navigator has a better ride quality than the Escalade and further benefits from its refined interior, greater versatility and increased maneuverability. As an added bonus, the Navigator's cargo area is far more usable and thoughtfully designed.
Cadillac Escalade vs. Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class
The Mercedes-Benz GLS is all-new for 2020, and our initial impressions are very favorable. It comes with all of the latest features and tech, including Mercedes' praiseworthy MBUX infotainment system. Furthermore, the GLS has more off-road capabilities than you might think, combined with a versatile cabin, quiet ride and adult-size seating in all three rows.
Cadillac Escalade vs. Land Rover Range Rover
Nothing but the Land Rover Range Rover seems to pack the mix of all-terrain abilities and a luxurious interior. You also get to pick from a seemingly endless list of customization options. Unfortunately, these don't come cheap, and the Range Rover is quite a bit more expensive in an apples-to-apples comparison. Holding it back is a rather weak base engine and an infotainment system that is prone to glitches.
FAQ
Is the Cadillac Escalade a good car?
What's new in the 2020 Cadillac Escalade?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2020 Cadillac Escalade:
- Last year's dual-screen rear entertainment system has been discontinued
- Part of the fourth Escalade generation introduced for 2015
Is the Cadillac Escalade reliable?
Is the 2020 Cadillac Escalade a good car?
How much should I pay for a 2020 Cadillac Escalade?
The least-expensive 2020 Cadillac Escalade is the 2020 Cadillac Escalade 4dr SUV (6.2L 8cyl 10A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $75,195.
Other versions include:
- Luxury 4dr SUV 4WD (6.2L 8cyl 10A) which starts at $83,795
- Premium Luxury 4dr SUV 4WD (6.2L 8cyl 10A) which starts at $88,195
- Platinum 4dr SUV 4WD (6.2L 8cyl 10A) which starts at $95,295
- Luxury 4dr SUV (6.2L 8cyl 10A) which starts at $80,795
- Premium Luxury 4dr SUV (6.2L 8cyl 10A) which starts at $85,195
- 4dr SUV (6.2L 8cyl 10A) which starts at $75,195
- Platinum 4dr SUV (6.2L 8cyl 10A) which starts at $92,295
- 4dr SUV 4WD (6.2L 8cyl 10A) which starts at $78,195
What are the different models of Cadillac Escalade?
More about the 2020 Cadillac Escalade
2020 Cadillac Escalade Overview
The 2020 Cadillac Escalade is offered in the following submodels: Escalade SUV. Available styles include Luxury 4dr SUV 4WD (6.2L 8cyl 10A), Premium Luxury 4dr SUV 4WD (6.2L 8cyl 10A), Platinum 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 2020 Cadillac Escalade?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2020 Cadillac Escalade and all its trim types. 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.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2020 Cadillac Escalade and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2020 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.
What's a good price for a New 2020 Cadillac Escalade?
2020 Cadillac Escalade Platinum 4dr SUV 4WD (6.2L 8cyl 10A)
The 2020 Cadillac Escalade Platinum 4dr SUV 4WD (6.2L 8cyl 10A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $97,915. The average price paid for a new 2020 Cadillac Escalade Platinum 4dr SUV 4WD (6.2L 8cyl 10A) is trending $3,303 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $3,303 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $94,612.
The average savings for the 2020 Cadillac Escalade Platinum 4dr SUV 4WD (6.2L 8cyl 10A) is 3.4% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 1 2020 Cadillac Escalade Platinum 4dr SUV 4WD (6.2L 8cyl 10A) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2020 Cadillac Escalade Premium Luxury 4dr SUV 4WD (6.2L 8cyl 10A)
The 2020 Cadillac Escalade Premium Luxury 4dr SUV 4WD (6.2L 8cyl 10A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $92,560. The average price paid for a new 2020 Cadillac Escalade Premium Luxury 4dr SUV 4WD (6.2L 8cyl 10A) is trending $3,847 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $3,847 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $88,713.
The average savings for the 2020 Cadillac Escalade Premium Luxury 4dr SUV 4WD (6.2L 8cyl 10A) is 4.2% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 1 2020 Cadillac Escalade Premium Luxury 4dr SUV 4WD (6.2L 8cyl 10A) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
Which 2020 Cadillac Escalades 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 for sale near. There are currently 87 new 2020 Escalades listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $76,490 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.
Can't find a new 2020 Cadillac Escalades you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
Find a new Cadillac Escalade for sale - 6 great deals out of 23 listings starting at $8,035.
Find a new Cadillac for sale - 4 great deals out of 7 listings starting at $16,782.
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?
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