For more than two decades, the Cadillac Escalade has been a major player in the full-size luxury SUV game. Fully redesigned for the 2021 model year, the Escalade benefited greatly from a new rear suspension, giving it a smoother ride and more cargo capacity, as well as a thoroughly modern and striking interior design. But the extra glitz didn't take anything away from the Escalade's capabilities. Its standard 6.2-liter V8 engine knocks out 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, while the optional 3.0-liter diesel produces 277 hp, the same 460 lb-ft and returns slightly better mileage in the process. 2023 saw the inevitable introduction of the high-performance Escalade V (which we review separately). It featured more aggressive styling and a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 making 682 angry but luxurious ponies.
Spy photographers have captured a heavily camouflaged Escalade running around, which seems to indicate the 2024 model will likely have revised front and rear styling. Other minor tweaks to wheel designs and trim levels can also be expected, but with this generation Escalade still relatively fresh, we don't anticipate anything too dramatic for the 2024 model year. Another rumor, and a far less substantiated one, is that the Escalade will offer an electric version sometime in the near future. Cadillac currently offers the smaller, fully electric Lyriq and likely has access to the same platform that underpins the Hummer EV and the Silverado EV so it's not entirely out of the realm of possibility, but timing is uncertain given production challenges, including the ongoing chip shortage.
It's not difficult to spec out an Escalade that exceeds $100K, which puts it up against some pretty strong competition. First and foremost is the Lincoln Navigator. Like the Escalade, it's available in both standard- and long-wheelbase versions and offers a stylish if even more sumptuous interior than the Cadillac. The Mercedes-Benz GLS is also on the table, and while it lacks the towing chops and the outright interior space of the Escalade, its technology and interior materials are extremely impressive. Other choices include the tech-forward BMW X7 and the go-to for the British elite, the Range Rover.
