Flagship Luxury: 2022 Cadillac Escalade Overview

As the pinnacle of the Cadillac brand and the entire General Motors portfolio, the 2022 Escalade SUV epitomizes opulence and cutting-edge technology. Its expansive size allows for the inclusion of a myriad of high-tech features and luxurious amenities. Immerse yourself in a cabin adorned with premium materials, including fine leather, genuine wood, and polished metal trims. The dashboard is dominated by a massive, curved digital display that seamlessly integrates both infotainment and driver-gauge features in a distinctive manner.

Inspired by the elegance of the Escala concept car, the Escalade’s exterior presents a grand design, scaled up to size XXL and adapted to its iconic boxy silhouette. While most Escalades come equipped with the standard 6.2-liter V-8 engine, Cadillac offers a more fuel-efficient 3.0-liter turbo-diesel inline-six as an alternative choice.

Regardless of the chosen engine, the Escalade delivers a ride and handling experience befitting a luxury car. However, it’s essential to note that, while it exudes luxury, the Escalade may not exhibit the same playfulness found in the brand’s sedans.

Power and Precision: Cadillac Escalade Performance

Cadillac’s flagship SUV commands the road with a choice between two formidable engines—a robust 6.2-liter V-8 producing 420 horsepower, capable of deactivating half its cylinders for fuel efficiency, and an efficient turbo-diesel 3.0-liter inline-six. Both engines come paired with a responsive 10-speed automatic transmission, providing seamless power delivery. Tailoring to diverse preferences, buyers can opt for rear- or all-wheel-drive configurations.

Sharing its platform with the Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, and GMC Yukon, the Escalade features an independent rear suspension, ensuring a luxuriously smooth ride. For those seeking the epitome of refinement, higher-end models offer an air suspension with adaptive dampers, utilizing computer-controlled shock absorbers for optimal comfort.

Putting its performance to the test, the long-wheelbase Escalade ESV, equipped with the V-8 engine, accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.9 seconds. While the diesel engine may produce a less refined sound than the V-8, some buyers find this compromise worthwhile for the enhanced fuel economy and low-end torque it delivers.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Rear-wheel drive Escalades boast ratings of 15 mpg city, 20 mpg highway, and 17 mpg combined, with a slight reduction of 1 mpg across the board for all-wheel drive configurations. While the previous generation reached as high as 23 mpg highway, its key competitor, the Lincoln Navigator, boasts even more efficient ratings. Opting for the turbo-diesel engine significantly improves fuel efficiency, with EPA estimates reaching up to 21 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. On a 75-mph highway fuel-economy test route, an all-wheel drive Escalade with the optional diesel engine achieved an impressive 26 mpg. For detailed information on the Escalade’s fuel economy, please visit the EPA’s website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Elevating luxury within the Cadillac lineup, the 2022 Escalade sets new standards for in-cabin opulence. While the base Luxury trim features faux leather, all other trims offer genuine leather, with Platinum models featuring soft semi-aniline hides. The interior is adorned with leather-covered dash and door panels, aluminum speaker grilles, and adjustable ambient lighting, creating a sophisticated ambiance. Continuing the tradition, both standard and long-wheelbase models are available, with the latter providing enhanced legroom for third-row passengers and additional cargo space.