2025 Cadillac Escalade

From the side, the Escalade neither hides nor flaunts the fact that its profile is shared with the Chevy Tahoe (or Suburban in longer Escalade ESV form). At the rear, chunky taillights lack some of last year’s elegance, but they work well with what’s going on up front. Big wheels help, though you should seriously consider the practicality aspect of the optional 24-inchers.

The ‘Slade’s interior is even wilder. This year’s new curved 55-inch screen stretches most of the way across the dashboard, albeit with a trio of workspaces. A second screen sits below for climate controls. If digital overload is luxury, the Escalade is the new standard-bearer. 

All that space for screens means there’s less in the way of conventional soft-touch trim, real wood, leather, and the like, though what bits you’ll find do look and feel lovely. 

How fast is the Cadillac Escalade?

You’ll be just fine with the base 6.2-liter V-8, which pushes 420 hp to the wheels through a quick-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission. It’ll hit 60 mph in around 6.0 seconds, which is really quick for something this big. If there’s a downside to this setup, it’s that the base engine can exacerbate the 10-speed automatic’s occasionally confused low-speed shifts. The Escalade-V’s setup simply overcomes that issue with more power. 

Then there’s the Escalade-V with its supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 putting out a hearty 682 hp and 653 lb-ft of torque. It slices about a second and a half off of the run to 60 mph, but that’s only a part of its story. The boosted V-8 is ultra-rapid under any circumstances, and it makes a lovely muscle car noise. 

All models stop just fine, but the Brembo brakes on the V are far stronger—as they should be given how much power is underhood.

The Escalade maxes out at an 8,300-pound towing capacity, which is fine for most boats and typical car trailers. 

The ride is fine in standard form, but better with optional air and especially the adaptive dampers that help shrug off the pitter patter inevitably with 22-inch wheels wrapped in low-profile tires. We’ve yet to test the available 24-inchers, but can only imagine that the ride does not improve. 

These are big, heavy SUVs that never feel remotely nimble. Making things worse is a seating position that’s more on than in. V models are only marginally sportier when it comes to a winding road. If you’re after a performance SUV that can do the deed on track, stick with an AMG-tweaked GLS. 

You’ll need to step above the fleet-oriented base versions for the best experience, but any six-figure Escalade has soft leather, real wood, and spectacular attention to detail. 

The front seats are standard-bearers, with terrific adjustment and heating, cooling, and massage as you work your way up the lineup. The rear seat has almost 42 inches of legroom; you probably don’t need more unless you play for the Clippers. Most ‘Slades will have captain’s chairs, though a three-seat bench is available. Short-wheelbase versions have a reasonable 35 inches of legroom, and around 37 inches in ESV form. Adults won’t be thrilled to be back there, but they do technically have enough space. (To be fair, the Chrysler Pacifica is a far better people-hauler.) 

The Escalade ESV has up to 143 cubic feet of space with rows two and three down. Even the shortest versions still have nearly 26 cubic feet with the third row upright. Other versions up the ante with the fold of each seatback, but suffice to say that no Escalade is cramped inside.  

Outward vision suffers from the tall dashboard and chunky roof pillars all around, but Cadillac includes parking sensors and a surround-view camera system to help reduce the risk of curbing those 24-inch wheels.  

The Escalade lineup is covered by a good 4-year/50,000-mile warranty. The auotmaker picks up the tab for the first service visit.

All gas or diesel Escalades have standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

Check back soon as we’ll update this space with more details when Cadillac releases individual trim-level features and pricing. Options will range from a 30-speaker AKG audio system to power-open and power-close doors. 

Which Cadillac Escalade should I buy?

The Escalade Premium Luxury trim has traditionally been our go-to. In the past, it’s been the gateway for leather seats that better suit its mission, plus Cadillac has offered such niceties as soft-close doors, Bose audio, and an adaptive air suspension to tame its big wheels.  

How much is a fully loaded Cadillac Escalade?

Figure at least $150,000 for an Escalade-V, and that’s if you can find a dealer willing to sell you one at MSRP.