Cadillac Escalade

Escalade 4 at a glance

The Escalade has been Cadillac's full-size SUV since the 1999 model year, when it was based on the GMC Yukon Denali. For the fourth generation, GM considered moving to the unibody Lambda platform but stayed with a separate frame because buyers were opposed to the change. The brand's background is told in the unusual history of Cadillac. Its models, from the compact Cadillac XT4 to classics such as the Eldorado Biarritz, are in the Cadillac catalogue.

Escalade generations

Escalade engine, gearboxes and performance

The only engine of the fourth generation is the 6.2-litre EcoTec3 V8, rated at 313 kW (420 hp) and 624 Nm (460 lb-ft). According to the old 1cars text, it uses direct injection, variable valve timing and Active Fuel Management, which shuts down four cylinders under light load. That text gives a lower figure of 301 kW (409 hp); the official rating used here is 313 kW. The gearbox was a six-speed 6L80 automatic at launch, replaced by an eight-speed with a mid-2015 update and by a ten-speed from the 2018 model year.

The old 1cars text describes a four-wheel-drive system with a two-speed transfer case, 2H, 4Auto and 4H modes and an automatically locking rear differential.

Chassis and Magnetic Ride Control

The K2XX Escalade has a new coil-over front suspension, a five-link rear axle, a wider track and variable-assist electric power steering. Magnetic Ride Control adapts damping continuously and offers Tour and Sport modes. According to the old 1cars text, the bonnet and tailgate are aluminium, all four brakes are ventilated discs, and the kerb weight is 2,649–2,739 kg depending on the version.

Escalade and ESV: dimensions and space

The ESV is 518 mm longer than the standard car, with a 356 mm longer wheelbase, and gives third-row passengers noticeably more legroom. The third row folds electrically.

Interior and technology

The cabin was designed to match Cadillac's saloons. A 12.3-inch screen replaces conventional dials, and an 8-inch touchscreen runs the CUE infotainment system. A surround-view camera and 4G LTE arrived with the mid-2015 update, and IntelliBeam automatic high beams became standard in 2016. According to the old 1cars text, the gear selector is on the steering column and the front seats have 12-way power adjustment with heating and ventilation. The second row has two individual seats or an optional three-seat bench. Standard equipment listed by the same source includes seven airbags, a front centre airbag, tri-zone climate control, a 16-speaker Bose system and 22-inch alloy wheels.

Safety and recalls

The old 1cars text lists adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic braking at low speed forwards and in reverse, and blind-spot and lane-departure warnings as part of the safety equipment. NHTSA rated the 2014 Escalade's rollover risk at 24.6% for rear-wheel drive and 22.8% for all-wheel drive. In May 2014 GM recalled 1,402 cars built between January and May 2014 because of a passenger airbag weld problem. Consumer Reports gave the 2016 model an overall score of 44.

US sales of the fourth generation

Rivals: how the Escalade compares

The fourth-generation Escalade competed with full-size luxury SUVs such as the Lincoln Navigator and the Infiniti QX80. Its strengths are a powerful V8, large interior space in ESV form, Magnetic Ride Control and rich standard equipment. Its weaknesses, according to the old 1cars text, are high fuel consumption, a cramped third row in the standard model and high repair costs.