Almost as though it has no dictionary definition, the word “Escalade” conjures a mental image of an unmistakable full-size SUV. It creates the caricature of an oversized people-mover that, on the one hand, appears muscled up to climb the rocky hills, leaving a trail of spinning stones. But, on the other hand, it looks too civil to get into all that fight.
Unsurprisingly, the Escalade is Cadillac’s biggest nameplate. The full-size SUV is not just spacious enough to comfortably accommodate seven adults. But it is luxurious enough to compete with the best luxury SUVs of 2023 and 2024.
GM did not introduce many changes to the previous model with the 2024 Escalade. Notwithstanding, it has caught our attention, and here are a few things to know about the full-size luxury SUV.
The Exterior: Copy and Paste
Since the fifth generation Escalade launched in 2021, there have not been too many changes to the exterior design. Particularly, the 2024 version has seen some criticism from gearheads who believe it is just another 2023 Escalade with an additional $1k starting price. The only exterior change (sort of) that the 2024 model introduces is the discontinuation of the Mahogany Metallic exterior color present in the 2022 and 2023 versions. However, we expect an Escalade with multiple exterior changes in the fourth quarter of 2024, when the announced Escalade IQ will be released. It is an EV, meaning the grille will at least see a significant change, likely to look like the Cadillac Lyriq’s.
For the 2024 model, the Escalade ESV continues boasting a longer wheelbase and body than its Escalade brother. With a length of 227 inches, the Escalade ESV provides more third-row leg room and roomier cargo space than the 211.9-inch Escalade.
It’s Got Some Juice
The 2024 Cadillac Escalade has two engine options and another supercharged engine exclusive to the Escalade-V. All engine options pair with a 10-speed automatic transmission to send power to all four wheels.
A confident 6.2L V8 could sit under the hood, churning out 420hp and 460 lb. ft of torque. Cadillac understands that a few people might describe that as a gas guzzler, making the automaker provide a meeker fellow, a 3.0L Turbo Diesel 6-cylinder engine. While the V6 delivers the same lb. ft of torque as the V8, it only has 277 hp on tap.
As expected, the V6 offers more fuel efficiency, but speed enthusiasts will not give it a second look. Cadillac also offers a supercharged version of the V8, exclusive to the Escalade-V. This engine delivers 682 horsepower and 653 lb-ft of torque, making the Escalade-V capable of going from 0 to 60mph in 4.4 seconds.
Super Comfy and Luxurious Interior as Always
The Escalade’s oversized exterior results in a generous, comfortable cabin space. There are not many SUVs that offer more legroom and cargo space. With 34.90 inches, the third row boasts as much or even more legroom than the second row of many midsize SUVs. But beyond the space, the Escalade welcomes its passengers with aesthetically appealing, top-quality materials. The finishing of the base trim cabin may slightly let you down (not that it’s terrible), but the high-end trims will blow you away.
The cabin’s most attractive part must be the curved 38-inch OLED display. It is aesthetically positioned and comprises the instrument cluster and the infotainment system. The infotainment system has an AR-enabled navigation system, but there’s more to enjoy. Cadillac equips the Escalade with an available head-up display that projects speed, navigation, and other important info onto the windshield. This feature means the driver does not have to take their eyes away from the road for any second. Also, the Escalade packs many driver-assistance features, including the available Super-Cruise adaptive-cruise system for hands-free driving.
What’s more? You can opt for the available rear-seat 12.6″ diagonal high-definition touchscreen displays. As expected, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration are standard features.
Trims and Pricing
The following are the 2024 Escalade trims and their starting price (in parenthesis): Luxury ($86,890), Premium Luxury ($98,190), Sport ($101,190), Premium Luxury Platinum ($115,690), Sport Platinum ($115,690). There is also a 2024 model of the special performance SUV version of the Escalade, the V-Series. It starts at $152,295.
We understand that top-of-the-line Escalades make a huge entrance and are mostly used by dignitaries, celebrities, and top business officials. However, we do not recommend any of the lower trims of the Escalade to anyone for two reasons. First, they rob you of some essential features that make the Escalade a luxury SUV. Also, some other full-size SUVs offer you almost as much for less money as the Escalade lower trims. Examples are GM’s Chevy Tahoe and Suburban. We’d purchase either the Premium Luxury Platinum or the Sport Platinum. The two trims are the same except for a few differences in the exterior (chrome, door handles, alloy wheels, roof rails, and bodyside moldings.) Among other perks, both trims come standard with a better audio system, heads-up display, Super Cruise, parking assist, semi-aniline leather, and 16-way power driver and front passenger adjustments with massage function. But if you feel the need for speed, your only option is the high-performance Escalade-V.
Whatever your choice, be assured that while many full-size, 7-passenger SUVs exist, none looks like the Escalade on the road. It projects class, power, and an excellent taste for luxury.
