Which year to buy
Best bet2020Fewest serious problems: 0.7× usual
Avoid2021, 2023, 2026Far more serious problems than usual
Be careful2019, 2022, 2024–2025More problems; check the recalls were done
Bar height: serious owner complaints to NHTSA for that year per car on the road, against this model's usual year. first year of a new design.
Verdicts from our video research; the chart and numbers from NHTSA. Cars on the road from New York State registrations. (How we judge.) Data checked 2026-09-30.
Trims and features
Engines: 6.0L 8-cyl hybrid; 6.2L 8-cyl · Drive: 4WD, AWD, RWD
2012 Escalade trims
| ESV | ESV Base | ESV Luxury | ESV Platinum | ESV Premium | EXT | EXT Base | EXT Luxury | EXT Premium | Hybrid | Luxury | Platinum | Platinum Hybrid | Premium | Standard |
|---|
base price, seating and driver-assistance equipment from NHTSA's vehicle database (vPIC), as Cadillac reports it. Tech and comfort features (CarPlay, heated seats, sunroof) for Cadillac aren't in our data yet. "—": not verified in our sources. "Varies": standard on some versions of the trim.
Year by year
| Year | Engines | Drive | Fuel economy | Crash rating | Recalls | Owner complaints | Most-reported problem | CarPlay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 6.2L 8-cyl 6.2L 8-cyl supercharged | 4WD, RWD | 13–17 mpg | 5 of 5 | 3 | 43 | Engine (43) | — |
| 2025 | 6.2L 8-cyl 6.2L 8-cyl supercharged | 4WD, RWD | 13–17 mpg | 5 of 5 | 1 | 33 | Engine (19) | — |
| 2024 | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo diesel 6.2L 8-cyl 6.2L 8-cyl supercharged | 4WD, RWD | 13–23 mpg | 4 of 5 | 2 | 71 | Engine (49) | — |
| 2023 | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo diesel 6.2L 8-cyl 6.2L 8-cyl supercharged | 4WD, RWD | 13–23 mpg | 4 of 5 | 4 | 225 | Engine (170) | — |
| 2022 | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo diesel 6.2L 8-cyl | 4WD, RWD | 16–23 mpg | 4 of 5 | 4 | 140 | Engine (109) | — |
| 2021 | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo diesel 6.2L 8-cyl | 4WD, RWD | 16–23 mpg | 4 of 5 | 11 | 160 | Engine (101) | — |
| 2020 | 6.2L 8-cyl | 4WD, RWD | 17 mpg | Not rated | 2 | 36 | Engine (20) | — |
| 2019 | 6.2L 8-cyl | 4WD, RWD | 17 mpg | Not rated | 1 | 59 | Engine (37) | — |
| 2018 | 6.2L 8-cyl | 4WD, RWD | 17 mpg | 4 of 5 | 2 | 36 | Engine (19) | — |
| 2017 | 6.2L 8-cyl | 4WD, RWD | 17 mpg | 4 of 5 | 2 | 89 | Engine (32) | — |
| 2016 | 6.2L 8-cyl | 4WD, RWD | 17 mpg | Not rated | 4 | 104 | Engine (31) | — |
| 2015 | 6.2L 8-cyl | 4WD, RWD | 16–17 mpg | Not rated | 9 | 106 | Power train (29) | — |
| 2014 | 6.2L 8-cyl | AWD, RWD | 14–16 mpg | 4 of 5 | 4 | 20 | Electrical system (8) | — |
| 2013 | 6.0L 8-cyl hybrid 6.2L 8-cyl | 4WD, AWD, RWD | 14–21 mpg | 4 of 5 | 8 | 21 | Power train (5) | — |
| 2012 | 6.0L 8-cyl hybrid 6.2L 8-cyl | 4WD, AWD, RWD | 14–21 mpg | 4 of 5 | 9 | 71 | Electrical system (12) | — |
| 2011 | 6.0L 8-cyl hybrid 6.2L 8-cyl | 4WD, AWD, RWD | 14–21 mpg | 4 of 5 | 18 | 176 | Air bags (42) | — |
| 2010 | 6.0L 8-cyl hybrid 6.2L 8-cyl | AWD, RWD | 15–22 mpg | Not rated | 9 | 123 | Air bags (25) | — |
Owner complaints are unverified reports to NHTSA, counted as filed: older years have had longer to collect them and sales aren't adjusted for, so see Which year to buy for a fair comparison. Most-reported problem: the component named in the most complaints that year. Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Apple.
Which years have…
Generations and measurements
Escalade · 2015–2020
Fourth generation (GMTK2)
8-inch CUE touchscreen, column shifter
Escalade ESV · 2015–2020
Fourth generation (GMTK2)
8-inch CUE touchscreen, column shifter
Escalade · 2021–2026
Fifth generation (GMTT1)
38-inch curved OLED display; 2025 refresh with a 55-inch pillar-to-pillar screen
Escalade ESV · 2021–2026
Fifth generation (GMTT1)
38-inch curved OLED display; 2025 refresh with a 55-inch pillar-to-pillar screen
Every NHTSA-rated version: crash ratings, safety tech, recalls, complaints
| Year | Version | Stars | Forward collision warning | Lane departure warning | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV SUV N/A 4WD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 3 | 10 |
| 2026 | CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV SUV N/A RWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 3 | 10 |
| 2026 | CADILLAC ESCALADE SUV N/A 4WD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 3 | 34 |
| 2026 | CADILLAC ESCALADE SUV N/A RWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 3 | 34 |
| 2025 | Cadillac Escalade SUV 4WD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 1 | 20 |
| 2025 | Cadillac Escalade SUV RWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 1 | 20 |
| 2025 | Cadillac Escalade ESV SUV 4WD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 1 | 13 |
| 2025 | Cadillac Escalade ESV SUV RWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 1 | 13 |
| 2024 | Cadillac Escalade SUV 4WD | 4 | Standard | Standard | 2 | 49 |
| 2024 | Cadillac Escalade SUV RWD | 4 | Standard | Standard | 2 | 49 |
| 2024 | Cadillac Escalade ESV SUV 4WD | 4 | Standard | Standard | 2 | 22 |
| 2024 | Cadillac Escalade ESV SUV RWD | 4 | Standard | Standard | 2 | 22 |
| 2023 | Cadillac Escalade SUV 4WD | 4 | Standard & Optional | Standard & Optional | 4 | 139 |
| 2023 | Cadillac Escalade SUV 2WD | 4 | Standard & Optional | Standard & Optional | 4 | 139 |
| 2023 | Cadillac Escalade ESV SUV 4WD | 4 | Standard & Optional | Standard & Optional | 4 | 89 |
| 2023 | Cadillac Escalade ESV SUV 2WD | 4 | Standard & Optional | Standard & Optional | 4 | 89 |
| 2022 | Cadillac Escalade SUV 2WD | 4 | Standard | Standard | 4 | 84 |
| 2022 | Cadillac Escalade SUV 4WD | 4 | Standard | Standard | 4 | 84 |
| 2022 | Cadillac Escalade ESV SUV 2WD | 4 | Standard | Standard | 4 | 56 |
| 2022 | Cadillac Escalade ESV SUV 4WD | 4 | Standard | Standard | 4 | 56 |
| 2021 | Cadillac Escalade SUV 4WD | 4 | Standard | Optional | 12 | 89 |
| 2021 | Cadillac Escalade SUV 2WD | 4 | Standard | Optional | 12 | 89 |
| 2021 | Cadillac Escalade ESV SUV 4WD | 4 | Standard | Optional | 11 | 88 |
| 2021 | Cadillac Escalade ESV SUV 2WD | 4 | Standard | Optional | 11 | 88 |
| 2020 | Cadillac Escalade SUV 4WD | Not Rated | Optional | Optional | 2 | 14 |
| 2020 | Cadillac Escalade SUV 2WD | Not Rated | Optional | Optional | 2 | 14 |
| 2020 | Cadillac Escalade ESV SUV 4WD | Not Rated | Optional | Optional | 2 | 22 |
| 2020 | Cadillac Escalade ESV SUV RWD | Not Rated | Optional | Optional | 2 | 22 |
| 2019 | Cadillac Escalade SUV RWD | Not Rated | Optional | Optional | 0 | 25 |
| 2019 | Cadillac Escalade SUV AWD | Not Rated | Optional | Optional | 0 | 25 |
| 2019 | Cadillac Escalade ESV SUV AWD | Not Rated | Optional | Optional | 1 | 34 |
| 2019 | Cadillac Escalade ESV SUV RWD | Not Rated | Optional | Optional | 1 | 34 |
| 2018 | Cadillac Escalade SUV RWD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 1 | 21 |
| 2018 | Cadillac Escalade SUV AWD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 1 | 21 |
| 2018 | Cadillac Escalade ESV SUV AWD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 2 | 36 |
| 2018 | Cadillac Escalade ESV SUV RWD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 2 | 36 |
| 2017 | Cadillac Escalade SUV AWD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 2 | 89 |
| 2017 | Cadillac Escalade SUV RWD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 2 | 89 |
| 2017 | Cadillac Escalade ESV SUV AWD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 2 | 89 |
| 2017 | Cadillac Escalade ESV SUV RWD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 2 | 89 |
| 2016 | Cadillac Escalade SUV AWD | Not Rated | Optional | Optional | 4 | 104 |
| 2016 | Cadillac Escalade SUV RWD | Not Rated | Optional | Optional | 4 | 104 |
| 2016 | Cadillac Escalade ESV SUV RWD | Not Rated | Optional | Optional | 4 | 104 |
| 2016 | Cadillac Escalade ESV SUV AWD | Not Rated | Optional | Optional | 4 | 104 |
| 2015 | Cadillac Escalade SUV RWD | Not Rated | Optional | Optional | 9 | 106 |
| 2015 | Cadillac Escalade SUV AWD | Not Rated | Optional | Optional | 9 | 106 |
| 2015 | Cadillac Escalade ESV SUV RWD | Not Rated | Optional | Optional | 9 | 106 |
| 2015 | Cadillac Escalade ESV SUV AWD | Not Rated | Optional | Optional | 9 | 106 |
| 2014 | Cadillac Escalade SUV RWD | 4 | No | No | 2 | 20 |
| 2014 | Cadillac Escalade SUV AWD | 4 | No | No | 2 | 20 |
| 2014 | Cadillac Escalade ESV SUV RWD | 4 | No | No | 2 | 0 |
| 2014 | Cadillac Escalade ESV SUV AWD | 4 | No | No | 2 | 0 |
| 2013 | Cadillac Escalade SUV RWD | 4 | No | No | 4 | 19 |
| 2013 | Cadillac Escalade SUV AWD | 4 | No | No | 4 | 19 |
| 2013 | Cadillac Escalade ESV SUV RWD | 4 | No | No | 4 | 2 |
| 2013 | Cadillac Escalade ESV SUV AWD | 4 | No | No | 4 | 2 |
| 2013 | Cadillac Escalade Hybrid SUV RWD | 4 | No | No | 0 | 0 |
| 2013 | Cadillac Escalade Hybrid SUV AWD | 4 | No | No | 0 | 0 |
| 2012 | Cadillac Escalade SUV AWD | 4 | No | No | 3 | 26 |
| 2012 | Cadillac Escalade SUV RWD | 4 | No | No | 3 | 26 |
| 2012 | Cadillac Escalade ESV SUV RWD | 4 | No | No | 3 | 23 |
| 2012 | Cadillac Escalade ESV SUV AWD | 4 | No | No | 3 | 23 |
| 2012 | Cadillac Escalade Hybrid SUV AWD | 4 | No | No | 3 | 22 |
| 2012 | Cadillac Escalade Hybrid SUV RWD | 4 | No | No | 3 | 22 |
| 2011 | Cadillac Escalade SUV AWD | 4 | No | No | 6 | 65 |
| 2011 | Cadillac Escalade SUV RWD | 4 | No | No | 6 | 65 |
| 2011 | Cadillac Escalade ESV SUV AWD | Not Rated | No | No | 6 | 62 |
| 2011 | Cadillac Escalade Hybrid SUV AWD | 4 | No | No | 6 | 49 |
| 2011 | Cadillac Escalade Hybrid SUV RWD | 4 | No | No | 6 | 49 |
| 2010 | Cadillac Escalade 4-DR. w/SAB | Not Rated | No | No | 3 | 43 |
| 2010 | Cadillac Escalade ESV 4-DR. w/SAB | Not Rated | No | No | 3 | 42 |
| 2010 | Cadillac Escalade 4-DR. Hybrid w/SAB | Not Rated | No | No | 3 | 38 |
Source: NHTSA.
Every EPA-rated version: engines and combined mpg
| Year | EPA model | Engines | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Escalade 2WD | Auto 10-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L | 17 |
| 2026 | Escalade 4WD | Auto 10-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L | 16 |
| 2026 | Escalade V AWD | Auto (S10), 8 cyl, 6.2 L, Sup Charg | 13 |
| 2025 | Escalade 2WD | Auto 10-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L | 17 |
| 2025 | Escalade 4WD | Auto 10-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L | 16 |
| 2025 | Escalade V AWD | Auto (S10), 8 cyl, 6.2 L, Sup Charg | 13 |
| 2024 | Escalade 2WD | Auto 10-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Diesel, Turbo Auto 10-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L |
16–23 |
| 2024 | Escalade 4WD | Auto 10-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Diesel, Turbo Auto 10-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L |
16–22 |
| 2024 | Escalade V AWD | Auto (S10), 8 cyl, 6.2 L, Sup Charg | 13 |
| 2023 | Escalade 2WD | Auto 10-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Diesel, Turbo Auto 10-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L |
16–23 |
| 2023 | Escalade 4WD | Auto 10-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Diesel, Turbo Auto 10-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L |
16–22 |
| 2023 | Escalade V 4WD | Auto (S10), 8 cyl, 6.2 L, Sup Charg | 13 |
| 2022 | Escalade 2WD | Auto 10-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Diesel, Turbo Auto 10-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, SIDI Auto 10-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, SIDI; Stop-Start |
16–23 |
| 2022 | Escalade 4WD | Auto 10-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Diesel, Turbo Auto 10-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, SIDI Auto 10-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, SIDI; Stop-Start |
16–22 |
| 2021 | Escalade 2WD | Auto 10-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Diesel, Turbo Auto 10-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, SIDI; Stop-Start Auto 10-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, SIDI |
16–23 |
| 2021 | Escalade 4WD | Auto 10-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Diesel, Turbo Auto 10-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, SIDI; Stop-Start Auto 10-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, SIDI |
16–22 |
| 2020 | Escalade 2WD | Auto 10-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L | 17 |
| 2020 | Escalade 4WD | Auto 10-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L | 17 |
| 2019 | Escalade 2WD | Auto 10-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L | 17 |
| 2019 | Escalade 4WD | Auto 10-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L | 17 |
| 2018 | Escalade 2WD | Auto 10-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L | 17 |
| 2018 | Escalade 4WD | Auto 10-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L | 17 |
| 2017 | Escalade 2WD | Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L | 17 |
| 2017 | Escalade 4WD | Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L | 17 |
| 2016 | Escalade 2WD | Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L | 17 |
| 2016 | Escalade 4WD | Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L | 17 |
| 2015 | Escalade 2WD | Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L |
17 |
| 2015 | Escalade 4WD | Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L |
16–17 |
| 2015 | Escalade ESV 2WD | Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L |
17 |
| 2015 | Escalade ESV 4WD | Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L |
16–17 |
| 2014 | Escalade 2WD | Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L | 16 |
| 2014 | Escalade AWD | Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L | 15 |
| 2014 | Escalade ESV 2WD | Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L | 16 |
| 2014 | Escalade ESV AWD | Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L | 14 |
| 2013 | Escalade 2WD | Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L | 16 |
| 2013 | Escalade AWD | Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L | 15 |
| 2013 | Escalade ESV 2WD | Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L | 16 |
| 2013 | Escalade ESV AWD | Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L | 14 |
| 2013 | Escalade Ext AWD | Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L | 14 |
| 2013 | Escalade Hybrid 2WD | Auto (variable gear ratios), 8 cyl, 6.0 L | 21 |
| 2013 | Escalade Hybrid 4WD | Auto (variable gear ratios), 8 cyl, 6.0 L | 21 |
| 2012 | Escalade 2WD | Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L | 16 |
| 2012 | Escalade AWD | Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L | 15 |
| 2012 | Escalade ESV 2WD | Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L | 16 |
| 2012 | Escalade ESV AWD | Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L | 14 |
| 2012 | Escalade Ext AWD | Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L | 14 |
| 2012 | Escalade Hybrid 2WD | Auto (variable gear ratios), 8 cyl, 6.0 L | 21 |
| 2012 | Escalade Hybrid 4WD | Auto (variable gear ratios), 8 cyl, 6.0 L | 21 |
| 2011 | Escalade 2WD | Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L | 16 |
| 2011 | Escalade AWD | Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L | 15 |
| 2011 | Escalade ESV 2WD | Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L | 16 |
| 2011 | Escalade ESV AWD | Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L | 14 |
| 2011 | Escalade Ext AWD | Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L | 14 |
| 2011 | Escalade Hybrid 2WD | Auto (variable gear ratios), 8 cyl, 6.0 L | 21 |
| 2011 | Escalade Hybrid 4WD | Auto (variable gear ratios), 8 cyl, 6.0 L | 21 |
| 2010 | Escalade 2WD | Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L | 16 |
| 2010 | Escalade AWD | Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L | 15 |
| 2010 | Escalade ESV 2WD | Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L | 16 |
| 2010 | Escalade Hybrid 2WD | Auto (variable gear ratios), 8 cyl, 6.0 L | 22 |
Source: fueleconomy.gov.