Michael Cantu has worked in the automotive industry since 2014. He has written over 800 car-related articles and tested and reviewed over 100 vehicles over the course of his career. Michael is a contributor at Edmunds and has also contributed to MotorTrend, Digital Trends and InsideEVs. Michael was featured on a few InsideEVs YouTube channel videos on the topic of electric vehicles. Michael was a MotorTrend Car of the Year judge for 2019 and was a driver in MotorTrend's World's Greatest Drag Races 7 & 8.
Pros
An extensive suite of standard and optional driver aids
Optional diesel engine is a class-exclusive
Interior design is among the best in the class
Cons
Lacks off-road prowess of some rivals
Large footprint makes it difficult to park
Poor fuel economy with the standard V8 engine
What's new
Super Cruise is now standard on all but the base model
Part of the fifth Escalade generation introduced for 2021
Overview
The Escalade ESV is the long-wheelbase version of the regular Escalade, making it the largest SUV Cadillac offers. It provides significantly more cargo space and a little more third-row legroom than the regular Escalade, which we review separately. It's one of the few SUVs that can carry seven or eight passengers in the lap of luxury, haul lots of cargo behind the third row, and tow a sizable boat. But the Escalade ESV isn't just about versatility and luxury. The Cadillac also offers strong performance and a host of impressive tech features.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 Cadillac Escalade ESV V 4dr SUV AWD (6.2L 8cyl S/C 10A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.84 per gallon for premium unleaded in New Hampshire.
The Escalade ESV's standard engine is a 420-hp V8 that easily motivates the 6,000-pound luxury SUV and can tow up to 8,000 pounds when properly equipped. But for class-leading performance, look no further than the Escalade-V ESV, which touts a supercharged V8 that pumps out an incredible 682 horsepower. It also boasts additional performance goodies such as Brembo brakes, Magnetic Ride Control and an electronic limited-slip differential (all of which are optional on the regular models). As for tech, the Escalade ESV comes standard with a 38-inch curved OLED display that consists of three separate displays and offers many advanced driver aids including the Super Cruise hands-free driving system. There's also an optional 36-speaker AKG Studio audio system.
Competitors to consider
The gargantuan Escalade ESV has few rivals, but they include the highly rated Lincoln Navigator L and a newcomer, the Jeep Grand Wagoneer L. If you don't mind smaller alternatives, consider the Mercedes-Benz GLS and the BMW X7. The regular Escalade should also be considered if you don't need the additional cargo space the ESV provides. And there's another Escalade to consider. The 2025 Escalade IQ is the all-electric version of the luxury SUV. It's about the size of the Escalade ESV but packs a larger 55-inch curved display, a touted driving range of 450 miles, and up to 750 hp.
Which Escalade ESV does Edmunds recommend?
The addition of the Super Cruise hands-free driving system in the Premium Luxury trim for 2024 makes it an even more attractive option, and the Escalade we recommend. It comes loaded with plenty of features like a panoramic sunroof and heated and ventilated front seats, and unlike higher trims, has a starting price below six figures. The Premium Luxury gives you the option of adding the Touring and Performance packages and the rear-seat entertainment system and the 36-speaker AKG Studio audio system.
Save as much as $6,022 with Edmunds Click on the trim you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal. Savings vary by trim; $6,022 refers to estimated savings off of MSRP for the V trim.
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Rating
Overall
4 / 5
Driver
5 / 5
Passenger
4 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Rating
Overall
5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Rating
Overall
5 / 5
Driver
5 / 5
Passenger
5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Rating
Front Seat
5 / 5
Back Seat
5 / 5
Rollover
Rating
Rollover
3 / 5
Dynamic Test Result
No Tip
Risk Of Rollover
21.2%
FAQ
Is the Cadillac Escalade ESV a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2024 Escalade ESV both on the road and at the track. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Escalade ESV has 41.5 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Cadillac Escalade ESV. Learn more
What's new in the 2024 Cadillac Escalade ESV?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2024 Cadillac Escalade ESV:
Super Cruise is now standard on all but the base model
Part of the fifth Escalade generation introduced for 2021
To determine whether the Cadillac Escalade ESV is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Escalade ESV. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Escalade ESV's average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2024 Cadillac Escalade ESV a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2024 Cadillac Escalade ESV is a good car. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2024 Escalade ESV is a good car for you. Check back soon for the official Edmunds Rating from our expert testing team Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2024 Cadillac Escalade ESV?
The least-expensive 2024 Cadillac Escalade ESV is the 2024 Cadillac Escalade ESV V 4dr SUV AWD (6.2L 8cyl S/C 10A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $155,295.
Other versions include:
V 4dr SUV AWD (6.2L 8cyl S/C 10A) which starts at $155,295
What are the different models of Cadillac Escalade ESV?
If you're interested in the Cadillac Escalade ESV, the next question is, which Escalade ESV model is right for you? Escalade ESV variants include V 4dr SUV AWD (6.2L 8cyl S/C 10A). For a full list of Escalade ESV models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more