2020 Cadillac Escalade Review
Price Range: $36,995 - $51,998





+254
Below Average
6.9
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
The 2020 Escalade used to be the benchmark of the segment. But as other manufacturers advance the art, the Escalade trots along. Its V8 engine and bold styling are strengths, and the interior isn't far behind. Improvements to ride, handling and cargo space, however, are needed to keep it in the mix.
2020 Cadillac Escalade Review
by the Edmunds Experts
What's new
- Last year's dual-screen rear entertainment system has been discontinued
- Part of the fourth Escalade generation introduced for 2015
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$268/mo for Escalade Base
Escalade Base
vs
$222/mo
Avg. Large SUV
See Edmunds pricing data
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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
3 out of 5 stars3/5Average
#8 out of 20 among Luxury Fullsize SUVs
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
$689/yr
vs. $735/yr
for Average Luxury Fullsize SUV
for Average Luxury Fullsize SUV
Frequency
1.31x/yr
vs. 1.83x/yr
for Average Luxury Fullsize SUV
for Average Luxury Fullsize SUV
Severity
24.4%
vs. 16.5%
for Average Luxury Fullsize SUV
for Average Luxury Fullsize SUV
powered by RepairPal
Cadillac Escalade Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
POS
1 out of 5 starsWade Edington, 11/03/2019
2017 Cadillac Escalade Premium Luxury 4dr SUV 4WD (6.2L 8cyl 8A)
I’ve had my 2017 CPO Escalade a little over a year now and it has been in the shop numerous times for various things for a total of almost 2 months. So far the transmission completely died (on day 1 of ownership, I didn’t even make it home from the dealer), the motor mounts had to be replaced, I continue to have transmission shift problems (but according to the dealer, they are 100% … normal), brake problems, electrical problems, various rattles and squeaks, the front end collision prevention system no longer functions. I like the car but wish they would just give me a different one, mine is cursed.
A Roll of the Dice, Nice surprise!
5 out of 5 starsSPORTOURISTA, 07/04/2017
2017 Cadillac Escalade Luxury 4dr SUV 4WD (6.2L 8cyl 8A)
After driving foreign SUVS for over 20 years (mostly German), this time I decided to try something different. I wanted more room, larger towing capacity, 4WD/AWD, and a nicer interior. After 2000 miles in an ESV 4WD Luxury, a new surprise emerges everyday. It has a beautiful interior, nice fit and finish, tons of electronic safety features and the oft-criticized CUE infotainment system. … I am pleased and surprised with the ride quality of the suspension and 22" wheels. The sophisticated electronically controlled shock technology may be the reason. I have not found the CUE system overly complicated. There is a lot to learn here, but most of the controls seem logical and useful, if you are patient and read the owner's manual. The interior's low noise level is impressive as is the standard Bose designed sound system. A big surprise is the weight of this vehicle of this vehicle compared to its European competitors, ie., the M-B GL series and the large Range Rover. They all weigh in the 5700-6000 lb. range. Cadillac has used a lot of aluminum and lightweight high strength steel based on my research. I like the ability to run less expensive regular or mid-grade gas, (which is acceptable) although premium is recommended. Mileage so far has been slightly less than the EPA estimates. So far I have only towed my 6000 lb. boat for about 200 miles. The torque and H.P of this model's drive train seemed unfazed with the task. And the room in the rear cargo area is huge. This is a large vehicle, but it doesn't feel that way from the driver's seat or in its handling prowess. It also has a very tight turning radius. So what is there to not like? Keeping in mind the concept of this vehicle and the reason I bought it, I haven't found much to dislike yet, but I'll keep looking. Most owners that I have talked to, love their vehicles and without hesitation would buy another one. Enough said!
Transmission is horrible
1 out of 5 starsLindsey Clark, 09/25/2017
2017 Cadillac Escalade Luxury 4dr SUV 4WD (6.2L 8cyl 8A)
I feel unsafe in this car. It jerks or lunges on me at a stop or slow speed at least once a day. The dealership has had my car 7 times and has not fixed it yet. I filed a lemon law complaint.
Awesome SUV when not in the shop
4 out of 5 starsBrett R, 11/05/2018
2017 Cadillac Escalade Premium Luxury 4dr SUV 4WD (6.2L 8cyl 8A)
Pros: Great looks, smooth ride, great handling (like a sedan), comfortable interior. Cons: Reliability is now a concern with two major issues in under two years. 1) Instrumentation dashboard went out completely after about 1 year so you couldn't see your speed, gas tank, or any of the vitals. Unfortunately this happened while traveling out of state. 2) At just under 2 years, Escalade … is now in the shop for an issue where the transmission lunges and makes a noise. TBD but Cadillac thinks it is a transmission issue. I'd be OK with minor nagging issues but for the priciest car I've ever purchased I shouldn't have major issues and I'm disappointed. In addition, not a huge fan of the entertainment interface. Too complex and not user friendly for simple things like volume control (stick with knobs vs. having to swipe left to right).
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2020 Cadillac Escalade, so we've included reviews for other years of the Escalade since its last redesign.
2020 Escalade Highlights
Base
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $75,195 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 17 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $268/month |
Seating | 7 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 15.2 cu.ft. |
rear wheel drive | |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Our experts like the Escalade models:
- Rear Camera Mirror
- Displays a camera view in the rearview mirror. You can still see out, even with a full load of cargo.
- OnStar
- Provides automatic crash notification, on-demand roadside assistance and remote door unlocking.
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Modifies your set speed to account for the varying speed of traffic, then resumes when the road is clear.
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Side Crash RatingOverall5 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back Seat5 / 5
- RolloverRollover3 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover21.9%
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