Cadillac Escalade
The 2026 Cadillac Escalade presents a mixed reliability picture.
Calculated from 10,000+ NHTSA, EPA & owner-complaint data pointsHow we score
2015 modelSpecifications by model year
Compare the stats that matter
Every section below is populated from the available EPA, NHTSA, and vehicle-specification data for this model.
Fuel economy
EPA-rated city, highway, and combined economy by year.
| Year | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG | City L/100 km | Highway L/100 km | Combined L/100 km | Fuel-economy range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 11 | 17 | 13 | 21.38 | 13.84 | 18.09 | — |
| 2025 | 11 | 17 | 13 | 21.38 | 13.84 | 18.09 | — |
| 2024 | 11 | 16 | 13 | 21.38 | 14.7 | 18.09 | — |
| 2023 | 11 | 16 | 13 | 21.38 | 14.7 | 18.09 | — |
| 2022 | 14 | 19 | 16 | 16.8 | 12.38 | 14.7 | — |
| 2021 | 14 | 19 | 16 | 16.8 | 12.38 | 14.7 | — |
| 2020 | 14 | 23 | 17 | 16.8 | 10.23 | 13.84 | 14-23 mpg combined |
| 2019 | 14 | 21 | 17 | 16.8 | 11.2 | 13.84 | — |
| 2018 | 14 | 23 | 17 | 16.8 | 10.23 | 13.84 | — |
| 2017 | 15 | 22 | 17 | 15.68 | 10.69 | 13.84 | — |
| 2016 | 15 | 22 | 17 | 15.68 | 10.69 | 13.84 | — |
| 2015 | 14 | 21 | 16 | 16.8 | 11.2 | 14.7 | — |
| 2014 | 13 | 18 | 14 | 18.09 | 13.07 | 16.8 | — |
| 2013 | 13 | 18 | 14 | 18.09 | 13.07 | 16.8 | — |
| 2012 | 13 | 18 | 14 | 18.09 | 13.07 | 16.8 | — |
| 2011 | 13 | 18 | 14 | 18.09 | 13.07 | 16.8 | 13-14 city / 18 highway mpg |
Engine, transmission & drivetrain
Powertrain specifications can vary between model years.
| Year | Body style | Cylinders | Displacement | Fuel type | Engine code | Transmission | Drivetrain | Horsepower | Torque | Engine configuration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | suv | 8 | 6.2 | Premium | — | Automatic (S10) | 4-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2025 | suv | 8 | 6.2 | Premium | — | Automatic (S10) | 4-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2024 | suv | 8 | 6.2 | Premium | — | Automatic (S10) | 4-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2023 | suv | 8 | 6.2 | Premium | — | Automatic | 4-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2022 | suv | 8 | 6.2 | Premium | — | Automatic | Rear-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2021 | suv | 8 | 6.2 | Premium | — | Automatic | 4-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2020 | suv | 8 | 6.2 | Premium | — | Automatic | Rear-Wheel Drive | 420 hp | 460 lb-ft | V8 |
| 2019 | suv | 8 | 6.2 | Premium | — | Automatic 10-spd | 4x2 | — | — | — |
| 2018 | — | 8 | 6.2 | Premium | — | Automatic | 4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4 | — | — | — |
| 2017 | — | 8 | 6.2 | Regular | — | Automatic | Rear-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2016 | suv | 8 | 6.2 | Regular | — | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2015 | suv | 8 | 6.2 | Regular | — | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2014 | suv | 8 | 6.2 | Gasoline or E85 | — | Automatic 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2013 | suv | 8 | 6.2 | Gasoline or E85 | — | Automatic 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2012 | suv | 8 | 6.2 | Gasoline or E85 | — | Automatic 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2011 | suv | 8 | 6.2 | Gasoline or E85 | L94 | Automatic 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 403 hp | 417 lb-ft | V8 |
Pricing & configuration
Original pricing and model configuration where available.
| Year | msrp | pricing | Trim | currency | Base MSRP | MSRP range | Confidence | notes | Source | estimatedAt | Base price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2025 | — | Trim: Premium Luxury | Premium Luxury | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2024 | — | Trim: Premium Luxury Platinum | Premium Luxury Platinum | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2023 | — | Trim: Sport | Sport | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2022 | — | Trim: Sport Platinum | Sport Platinum | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2021 | — | Trim: Sport | Sport | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2020 | currency: USD, Base MSRP: $75,195, MSRP range: $75,195 - $95,295, Confidence: 0.9, notes: MSRP for the standard Escalade. ESV models are higher., Source: llm_estimate, estimatedAt: 5/8/2026 | Trim: Luxury | Luxury | USD | $75,195 | $75,195 - $95,295 | 0.9 | MSRP for the standard Escalade. ESV models are higher. | llm_estimate | 5/8/2026 | — |
| 2019 | — | Base price: $83,795, Trim: Luxury | Luxury | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | $83,795 |
| 2018 | — | Base price: $80,295, Trim: Platinum | Platinum | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | $80,295 |
| 2017 | — | Base price: $92,195, Trim: Base | Base | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | $92,195 |
| 2016 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2015 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2014 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2013 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2012 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2011 | currency: USD, Base MSRP: $63,455, MSRP range: $63,455 - $85,085, Confidence: 0.8, notes: MSRP for 2011 Cadillac Escalade AWD 4dr Platinum Edition was $85,085. Base MSRP for 2WD 4dr Base was $63,455., Source: llm_estimate, estimatedAt: 5/8/2026 | — | — | USD | $63,455 | $63,455 - $85,085 | 0.8 | MSRP for 2011 Cadillac Escalade AWD 4dr Platinum Edition was $85,085. Base MSRP for 2WD 4dr Base was $63,455. | llm_estimate | 5/8/2026 | — |
Space, dimensions & utility
Seating, cargo, and physical configuration by model year.
| Year | Seats | Doors | Cargo (L) | Cargo (cu ft) | bodyAndInterior | mechanical | Keyless ignition | Seat rows | Steering location | Axles | Wheels | Wheelbase | Front wheel | Rear wheel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2025 | — | — | — | — | Keyless ignition: Standard | — | Standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2024 | — | — | — | — | Keyless ignition: Standard | — | Standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2023 | 7 | — | — | — | Keyless ignition: Standard, Seat rows: 3 | — | Standard | 3 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2022 | 7 | 4 | 722 | 25.5 | Keyless ignition: Standard, Seat rows: 3 | — | Standard | 3 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2021 | 7 | — | — | — | Keyless ignition: Standard, Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Seat rows: 3 | Axles: 2, Wheels: 4, Wheelbase: 120.9, Front wheel: 22, Rear wheel: 22 | Standard | 3 | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) | 2 | 4 | 120.9 | 22 | 22 |
| 2020 | 7 | 4 | 430 | 15.2 | Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Seat rows: 3 | Axles: 2, Wheels: 4, Front wheel: 22, Rear wheel: 22 | — | 3 | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) | 2 | 4 | — | 22 | 22 |
| 2019 | 7 | — | — | — | Keyless ignition: Standard, Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Seat rows: 2 | Axles: 2, Wheels: 4, Wheelbase: 116, Front wheel: 22, Rear wheel: 22 | Standard | 2 | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) | 2 | 4 | 116 | 22 | 22 |
| 2018 | 7 | 4 | — | — | Keyless ignition: Standard, Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Seat rows: 3 | Axles: 2, Wheels: 4, Wheelbase: 116, Front wheel: 22, Rear wheel: 22 | Standard | 3 | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) | 2 | 4 | 116 | 22 | 22 |
| 2017 | 7 | 4 | 2667 | 94.2 | Keyless ignition: Standard, Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Seat rows: 2 | Axles: 2, Wheels: 4, Wheelbase: 116, Front wheel: 22, Rear wheel: 22 | Standard | 2 | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) | 2 | 4 | 116 | 22 | 22 |
| 2016 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2015 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2014 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2013 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2012 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2011 | 7 | 4 | 479 | 16.9 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Safety ratings & driver assistance
NHTSA safety ratings and listed driver-assistance availability.
| Year | Overall rating | Frontal crash | Side crash | Rollover | Rated vehicle | abs | esc | tractionControl | tpms | adaptiveCruiseControl | autoBrake | forwardCollisionWarning | pedestrianAeb | blindSpotMonitoring | laneDepartureWarning | rearCamera | rearCrossTrafficAlert | rearAeb | parkAssist | adaptiveDrivingBeam | autoReverseSystem | blindSpotIntervention |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 2026 CADILLAC ESCALADE SUV N/A 4WD | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2025 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 2025 Cadillac Escalade SUV 4WD | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | — |
| 2024 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 2024 Cadillac Escalade SUV 4WD | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | — |
| 2023 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 2023 Cadillac Escalade SUV 4WD | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | optional | standard | standard |
| 2022 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 2022 Cadillac Escalade SUV 2WD | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | — |
| 2021 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 2021 Cadillac Escalade SUV 4WD | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | — |
| 2020 | — | — | 5 | 3 | 2020 Cadillac Escalade SUV 4WD | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | — | standard | standard | standard | standard | — | — | — | standard | — |
| 2019 | — | — | 5 | 3 | 2019 Cadillac Escalade SUV RWD | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | — | — | — | standard | standard | — |
| 2018 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 2018 Cadillac Escalade SUV RWD | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | — | standard | standard | standard | — | — | standard | standard | standard | — |
| 2017 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 2017 Cadillac Escalade SUV AWD | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | — | standard | standard | standard | — | — | standard | standard | standard | — |
| 2016 | — | — | 5 | 3 | 2016 Cadillac Escalade SUV AWD | — | — | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2015 | — | — | 5 | 3 | 2015 Cadillac Escalade SUV RWD | — | — | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2014 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 2014 Cadillac Escalade SUV RWD | — | — | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2013 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 2013 Cadillac Escalade SUV RWD | — | — | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2012 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 2012 Cadillac Escalade SUV AWD | — | — | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2011 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 2011 Cadillac Escalade SUV AWD | — | — | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Technology & electrification
Listed infotainment, equipment, battery, and charging data.
Model year reports
2026
NewestThe 2026 Cadillac Escalade presents a mixed reliability picture.
2025
The 2025 Cadillac Escalade presents a below-average reliability outlook, primarily due to severe early-life engine failures.
2024
The 2024 Cadillac Escalade is rated below average for reliability, with significant concerns regarding catastrophic engine failures reported at low mileage.
2023
The 2023 Cadillac Escalade is rated below average for reliability, primarily due to a significant number of catastrophic engine failures.
2022
The 2022 Cadillac Escalade presents a below-average reliability profile, primarily due to significant engine failure concerns.
2021
The 2021 Cadillac Escalade presents a below-average reliability outlook, primarily due to a significant number of reported engine and powertrain failures.
2020
The 2020 Cadillac Escalade is rated below average for reliability.
2019
The 2019 Cadillac Escalade presents a below-average reliability outlook, primarily due to significant engine concerns involving internal components like lifters, camshaft, and pushrods.
2018
The 2018 Cadillac Escalade presents a below-average reliability profile, primarily due to significant and recurring issues with its **engine** internal components, such as lifters and bearings.
2017
The 2017 Cadillac Escalade is rated below average for reliability, with significant concerns about engine failures and safety-critical events like engine shutdown.
2016
The 2016 Cadillac Escalade presents a below-average reliability profile, with significant concerns surrounding its airbag system and persistent powertrain vibrations.
2015
The 2015 Cadillac Escalade is a large, luxurious SUV with a powerful V8 engine, but its 'Below Average' reliability verdict and significant powertrain and engine concerns make it a high-risk used purchase.
2014
The 2014 Cadillac Escalade presents a below-average reliability profile, primarily due to significant concerns with its passenger frontal air bag inflator.
2013
The 2013 Cadillac Escalade presents a below-average reliability profile, primarily due to significant safety recalls concerning airbags and steering.
2012
The 2012 Cadillac Escalade presents a below-average reliability outlook, primarily due to significant concerns surrounding the **passenger frontal airbag inflator** and a high volume of **electrical system** complaints.
2011
The 2011 Cadillac Escalade presents a below-average reliability profile, primarily due to significant safety recalls, particularly concerning the airbags.
Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.
What are the best years for the Cadillac Escalade?
Carfocal currently has 16 published Escalade reports, covering 2011 through 2026. Compare the year-specific reports directly to see how reliability, recalls, ownership costs, and value change over time. The newest published verdict says: The 2026 Cadillac Escalade presents a mixed reliability picture.
Published year coverage: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026.
Is the Cadillac Escalade reliable?
There is no single reliability answer for every Cadillac Escalade. Carfocal's published year reports show why the model year matters, with verdicts that include the 2026 cadillac escalade presents a mixed reliability picture. and the 2026 cadillac escalade's value proposition is tempered by its 'below average' reliability verdict and a high tsb count. Compare the report for the year you are considering before you make a decision.
16 published year-specific reports are available for comparison.
What are common problems with the Cadillac Escalade?
Carfocal answers common-problem questions in the year-specific reports. Published guides currently cover 2011 through 2026.
Problem patterns will populate as repair-prediction coverage expands.
Supporting data
- Published guides
- 16
- Years tracked
- 16
- Data sources
- NHTSA, EPA, owner complaints