2016 Cadillac Escalade review

1. Eye-catching styling

If you're looking for a luxury SUV that turns heads wherever it goes, look no further than the 2016 Cadillac Escalade. The Escalade nameplate comes with a certain reputation for curb appeal, and the 2016 model is a worthy successor in this regard, with that large signature Cadillac front grille design backed up by long, flowing lines down the sides, and that trademark imposing stance. There's no mistaking the 2016 Cadillac Escalade for anything else.

2. Powerful standard V8 engine

The 2016 Cadillac Escalade's bold and brash looks are backed up by a powerhouse 6.2L V8 engine, producing a formidable 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. That's more than enough power to put a smile on your face every time you put your foot down, especially when paired with the optional four-wheel-drive system. This also makes the 2016 Cadillac Escalade a great choice for highway cruising, especially as this motor and drivetrain combination is capable of achieving an EPA-estimated 22 mpg on the highway.

3. Spacious three-row cabin

One of the biggest reasons to own a full-size luxury SUV is right there in the name; you'll get vast amounts of space inside a luxurious, well-equipped cabin. The 2016 Cadillac Escalade more than delivers on both of those. Inside you'll find three-row seating and space for up to seven passengers, or eight if you pick the optional second-row bench seat, with plenty of legroom for everybody to stretch out in: 45.3 inches in the front seats, 39.0 inches in the second row and 24.8 inches in the third row.

Additionally, you get standard creature comforts like tri-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, and the CUE^® infotainment interface with an eight-inch touchscreen. Need more? You'll get a rear-seat entertainment system with a Blu-ray^® player and ceiling-mounted flip-down screen on the Luxury trim and upward.

4. Driver convenience tech across the range

Alongside the interior and comfort features listed above, the 2016 Cadillac Escalade also offers a full selection of driver convenience technologies that help make driving this big vehicle an absolute breeze. All 2016 Escalade models include a surround-view camera system and front and rear parking sensors, and Luxury trims upward include a wealth of features like blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and forward collision warning. For maximum peace of mind, Premium and Platinum trims also add forward and reverse collision mitigation with automatic emergency braking.

5. Excellent additional towing capacity

Fancy taking a trailer with you on your next adventure? Or do you just need a rugged work vehicle that can handle the tough jobs? The 2016 Cadillac Escalade's truck underpinnings give it a unique advantage over many of its peers, in the form of impressive pulling power. All models are capable of towing up to an estimated 8,300 lbs, when properly equipped.