2017 Cadillac Escalade review
Cadillac Escalade highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- 6.2L V8 engine as standard
- Quiet, luxurious cabin
- Huge amount of utility for both work and play
Cons
- Uncomfortable third-row seating
- Slow and confusing infotainment system
- Less refined ride than others in its class
Mileage (EPA estimate)
15 city, 20 highway, 17 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
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All Cadillac Escalade years
Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Cadillac Escalade generation from 2012 to 2026
What is new for the 2017 Cadillac Escalade?
- The Escalade is available in a variety of new trims, including the ESV Premium Luxury and Premium Luxury.
- The ESV Premium and Premium trims have been discontinued for 2017.
- Escalade trims have been upgraded with Automated Parking and Android Auto as standard equipment this year.
- Rear Sunshade and Flex Fuel Vehicle features are now available as options on select trims.
- The ESV Luxury trim now comes with Quad Seats and Full Roof Rack as standard equipment.
- The ESV trim now comes with Quad Seats as standard equipment.
- The Platinum trim now comes with Full Roof Rack as standard equipment.
- The ESV Platinum trim now comes with Full Roof Rack as standard equipment.
- The Base trim now comes with Quad Seats and Full Roof Rack as standard equipment.
- The Luxury trim now comes with Quad Seats and Full Roof Rack as standard equipment.
Cadillac Escalade photos
5 reasons to buy the 2017 Cadillac Escalade
1. Spacious interior
The 2017 Cadillac Escalade has a large, opulent, and comfortable cabin. With plentiful passenger space for up to eight people, the Escalade delivers a plush ride for large families, the sports team, or the largest class of rideshare. The second row provides 38.7 inches of headroom and 39 inches of legroom, so taller passengers can stretch out. Farther back, check out 15.2 cu-ft of cargo space or a huge 94.2 cu-ft with all the rear seats folded down. That's well above average for full-size SUVs.
2. Powerful performance
Under the hood of the 2017 Escalade is a stout 6.2L V8, delivering an impressive 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. The massive torque ensures brisk acceleration away from stop signs and allows for confident overtaking on highways. This powertrain is connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission and features cylinder deactivation, which effectively turns it into a four-cylinder when cruising or at stoplights. You won't notice the cylinder deactivation, but you will notice a difference at the pump. The 2017 Cadillac Escalade gets a reasonable EPA-estimated 17 mpg combined from its mighty V8.
Whether cruising around town or enjoying a long road trip, the Escalade offers a commanding and exhilarating driving performance.3. Platinum trim
The Escalade is more than brute force, and the top-tier Platinum trim is where it shows off finesse. Outside, look for the 22-inch chrome wheels and Platinum badges, while the inside shows off upgraded leather seating and dash surfaces. Platinum tech touches include a rearview mirror that can display a wide-angle view from the rear camera, eliminating rear blind spots; and side steps automatically deploy when the doors open, ensuring easy entry and exit. Power folding rear seats make it easier to convert from people hauling to cargo duty, while the power liftgate opens simply by waving a foot under the rear bumper.
4. Cutting-edge technology
The 2017 Escalade is packed with modern technology features that enhance convenience and entertainment. The Escalade boasts standard features such as a responsive high-resolution CUE infotainment system with an eight-inch touchscreen, navigation, Bluetooth® connectivity, and smartphone integration.
The 2017 Escalade's optional features include a refrigerator in the center console, a premium Bose® sound system, a rear-seat entertainment system, and multiple USB ports for an enjoyable and connected experience.5. Towing capability
The Escalade is built to handle more than just passengers, and it can handle towing duties with similar ease. With its robust body-on-frame construction, the 2017 Escalade is well-suited for hauling trailers, boats, or recreational vehicles. The 2017 Cadillac Escalade with rear-wheel drive and the V8 engine can tow an estimated maximum of 8,300 lbs when properly equipped.
If you're planning a family camping trip or need to tow heavy equipment for work, the Escalade provides the power and capability you need.Shop with your budget in mind
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Ratings & reliability
RepairPal gave the Cadillac Escalade an overall reliability rating of 3 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Average. This rating ranks Cadillac Escalade 8th out of 20 among Luxury Fullsize SUVs.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Cadillac EscaladeCadillac Escalade features and specs
Curious how Cadillac Escalade trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities
Base 2WD 4D Sport Utility
Standard Features
- 20 Inch Plus Wheels
- A/C Seat(s)
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Automated Parking
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Bluetooth Technology
- BOSE Sound System
- CD Audio
- Cruise Control
- Front Seat Heaters
- Full Roof Rack
- Heated Mirrors
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Leather Seats
- Memory Seat(s)
- Navigation System
- Overhead Airbags
- Parking Sensors
- Power Folding Third Row
- Power Hatch/Deck Lid
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Quad Seats
- Rear Air Conditioning
- Rear Defroster
- Rear Seat Heaters
- Rear View Camera
- Remote Start
- Running Boards
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Third Row Seat
- Tow Hitch
- Traction Control
- Flex Fuel Vehicle
- Rear Entertainment System
- Rear Sunshade
- Running Boards
Drive Wheels
Rear Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
6.2L
Horsepower
420
Torque (ft-lbs)
460
Engine type
Gas
Fuel capacity
26
Wheelbase
116"
Overall length
203.9"
Width
80.5"
Height
74.4"
Leg room
F 45.3"/M 39"/R 24.8"
Head room
F 42.8"/M 38.7"/R 38.1"
Front tires
P275/55R20
Rear tires
P275/55R20
Seating capacity
7
Max towing capacity
830/8300 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2017 Cadillac Escalade FAQ
The 2017 Cadillac Escalade is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- Base: 15 MPG City and 22 MPG Highway
- ESV: 15 MPG City and 22 MPG Highway
- ESV Luxury: 15 MPG City and 22 MPG Highway
- ESV Platinum: 15 MPG City and 22 MPG Highway
- ESV Premium Luxury: 15 MPG City and 22 MPG Highway
- Luxury: 15 MPG City and 22 MPG Highway
- Platinum: 15 MPG City and 22 MPG Highway
- Premium Luxury: 15 MPG City and 22 MPG Highway
The Cadillac Escalade received a rating of 3 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Average. This rating ranks the Cadillac Escalade as 7 out of 20 among Luxury Fullsize SUV
The 2017 Cadillac Escalade has received an average 4.2 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2017 Cadillac Escalade, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2017 Cadillac Escalade Reviews.
The 2017 Cadillac Escalade has a maximum towing capacity of between 7900 and 8300 pounds, when properly equipped. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
Here is what's new for the 2017 Cadillac Escalade:
- ESV Premium Luxury
- Premium Luxury
- Automated Parking
- Android Auto
- Rear Sunshade
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We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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