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2018 Cadillac Escalade review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
7 photos

Cadillac Escalade highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability rating

Pros

  • Powerful V8 engine delivers strong acceleration
  • Towing capacity up to 8,300 pounds
  • Cabin remains quiet regardless of road conditions

Cons

  • Less refined ride and seat comfort than other luxury SUVs
  • Low handling limits and heavy steering
  • High, uneven cargo floor makes loading objects difficult

Mileage (EPA estimate)

14 city, 21 highway, 17 combined

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Brash and bold styling define the full-size 2018 Cadillac Escalade SUV

Big, brash, and bold, the 2018 Cadillac Escalade is a full-size three-row SUV that layers a heavy dose of luxury upon SUV underpinnings shared with the Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon. Quiet, leather-trimmed and with comfortable seating for eight, the Escalade is also surprisingly quick thanks to its powerful V8 engine and new-for-2018 10-speed automatic transmission. Based as it is on a utilitarian platform, it’s also a capable SUV, with four-wheel drive and a tow rating of up to 8,300 pounds, easily out-towing many of its car-based competitors. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.

Inside, the Escalade is filled with luxurious amenities, but only on the upper trim levels. The Premium Luxury trim adds what we would consider “must haves” such as a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assist systems that includes adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking. However, despite Cadillac’s best efforts, the Escalade’s ride quality is compromised by its old-school suspension setup, which includes a truck-like solid rear axle. The cargo space is also smaller than expected. Not surprisingly, fuel economy is not the Escalade’s strong suit.

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 2018 Cadillac Escalade?

  • Escalade trims have been upgraded with 8511 as standard equipment this year.

2018 Cadillac Escalade trims

Curious how Cadillac Escalade trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

Base:

  • 420-hp, 460-lb-ft of torque 6.2L
  • Rear Air Conditioning
  • Rear Defroster
  • Cruise Control
  • Third Row Seat
  • Leather Seats
  • Power Seats
  • Memory Seats
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • View our Cadillac Escalade inventory

Luxury:

Premium Luxury:

Platinum:

  • Includes all features available on the Premium Luxury
  • Seat Massagers
  • 8511

ESV:

ESV Luxury:

ESV Premium Luxury:

ESV Platinum:

Cadillac Escalade photos

What We Like

Engine power: With 420 horsepower on tap from the 6.2-liter V8 engine, the big Escalade has no problem getting up to speed despite its size. The 10-speed automatic that debuted for 2018 is a good companion to the engine. It downshifts quickly and will skip gears under moderate acceleration to avoid the feeling of “hunting” for the right gear.

Interior quiet: Compared to its Chevrolet and GMC siblings, the Cadillac Escalade stands out for its excellent noise control on the highway. This is even more remarkable considering that the big Caddy isn’t an inherently slippery shape when it comes to aerodynamics.

Off-road capability: While we doubt many drivers will take their Escalades off road, that has a lot more to do with their choice than the Cadillac’s inherent capability. With a true four-wheel drive system, including a low-range transfer case, the Escalade is just as capable as a Chevy Tahoe or GMC Yukon when the going gets tough. That is, if you’re not afraid to get it dirty.

What Needs Improvement

Ride quality: While ride quality is generally a Cadillac strength, that’s not true of the Escalade. The suspension includes special shock absorbers that react quickly to road imperfections to help smooth the ride. However, there’s no getting around the archaic suspension setup that includes a truck-derived solid rear axle. That, plus the occasional shiver from the body-on-frame construction, can produce a decidedly unluxurious ride.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

5 out of 5

3 customer reviews

RepairPal reliability rating

3
Average

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 Escalade

Cadillac 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
  • 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

Optional Features

  • Full Roof Rack
  • Rear Entertainment System
  • 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

2018 Cadillac Escalade FAQ

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