2019 Cadillac Escalade

The 2019 Cadillac Escalade price starts at $75,195 for the RWD layout. Being a luxury SUV, the base Escalade gets a long list of features including 20-inch aluminum wheels, 12-way power-adjustable front seats, three-zone climate control, an 8-inch infotainment system with 16-speaker Bose audio, and a lot more. Upgrading to the Luxury trim further adds a rear camera mirror, automatic headlights, bigger 22-inch wheels, head-up display, and a power sunroof. Features like a rear-seat entertainment system, illuminated door handles, and adaptive cruise control are included with the Premium Luxury trim, while the range-topping Platinum model also gets retractable running boards, semi-aniline leather seats, front seat massaging, and a lot more. The long-wheelbase ESV model adds $3,000 to the base price.

Which Trim should you buy?

Because of its long list of standard features, even the base model would be a decent pick of the lot with features like three-zone climate control, leather upholstery, an 8-inch infotainment system with 16 speakers, adaptive dampers, self-parking, and a plethora of active safety features available as standard. You can opt for the ESV variant for more legroom at the rear seats.

While the competition has moved on to smaller turbocharged units, the 2019 Cadillac Escalade engine is still the massive and old-school 6.2L V8 unit that belts out 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. The new 10-speed automatic transmission introduced last year pairs surprisingly well with the engine and the Escalade wafts along with good response and quick shifts. 

Like most American V8 engines, the Escalade lets out an excellent exhaust note when flooring the throttle. Towing capacity stands at an impressive 8,300 pounds thanks to the torquey V8 under the hood. The sprint to 60 MPH is dealt with in just 5.9 seconds despite the heavy build and truck-based chassis, and the Escalade crosses the quarter-mile in 14.3 seconds.

The Lincoln Navigator uses a much smaller turbocharged V6 motor but dishes out more power and torque figures than the Escalade and has similar performance figures too. The Mercedes-Benz GLS Class is the least powerful one here but its acceleration times are quite respectable considering its power output numbers. As expected, the driver-focused BMW X7 is the quickest of the bunch despite the low power output.

How well does the 2019 Cadillac Escalade handle?

Even the base model gets adaptive dampers which lend the Escalade a smooth and comfortable ride quality. But, because of the truck-based chassis, the Escalade gets bumpy over bad roads but never getting too uncomfortable. A lot of the jolts are felt inside the cabin, especially at higher speeds.

However, the firmer ride quality does give the Escalade better handling through the corners as long as you don’t push it too hard. The steering is set up on the lighter side to aid comfort, which makes city driving a breeze but compromises on the highway. The Escalade is also available with a capable four-wheel-drive system for $3,000 over the base model.

Braking Performance

To stop the 5500-pound luxury SUV, Cadillac has provided 13.6-inch rotors at the front and 13-inch rotors at the rear. Braking performance is average for its class, and the Escalade takes 120 feet to drop anchor from 60 MPH. Braking is surefooted with excellent feedback and response.

With the massive Lincoln Navigator setting the bar low with a stopping distance of 132 feet from 60 MPH, both the Cadillac Escalade and Mercedes-Benz GLS Class offer better braking performance, taking 120 feet. As expected, the BMW X7 tops the list with sports cars rivaling braking performance, taking just 105 feet.

Unfortunately, unlike all of its competitors, the Escalade still uses a massive 6.2L V8 engine which guzzles gas. The 2019 Cadillac Escalade gas mileage numbers are limited to just 14 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway. A saving grace, however, is the large 26-gallon fuel tank which gives it a highway range of up to 546 miles. Opting for the four-wheel-drive model will cut highway efficiency down by 2 MPG.

Like its performance, the BMW X7 also impresses in the efficiency department, returning 22 MPG combined. Both the Lincoln Navigator and Mercedes-Benz GLS Class are less efficient at 18 MPG combined, while the Cadillac Escalade returns just 17 MPG.

Being a luxury full-size SUV, the 2019 Cadillac Escalade interior dimensions are generous with seating for up to 8 passengers and a long list of features. The interiors are carried over with minimal updates and the Escalade gets plenty of wood and silver trims to make the cabin more upscale and luxurious. Unfortunately, the overall quality is lacking for the price tag, especially on the lower trims. Like most three-row SUVs, the third row is best reserved for children on the regular model, while the ESV model gets improved leg space. The second-row captain seats can also be switched out for a 60/40 split-folding bench seat to carry more passengers. The overall dashboard and interior design is showing its age nowadays and is in dire need of an upgrade but Cadillac has added some unique touches like a fully digital instrument cluster, and a wide center console, although, the traditional column shifter looks out of place in a modern SUV.

With all the rows up, the Escalade provides 15.2 cubic feet of storage space, which can be further expanded to 51.6 cubes and 94.2 cubes by folding the rear seats. Opting for the ESV model provides an impressive 39.2 cubic feet with all rows up and a total space of 120.9 cubic feet. The Luxury and highway models also get power-folding second-row seats for easy access. For 2019, all trim levels also get a hands-free liftgate as standard.

With a roomy and practical interior, both the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator offer more space than their German competitors, with the Navigator having an advantage in terms of third-row space. The BMW X7 is the most cramped out of all four SUVs, followed by the Mercedes-Benz GLS Class SUV.

Some notable interior features include:

• 18-way power-adjustable front seats with massage function
• Semi-aniline leather upholstery
• Power-folding second and third-row seats
• Head-up display
• Three-zone climate control
• Heated first and second-row seats
• Hands-free liftgate

What’s there to keep you entertained?

The base model of the Escalade comes with a standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system running Cadillac’s CUE infotainment system. As always, the system still feels outdated and subtracting with slow response times and an unintuitive interface. It does include all the modern features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, 4G LTE mobile hotspot, OnStar connected services, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a lot more. Also included is a 16-speaker premium audio system from Bose. The Premium Luxury and higher trims also get a rear-seat entertainment system with a Blu-ray player and dual headrest-mounted displays.

Some notable infotainment features include:

• 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Cadillac’s CUE interface
• 16-speaker Bose sound system
• 4G LTE mobile hotspot
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
• SiriusXM satellite radio
• Rear-seat entertainment with dual displays

The Escalade has always managed to stand out from the crowd with its unique boxy design and chrome elements. The front chrome grille, edgy LED headlights, and massive 22-inch alloy wheels give the 2019 Cadillac Escalade an imposing look with strong character lines and typical SUV traits like plastic cladding and roof rails. From the rear, the Escalade still gets long LED taillights which give it a unique light profile at night. For 2019, two new paint jobs enter the mix for more customisability.

The Cadillac Escalade dimensions are huge yet it is overshadowed by the Lincoln Navigator. German rivals like the Mercedes-Benz GLS Class and BMW X7 are slightly more compact but get a longer wheelbase than the Escalade. Design-wise, the GLS Class looks the best while the BMW X7 gets the most aggressive front fascia.

Some notable exterior features include:

• 22-inch aluminum wheels
• LED headlights and taillights
• Power sunroof
• Front cornering lights
• Roof rails
• Power retractable running boards

The Escalade is still based on the GMT K2XX platform which underpins several other trucks and SUVs in GM’s lineup including the Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, Chevrolet Silverado, and a lot more.

Unfortunately, even with all the standard safety features, the Escalade only received a 4-star overall rating in the NHTSA safety tests and it has not been tested yet by the IIHS. The standard active safety list is very impressive with features like front and rear parking sensors, park assist, surround-view cameras, and a lot more. Higher trims also get forward collision warning with low-speed brake assist, forward and reverse automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, adaptive headlights, automatic high-beams, and a rear camera mirror.

Some notable standard safety features include:

• Front and rear park assist
• Parallel and perpendicular park assist
• Surround-view camera system
• Rear-seat remainder
• Safety alert seat
• Teen driver technology
• OnStar connected services

2019 Cadillac Escalade vs 2019 Lincoln Navigator

While the Cadillac Escalade may be considered the definitive American SUV, the new Lincoln Navigator beats it in almost every category. It gets a more modern turbocharged engine that offers performance without compromising efficiency, better interior space, a modern infotainment system, and finally, a usable third row even in the smaller short-wheelbase version. The Navigator is also more comfortable thanks to a more stable ride and spacious seating. If you can do without the Cadillac badge, the Lincoln Navigator is the one to go for.

2019 Cadillac Escalade vs 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS Class

As expected with a German luxury SUV, the GLS Class fast surpasses the Escalade in terms of technology and equipment. Both SUVs offer similar interior space but the GLS is not available in a long-wheelbase model which limits its third-row space. The GLS also gets a sunroof as standard along with adaptive cruise control and a more capable infotainment system that is easy to use and comes loaded with features. The unique all-wheel-drive system on the GLS is standard, unlike the Escalade. Overall, the GLS is a more complete package than the Escalade, especially for the price.

2019 Cadillac Escalade vs 2019 BMW X7

While the Escalade is more focused on luxury and comfort, BMW has tuned the X7 for driving pleasure with excellent handling and a capable drivetrain. The X7 also offers better performance than the Escalade while being more efficient. The compact dimensions do limit interior space on the X7 with a cramped third row. However, the interiors of the X7 are leagues ahead of the Escalade with a competent infotainment system and a high-quality cabin that is loaded with features. If you’re looking for a fun-to-drive SUV with a lot more tech, the X7 is easily the better choice of the two.

With its dated design and high price tag, it’s hard to recommend the 2019 Cadillac Escalade over its more modern and fuel-efficient rivals. Although its capable V8 drivetrain, towing capacity, and road presence are still strong points, it is rather overshadowed by the low economy figures, average build quality, and harsh ride quality. If you’re in the market for an American Luxury SUV that can seat a whole family in comfort, the current model is adequate, but a completely new model is on the way and will be worth the wait.