For times when a run-of-the-mill Cadillac Escalade just isn't big enough, the automaker offers the Escalade ESV, which is downright ginormous. Measuring in at 224.3 inches, the 2018 ESV is roughly 20 inches longer than the regular Escalade. Thanks to the elongated body, the ESV has more third-row legroom, a larger fuel tank, and more cargo space. In the case of the ESV, bigger really does mean better.
What's New for 2018
For 2018, the Cadillac Escalade ESV gets various updates. The most noteworthy addition is a standard 10-speed automatic gearbox. With the 6.2-liter engine and the 10-speed transmission, the rear-wheel-drive ESV can get to 60 miles per hour from a standstill in just 5.98 seconds, which is impressive for its enormous size.
On the inside, the 2018 ESV benefits from two new color combinations: Shale with Jet Black and Maple Sugar with Jet Black accents. The ESV also gets a redesigned center console and a new console bin organizer. As far as the massive SUV's exterior goes, the ESV gets a new Satin Steel Metallic exterior paint scheme, while 22-inch polished wheels are an optional extra. The ESV also gets an updated version of the old SUV's full-speed adaptive cruise control system, which can guide the vehicle to a complete stop and have it take off again.
Choosing Your Cadillac Escalade ESV
Power for the Escalade ESV comes from a 6.2-liter V8 engine that makes 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. The engine is now paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission and puts its power down to either the rear wheels or to all four through an all-wheel-drive system. While consumers looking for excellent fuel economy won't cross-shop the ESV and a Toyota Prius, the large SUV isn't too bad with a rating of 14 miles per gallon in the city and 23 mpg on the highway. The all-wheel-drive model results in a loss of two mpg on the highway.
With its extended body, the ESV offers an impressive 120.9 cubic feet of cargo space. With the second row in place, there's 75.7 cubic feet of available space, and 39.3 cubic feet behind the third row. Those figures put the ESV at the top end of the spectrum when it comes to large SUVs.
The Escalade ESV is available in four different trims:
While the Cadillac ESV's size and opulent features can be eye-catching, few consumers truly require all of the space that the ESV offers. At $3,000 more than the regular Escalade, it's a hard sell for the majority of consumers. If extra space is necessary, the ESV Luxury, with all of the modern safety features, is the trim we'd go for, as driving the beast in urban areas would be an easier task.