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2019 Cadillac Escalade

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Cadillac Escalade OEM Exterior Photo
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Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

Select a Trim
Select a Trim
2019 Base 4x2
most popular
Price:   -  From $75,195
2019 Base 4x4 Price:   -  From $78,195
2019 ESV Base 4x2 Price:   -  From $78,195
2019 Luxury 4x2 Price:   -  From $80,795
2019 ESV Base 4x4 Price:   -  From $81,195
2019 ESV Luxury 4x2 Price:   -  From $83,795
2019 Luxury 4x4 Price:   -  From $83,795
2019 Premium Luxury 4x2 Price:   -  From $85,195
2019 ESV Luxury 4x4 Price:   -  From $86,795
2019 ESV Premium Luxury 4x2 Price:   -  From $88,195
2019 Premium Luxury 4x4 Price:   -  From $88,195
2019 ESV Premium Luxury 4x4 Price:   -  From $91,195
2019 Platinum 4x2 Price:   -  From $94,295
2019 ESV Platinum 4x2 Price:   -  From $97,295
2019 Platinum 4x4 Price:   -  From $97,295
2019 ESV Platinum 4x4 Price:   -  From $100,295

Overview

Despite bones that are beginning to age, the Escalade remains a bestseller among luxury SUVs. It has good reason to boast—with a versatile feature set and the same brash personality that won America’s heart, the 2019 Cadillac Escalade remains a strong bet.

What's New for 2019

The 2019 Escalade returns with only minor changes. Exterior colors see minor tweaks, a hands-free tailgate with logo light is now standard, and a new Sport Package adds aesthetic upgrades.

Cadillac Escalade

Choosing Your Cadillac Escalade

All Escalades share a heart: a 6.2-liter V8 pumping out 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. A ten-speed automatic transmission sends power to either the rear wheels (standard) or all four (a $3,000 option).

Mileage is predictably mediocre: rear-wheel drive models manage an estimated 14 mpg city, 23 highway, and 17 combined, while all-wheel drive drops the highway mileage a few more notches. On the plus side, a towing capacity of up to 8,300 pounds is a welcome perk.

Base cargo space is only adequate at 15 cubic feet behind the third row, but the long-wheelbase ESV fixes that problem by adding 24 more. Otherwise, the cabin is spacious and well-equipped, boasting standard features like ambient lighting, three-zone automatic climate control, heated front and (outboard) second-row seats, and a built-in WiFi hotspot.

Other features are distributed across four trims: Base, Luxury, Luxury Premium, and Platinum.

Cadillac Escalade

Base

Escalade prices rise slightly for 2019, and the base model now starts at $76,490 after $1,295 in destination fees. Despite being the cheapest of the lot, the base Escalade is still lavish. Standard features include LED head and taillights, 20-inch alloy rims, the new hands-free tailgate, rain-sensing wipers, and remote start. The interior features an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a rearview camera, a heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel, wireless charging, and front and rear parking assist. An eight-inch touchscreen handles infotainment, aided by Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, standard navigation, and an elaborate Bose sound system.

The only package available at this level is the Radiant Package ($3,130), which adds a few aesthetic bonuses in the form of 22-inch wheels, a silver mesh grille, and a polished exhaust tip. Significant standalone options include the 22-inch wheels ($2,995), upgraded front brakes ($2,795), a rear seat infotainment system ($1,995), and the polished exhaust tip ($140).

Cadillac Escalade

Luxury

Next up is the Luxury trim, which starts at $82,090. It adds the 22-inch rims, a rear camera mirror, a head-up display, power second-row seats, a power sunroof, and beefed up security features. The biggest addition is a Driver Awareness suite of safety features, which includes collision alerts, lane keep assist, blind zone alerts, rear cross-traffic alerts, low speed automatic braking, and automatic high beams. Packages and standalone options remain the same as the base trim.

Cadillac Escalade

Premium Luxury

Starting at $86,490, the Premium Luxury trim continues to add technology. Adaptive cruise control, forward and reverse automatic braking, and automatic seat belt tightening join the list of safety features. The rear seat entertainment system comes standard, and the exterior gets cornering LED headlights and illuminated door handles. Where non-standard, options remain the same.

Cadillac Escalade

Platinum

The range-topping Platinum trim (starting at $95,590) gets swathed in leather and luxury. Premium semi-aniline cowskin lines the seats, and the leather extends to the instrument panel, center console, and door trim. The front seats get 18-way power adjustability, and the center console includes a cooler. Chrome accents decorate the exterior along with power-retractable assist steps. The rear entertainment system gets dual screens in the front-seat headrests. The Radiant Package (along with most exterior paints and standalone options) is included on this trim.

CarsDirect Tip

The Luxury trim is the sweet spot for features, granting access to both luxury and safety without too much of a price premium. The Platinum trim is luxurious, but even base Escalades will be plush enough for most buyers.

Get your price on a Cadillac Escalade »

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Automotive Editor
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Expert Review

Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

author image
Contributing Editor

The 2019 Cadillac Escalade is a full-size luxury sport utility vehicle, one of the most noteworthy of its kind. Its reputation precedes it, a model noted for its eye-catching design, strong V8 engine, and superior ride quality. The Escalade also offers robust towing ability, but it also guzzles premium unleaded gasoline like a drunken seaman.

Best Value

In a niche segment, the full-size 2019 Cadillac Escalade leads all comers. This model seats up to eight passengers and comes with standard rear-wheel drive or available four-wheel drive. Cadillac offers the 2019 Escalade in standard and extended wheelbases. It comes in four trims: base Escalade, Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Platinum.

All models have a 6.2-liter V8 engine with 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. Cadillac pairs this engine with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The 2019 Escalade has a tow rating of up to 8,300 pounds. That equals the Lincoln Navigator, yet it's more than the Lexus LX 570, Mercedes-Benz GLS, and the Land Rover Range Rover.

Standard features include LED headlights and taillights, integrated assist steps, 20-inch alloy wheels, and a hands-free power liftgate. Inside, this SUV comes with 12-way power-adjustable, heated and cooled front seats, leather seats, a power tilt-and-telescopic steering column, and power fold-flat third-row seats. Other features include a 16-speaker Bose audio system, a WiFi hotspot, a surround-view camera, and automatic parking assist.

Our pick is the Escalade ESV in Premium Luxury trim and four-wheel drive. This pick catches our attention as it includes a rear seat entertainment system and a driver assist package. The longer length is ideal for the additional cargo room. We think four-wheel drive offers the handling edge on slippery roads families demand.

  • Model: 2019 Cadillac Escalade ESV Premium Luxury
  • Engine: 6.2-liter V8
  • Output: 420 hp / 460 lb-ft
  • Transmission:10-speed automatic
  • Drivetrain: Four-wheel drive
  • MPG: 14 City / 21 Hwy
  • Options: Red Passion Tintcoat finish ($1,225)
  • Base Price:$92,490 (including a $1,295 destination charge)
  • Best Value Price:$93,715

Performance

Cadillac Escalade

Cadillac offers one engine and transmission combination to form the Escalade’s powertrain. The 6.2-liter V8 is the largest gasoline engine offered by GM and it bangs out 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. Yet, that’s less power than the twin-turbocharged V6 engine found in the Lincoln Navigator. Cadillac pairs this engine with a 10-speed automatic transmission.

The Cadillac powertrain is strong and never flags in zeal. Indeed, between its robust step-off acceleration, strong passing power, and capable towing, this engine is a true workhorse. The transmission is properly matched here too, serving up gears quickly. The downside is the Escalade guzzles gas, and premium grade fuel at that. The ESV has the 31-gallon fuel tank to accommodate your weekly $100-plus fill-ups. That’s five more gallons on tap than the standard model.

Style

The Cadillac Escalade is derived from GM’s full-size truck architecture. As an SUV, it shares its platform with Chevrolet and GMC models. From there, the canvas is far different as Cadillac gets its own sheet-metal to dress the Escalade.

Upfront, the Escalade’s fascia features an oversized grille flanked by equally outsized headlights with LED accent lighting. If that look doesn’t get your attention, the rest of this massive model will, from its broad hood, long profile with massive wheel wells, and a rear fascia with boomerang taillights. The look may be too over the top for some, but it makes a strong statement. Adding to the effect is the chrome trim touches and surround.

If you think the exterior is dazzling, the interior is what clinches it for many people. The cabin seems wrapped in leather nearly everywhere – across the dashboard, around the center stack, on the doors, and on the seats. The Escalade ESV is the better of the two models available as it has superior third-row leg room than the standard model. The amount of cargo space behind the third-row seat should please families or anyone needing extra room to house their gear.

Nothing about the Escalade’s interior suggests anything less than luxury. Full power accessories, including the tilt-and-telescopic steering column, front seats, and the power-fold third-row seats are just a start. Ambient lighting, plush seats, and advanced technologies underscore the strength of the Escalade and are style elements in their own right.

The Best and Worst Things

At the end of the day (or following your long trip), the Cadillac Escalade keeps everyone comfortable. Its ride is about the best you’ll find among any model anywhere. You’ll pay big for an Escalade, too. Even the base model is priced high. As our sample model build shows, it isn’t that difficult to approach six figures for this vehicle.

Right For? Wrong For?

Cadillac Escalade

The 2019 Cadillac Escalade is right for anyone who wants to show off to the world their wealth. It's an ostentatious, luxurious, and even a bit intimidating package. On the other hand, if you’re put off by its gauche style, there's little you can do about it, except maybe consider the GMC Yukon XL Denali instead.

The Bottom Line

Nearly two decades after its introduction, the 2019 Cadillac Escalade continues to set and maintain the bar in the segment. Lincoln is chipping away with the new Navigator, but Cadillac has years of loyal customers who continue to return to the brand. The cost is not cheap, but if you’re seriously considering buying one, money is hardly your concern.

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Specs & Features

Highlights
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
6.2L V-8 / 420 HP / 460 ft.lbs.
Transmission
10-spd sequential shift control auto w/OD
Drive Type
Rear-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
14 / 23 / 18 Mpg
Passenger Capacity
7 / 8
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
48 Months / 50,000 Miles
Mechanical Specs
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
6.2L V-8 / 420 HP / 460 ft.lbs.
Drive Type
Rear-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined
14 / 23 / 18 Mpg
Brakes
4-wheel Disc / Brembo 4-wheel Disc
Front Suspension
Short And Long Arm
Rear Suspension
Rigid Axle Multi-link
Spare Tire And Wheel
Full-size Steel
Fuel Tank
26.0 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type
Regular Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank
$100
Dimensions & Capabilities
Maximum Cargo Volume
94.2 Cu.ft.
Passenger Volume
172 Cu.ft.
Exterior Length
203.9 "
Exterior Width
80.5 "
Exterior Height
74.4 "
Front Headroom
42.8 "
Rear Headroom
38.7 "
Front Legroom
45.3 "
Rear Legroom
39.0 "
Front Shoulder Room
64.9 "
Rear Shoulder Room
64.4 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight
5,578 Lbs.
Wheel Base
116 "
Turning Radius
19.5 '
Exterior Features
Door Count
4 Doors
Wheels
20.0 " Chrome Aluminum / 22.0 " Machined W/painted Accents Aluminum / 22.0 " Black Aluminum / 22.0 " Machined Aluminum / 22.0 " Silver Aluminum / 22.0 " Silver W/painted Accents Aluminum / 22.0 " Chrome Aluminum
Paint
Clearcoat Monotone / Metallic Monotone / Tri-coat Monotone
Exterior Mirrors
Dual Power Remote W/tilt Down Heated
Bumpers
Body-colored With 2 Front Tow Hook(s)
Grille Moldings
Chrome / Silver
Rear Spoiler
Lip
Exhaust
Stainless Steel / Stainless Steel With Polished Tailpipe Finish
Interior Features
Seating
Passenger Capacity
7 / 8
Seat Trim
Leather
Front Seat Type
Bucket
Heated Front Seats
Driver And Front Passenger Heated-cushion, Heated-seatback
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls
(8-way Power)
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls
(8-way Power)
Front Armrests
(8-way Power)
Rear Armrests
Center
Rear Seats
Bucket / 60-40 Split-bench
Radio & Infotainment
Radio
Siriusxm Am/fm/hd/satellite, Seek-scan
Speakers
16 Bose Surround Sound
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity
Convenience Features
Steering Wheel Type
Power Telescopic Tilt
Climate Control
Automatic Air Conditioning
Cruise Control
With Steering Wheel Controls
Sun Roof
Rearview Mirror
Auto-dimming Day-night
One Touch Open Window
Front And Rear
Tinted Windows
Deep
Vanity Mirrors
Dual Illuminated
Remote Keyless Entry
Keyfob (all Doors)
Power Outlets
4
Safety Features
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating
Rollover Crash Safety Rating
Front Impact Airbags
Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags
Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag
Passenger Side Impact Airbag
Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Front
Anti-Lock Brakes
4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning
Blind Spot Sensor
Lane Departure Warning
Autonomous Cruise Control
Pedestrian Detection
Driver Attention Alert
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams
Adaptive Headlights
Parking Sensors
Automated
Security Systems
Security System
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable
Pass-key Iii+
Warranty
Bumper To Bumper Months Miles
48 Months / 50,000 Miles
Major Components Months
72 Months / 70,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months
12 Months / Unlimited Miles
Roadside Assistance Months
72 Months / 70,000 Miles
Corrosion Perforation
72 Months / Unlimited Miles
Accessories Months

Used 2019 Cadillac Escalade for Sale

4 vehicles found within 100 miles of your area
Cadillac
Luxury
Color: Silver
Price

$30,999

Mileage

59,156 mi

Map location icon

Faith Auto Sales (77 mi)

Phone: (951) 252-7979
Cadillac
Platinum
Color: White
Price

$35,488

Mileage

101,329 mi

Map location icon

Irvine Coast Motorcars Inc (34 mi)

Phone: (949) 288-2801
Cadillac
Premium Luxury
Price

$39,995

Mileage

94,580 mi

Map location icon

Sunrise Ford of North Hollywood (17 mi)

Cadillac
Luxury
Color: Crystal White Tricoat
Price

$43,888

Mileage

46,398 mi

Map location icon

STG Auto Group of Montclair (42 mi)

Phone: (909) 552-7433
See All Used Car Listings

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