What's New
The 2022 Cadillac Escalade receives minor feature updates such as a new buckle-to-drive system, a standard lane keep assist system, and standard puddle lamps on the Platinum trims that display a Cadillac emblem.
Choosing Your Cadillac Escalade
The Cadillac Escalade is available in five trims, the Luxury, Premium Luxury, Sport, Premium Luxury Platinum, and Sport Platinum, and prices range from $77,990 to $105,740. The extended Escalade ESV models are similarly equipped and add $3,000 to the price.
Engine Choices
The Escalade is standard with a 6.2-liter V8 while a 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine is about a $2,500 option (depending on trim). The gasoline engine generates 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque at 4,100 RPM which is matched by the turbo engine although at a much lower 1,500 RPM. Both are mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission and send power to the rear wheels. All-wheel drive is a $3,000 option.
Fuel economy ranges from an EPA-estimated 23 MPG combined with the rear-wheel-drive diesel to 16 MPG combined when fitted with the gasoline engine and four-wheel drive. The cross-town rival from Lincoln delivers just one MPG point better but when the ratings are in the teens, every point matters, and in this case, it’s worth $900 per year in gasoline savings. The diesel is also less expensive to run than the big V8 (by about $1,250 annually) and it extends the Escalade’s range by about 150 miles. Both the Escalade and Escalade ESV earn the same fuel economy ratings.
Passenger and Cargo Capacity
The Escalade is equipped to hold seven passengers or eight when fitted with the no-cost second-row bench seat. The big SUV sits 81.1 inches wide and stretches to 211.9 inches in length while the Escalade ESV goes on for another 15 inches. Both models offer 41.7 inches of legroom (almost as much as a crew cab pickup), and those in the third row will see 35 inches or about 36.5 inches of legroom in the ESV. Cargo volume also expands from 25.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 71.9 behind the second row, and 121 cubic feet with both rows folded to 41.5, 94.1, and 142.8 cubic feet, respectively.
The standard-length Escalade with the gasoline engine can tow 8,200 pounds or 8,000 pounds when equipped with four-wheel drive, and, while its low down torque may feel better suited for towing, the diesel’s ratings are 200 pounds less and the ESV takes off another 100 pounds. Automatic leveling LED headlights are standard although the integrated brake controller and trailer blind-spot zone will require stepping up to the Premium Luxury trim and selecting the Performance Package.
Safety Features
The base trim does without the advanced active safety technology but still incorporates automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist (newly standard for 2022), front and rear parking sensors, automatic high beams, rain-sensing wipers, safety seat alert, a new Buckle-to-Drive system, and an HD surround-view display.
The Premium Luxury and above trims add Super Cruise (on models built after December 5, 2021), enhanced automatic emergency braking, blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert with reverse automatic braking, adaptive cruise control, parking assist, automatic seatbelt tightening, and a rearview mirror camera.
The Escalade has not been rated by IIHS but earns a four-star overall rating from NHTSA.
Connectivity
The Escalade is standard with a 14.2-inch gauge cluster display with a 7.2-inch display on the left and a 16.9-inch display on the right for infotainment and vehicle systems. Wireless smartphone compatibility, HD Radio, SiriusXM with 360L, and a Wi-Fi hotspot with remote connectivity are included. Sound is produced through a 19-speaker premium sound system with conversation enhancement or a 36-speaker AKG sound system available on the Premium Luxury and Sport trims and standard on the two Platinum trims with integrated speakers into the ceiling and headrests and independent front occupant volume control. There are seven USB ports, two 110V outlets, and a wireless phone charger onboard for charging duties.
2022 Cadillac Escalade Luxury – MSRP From $77,990
The Luxury trim feels properly equipped for a luxury SUV. The exterior includes LED headlights and taillights, 22-inch wheels, dual exhaust outlets integrated into the rear fascia, running boards, chrome bodyside moldings and roof rails, a hands-free power tailgate, proximity entry with illuminated door handles, auto-dimming and power-folding mirrors with integrated turn signals, remote engine start, brake wear indicators, and a capless fuel filler. The interior is just as well fitted with faux leather seating, eight-way power-adjustable heated front seats, a power-adjustable heated steering wheel, memory positioning, heated second-row seats, a power-folding third-row, power-release second-row seats, tri-zone climate control, ambient lighting, and augmented-reality navigation that is displayed in the large digital gauge cluster.
2022 Cadillac Escalade Premium Luxury – MSRP From $88,990
The Premium Luxury trim adds several significant features over the Luxury trim such as polished 22-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof, perforated leather seats with ventilation for the front row, and a head-up display.
The $2,700 Performance Package is available and includes adaptive dampers, towing equipment, and an electronically-engaging limited-slip rear axle. With the Performance Package selected, the Touring Package is offered for $2,550 which includes air suspension with adjustable height settings (+/-4 inches) and front and rear soft-close doors. With both of those packages selected, the premium AKG sound system is available for $4,300 and night vision is offered for $2,000.
The $600 Heavy-Duty Trailering Package can be added to the Performance Package and includes a two-speed transfer case, additional cooling capacity, an auxiliary camera, and a trailer tire pressure monitoring system.
The $3,910 Radiant Package adds bright 22–inch chrome alloy wheels, a mesh grille with silver surrounds, monochromatic Cadillac emblems, and puddle lamps that display the Cadillac crest.
2022 Cadillac Escalade Sport – MSRP From $91,690
The Sport trim includes the features of the Premium Luxury and adds a black finish to the 22-inch wheels, gloss-black body side moldings, roof rails, grille surround, window and c-pillar trim, running boards, tailgate trim, and exhaust tips. It also includes the features of the Performance Package.
The Touring Package is also available and the Onyx Package ($2,510) adds gloss black wheels, a gloss black nameplate, and puddle lamps.
2022 Cadillac Escalade Premium Luxury Platinum – MSRP From $105,740
The top-tier Premium Luxury Platinum trim features unique 22-inch wheels, a unique grille design, semi-aniline leather seats in all three rows, 16-way power-adjustable front seats with massage, the premium sound system, and two 12.6-inch rear-seat entertainment screens, as well as the equipment of the Performance Package, and the Touring Package.
The Radiant Package is available for $3,775 - slightly less because the puddle lights are newly standard.
2022 Cadillac Escalade Sport Platinum – MSRP From $106,365
The Sport Platinum trim merges the features of the Premium Luxury Platinum trim with the design of the Sport trim.
The $2,375 Onyx Package is also available.
Compare Escalade Trims Side-By-Side
The Premium Luxury trim with the Touring Package and the Heavy-Duty Trailering Package equip the Escalade with the luxury and capability that makes the Escalade worth its price tag.