

Sport Utility
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7-8 Seats
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15-16 MPG
(Combined)
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Key specs of the base trim
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Overview
The Good
- Powerful engine
- Luxurious cabin
- Long list of standard luxury features
- Lots of standard safety equipment
The Bad
- Feels big when driving
- Third-row seat doesn't fold flat
- Gas mileage
What to Know
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403-hp V-8 with cylinder deactivation
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Six-speed automatic
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Seats up to eight
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Available full-time AWD
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2013 Cadillac Escalade Review
from the Cars.com expert editorial team
Vehicle Overview
The full-size Cadillac Escalade SUV has appealed to celebrities and affluent 20-somethings since 2001, when a flashier version debuted. Its competitors include the Lincoln Navigator, Lexus LX 570, Infiniti QX56 and other luxury SUVs. In the spirit of excess, the Escalade boasts available 22-inch wheels and a 6.2-liter V-8 with more than 400 horsepower. It can be configured to seat up to eight people and is available with rear- or all-wheel drive.
New for 2013
There are no significant changes for 2013.
Exterior
Three-tier headlights and a large crisscrossed grille define the Escalade’s styling, while chrome applications throughout emphasize the vehicle’s luxury status. Exterior features include:
- LED headlights optional
- Side mirrors with integrated turn signals
- Eighteen-inch wheels are standard; 22-inch wheels are optional
- Power liftgate standard
Interior
Two rows of captain’s chairs and a three-seat bench in back are standard. An optional second-row bench increases seating capacity to eight. The center control panel flows into the floor console rather than being a separate unit. Interior features include:
- LED-backlit instrument panel
- Standard tri-zone automatic climate control
- Leather seats with power adjustments in front and seat heaters in the first two rows
- Cooled front seats
- Navigation system standard, with guide lines for the backup camera and weather-forecast information
- DVD entertainment system available
- Power-tilting steering wheel; he...
Vehicle Overview
The full-size Cadillac Escalade SUV has appealed to celebrities and affluent 20-somethings since 2001, when a flashier version debuted. Its competitors include the Lincoln Navigator, Lexus LX 570, Infiniti QX56 and other luxury SUVs. In the spirit of excess, the Escalade boasts available 22-inch wheels and a 6.2-liter V-8 with more than 400 horsepower. It can be configured to seat up to eight people and is available with rear- or all-wheel drive.
New for 2013
There are no significant changes for 2013.
Exterior
Three-tier headlights and a large crisscrossed grille define the Escalade’s styling, while chrome applications throughout emphasize the vehicle’s luxury status. Exterior features include:
- LED headlights optional
- Side mirrors with integrated turn signals
- Eighteen-inch wheels are standard; 22-inch wheels are optional
- Power liftgate standard
Interior
Two rows of captain’s chairs and a three-seat bench in back are standard. An optional second-row bench increases seating capacity to eight. The center control panel flows into the floor console rather than being a separate unit. Interior features include:
- LED-backlit instrument panel
- Standard tri-zone automatic climate control
- Leather seats with power adjustments in front and seat heaters in the first two rows
- Cooled front seats
- Navigation system standard, with guide lines for the backup camera and weather-forecast information
- DVD entertainment system available
- Power-tilting steering wheel; heated steering wheel available
- Available Platinum Edition features a heated steering wheel, heated and cooled cupholders, a leather-wrapped interior and an entertainment system with screens integrated in the back of the front head restraints
Under the Hood
An all-aluminum 6.2-liter V-8 makes 403 hp and 417 pounds-feet of torque. It works with a six-speed automatic transmission and can tow up to 8,300 pounds (rear-wheel drive) or 8,100 pounds (all-wheel drive) when properly equipped. Cadillac includes standard scheduled oil changes, tire rotations, replacement of engine and cabin air filters, and multipoint vehicle inspections for four years or 50,000 miles. Mechanical features include:
- Standard rear-wheel drive; available permanent all-wheel drive
- Optional Magnetic Ride Control replaces mechanical shock absorbers with electronically controlled shocks that GM says react to the road more quickly
Safety
Safety features include:
- Standard four-wheel-disc antilock brakes
- Standard electronic stability system with rollover-mitigation technology
- Standard side curtain airbags for all three rows of seats
- Standard front-seat side-impact airbags
- Optional blind spot warning system
More Reviews from Our Experts
Mother Proof's viewConsumer Reviews
What drivers are saying
Read reviews that mention:
Nice looking appearance
This car is eye-catching but I did not like the column gear shift, the second-row seats were captain seats and they were stationary and did not move. My husband is 6'5 and he was not comfortable his ... Read full review
Seven years and 80,000 miles with zero problems.
Most reliable vehicle I ever owned. Comfortable, reliable and a commanding view of the road. I had it serviced by local Caddy dealer for seven years, every 5K miles, oil/tire rotation/full service ... Read full review
Safety
Recalls and crash tests
Warranty
New car and certified pre-owned programs by Cadillac
Certified Pre-Owned Program Benefits
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Maximum Age/Mileage
Less than 50,000 miles
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Basic Warranty Terms
4 year, 50,000 miles bumper-to-bumper
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Powertrain
6 years/100,000 miles (2012-2017 models)
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Dealer Certification Required
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Roadside Assistance
Yes