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2016 Cadillac Escalade ESV

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$75,970

starting MSRP

Key specs

Base trim shown

SUV

Body style

17

Combined MPG

8

Seating capacity

Rear-wheel drive

Drivetrain

Overview

(20 reviews)

The good:

  • Interior materials quality
  • High-tech safety features
  • Towing capacity
  • Cabin quietness

The bad:

  • Interior space, considering exterior bulk
  • Touch-sensitive controls
  • Sticker price

4 trims

Starting msrp listed lowest to highest price

Wondering which trim is right for you?

Our 2016 Cadillac Escalade ESV trim comparison will help you decide.

See also: Find the best SUVs for 2024

Notable features

  • Apple CarPlay integration new for 2016
  • Body-on-frame full-size SUV
  • Regular- and long-wheelbase ESV versions
  • 4G LTE and Wi-Fi hot spot capability
  • 420-hp V-8 engine standard
  • Rear- or four-wheel drive

2016 Cadillac Escalade ESV review: Our expert's take

Vehicle Overview

The ESV is the giant-sized version of the Cadillac Escalade. It uses the same engine, underpinnings, styling and major features as the Escalade and has more cargo room and third-row passenger space. It seats seven or eight depending on whether the second row has two or three seats.
What’s Special

  • 130-inch wheelbase is 14 inches longer than Escalade’s
  • Overall length is 20.4 inches longer at 224.3 inches
  • Maximum cargo volume is 26.7 cubic feet larger at 120.9 cubic feet

Here’s info on the regular Escalade:

Cadillac redesigned the Escalade full-size SUV last year. It’s offered in regular- and extended-wheelbase ESV form. The Escalade is built on the same platform as the Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban and GMC Yukon/Yukon XL but has unique styling and a standard 420-horsepower, 6.2-liter V-8 engine.
New for 2016
The standard Cadillac User Experience entertainment system adds Apple CarPlay smartphone mirroring technology for integrating iPhone functionality, and Cadillac says CUE is faster and more intuitive. Android Auto capability is due later in the model year. Lane keeping assist is now included in a Driver Awareness Package.
Significant Standard Features

  • 420-hp, 6.2-liter V-8 engine
  • Eight-speed automatic transmission
  • 20-inch wheels
  • Adaptive suspension
  • LED exterior lighting
  • OnStar 4G LTE and Wi-Fi hot spot (data subscription required)
  • Keyless entry and push-button start
  • Power-folding third-row seat
  • 360-degree surround-view camera system
  • Hands-free power liftgate
  • Side airbag between front seats 
  • Required in every new car: front airbags, antilock brakes and an electronic stability system

Significant Available Features

  • 22-inch wheels
  • Power-retractable side steps
  • Safety Alert Seat, which pulses to warn driver about potential safety issues
  • Forward collision warning
  • Automatic braking
  • Adaptive cruise control
  • Rear entertainment system with 9-inch screen

Consumer reviews

(20 reviews)
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.8
  • Interior 4.8
  • Performance 4.6
  • Value 4.4
  • Exterior 4.8
  • Reliability 4.5
Write a review

Most recent consumer reviews

Fantastic, safe vehicle for grandparents!

Our ESV is my wife’s daily driver and grandson hauler, and it’s proven to be an incredible vehicle for family road trips as well. 46k miles, had a couple of the common issues (trans shudder, CUE failure), but Dimmitt Cadillac provides fantastic service and overall, the ESV is very reliable. Nicely equipped with tech and safety, the interior still looks new, V8 power and 21 mpg at 75mph loaded with people and luggage, and a smooth, quiet ride that just soaks up the miles.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
19 people out of 19 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Great car

Beautiful car. In great conditions and overall luxurious. Definitely what I was looking for minimal mileage and a fair price. Great for its made year.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
3 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
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My 2016 Cadillac ESV is like brand new

This vehicle was the best choice ever! One previous owner, less than 30,000 miles, very clean and even has the new car smell. Has the luxury package with all the bells and whistles, exterior like brand new, and certified....so the vehicle came with all kinds of warranties and free maintenance services.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
5 people out of 5 found this review helpful. Did you?
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See all 20 consumer reviews

Safety

Based on the 2016 Cadillac Escalade ESV base trim.
Combined side rating front seat
5
Combined side rating rear seat
5
Overall side crash rating
5
Risk of rollover
20.3%
Rollover rating
3
Side barrier rating
5
Side barrier rating driver
5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5
Side pole rating driver front seat
4

Warranty

New car and Certified Pre-Owned programs by Cadillac
New car program benefits
Bumper-to-bumper
48 months/50,000 miles
Corrosion
48 months/50,000 miles
Powertrain
72 months/70,000 miles
Maintenance
48 months/50,000 miles
Roadside assistance
72 months/70,000 miles
Certified Pre-Owned program benefits
Maximum age/mileage
5 years/less than 60,000 miles
Basic warranty terms
New: 4 years/50,000 miles bumper-to-bumper; CPO: One year/unlimited miles bumper-to-bumper
Powertrain
6 years/100,000 miles (2012-2017 models)
Dealer certification required
172-point inspection
Roadside assistance
Yes
View all cpo program details

Have questions about warranties or CPO programs?

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