2022 Cadillac Escalade

　　

2022 Cadillac Escalade Review

byDan FrioReviews Editor

　　Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to zzdcar, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

　　More than two decades after its debut, the Cadillac Escalade remains a modern icon. Its sharp creases, undeniable presence, strong V8 power and robust towing ability have made it a fixture in both pop culture and suburban driveways. Fully redesigned last year, the 2022 Escalade carries over its winning formula, with only minor changes to driver aids and safety features.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 Cadillac Escalade Luxury 4dr SUV (6.2L 8cyl 10A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$291/mo  for Escalade Luxury

　　Escalade Luxury

　　Luxury 4dr SUV (6.2L 8cyl 10A) - $76,295 MSRPLuxury 4dr SUV 4WD (6.2L 8cyl 10A) - $79,295 MSRPPremium Luxury 4dr SUV (6.2L 8cyl 10A) - $84,895 MSRPPremium Luxury 4dr SUV 4WD (6.2L 8cyl 10A) (Most Popular) - $87,895 MSRPSport 4dr SUV (6.2L 8cyl 10A) - $87,595 MSRPSport 4dr SUV 4WD (6.2L 8cyl 10A) - $90,595 MSRPSport Platinum 4dr SUV (6.2L 8cyl 10A) - $101,595 MSRPSport Platinum 4dr SUV 4WD (6.2L 8cyl 10A) - $104,595 MSRPPremium Luxury Platinum 4dr SUV (6.2L 8cyl 10A) - $101,595 MSRPPremium Luxury Platinum 4dr SUV 4WD (6.2L 8cyl 10A) - $104,595 MSRP

　　vs

　　$229/mo

　　Avg. Large SUV

　　This new-generation Escalade is longer than its predecessor, making for even more passenger room in its second and third rows. A new independent suspension design replaces the old solid-axle configuration, helping the Escalade feel less like a luxury truck and more like a proper executive-class ride. Cadillac's Super Cruise semi-automated driving system reinforces the feeling with a nearly hands- and feet-free cruise control experience ideal for taming the stress of crowded highway commutes.

　　The Escalade's refinements make it no less capable, though. With a max 8,200-pound towing capacity and optional diesel V6 engine, it still performs truck work with ease. The big Caddy's updates make it one of today's top luxury SUVs, though the closely matched Lincoln Navigator or the Mercedes-Benz GLS, with its superlative interior and equally impressive technology pedigree, remain worthy alternatives. Be sure to read our Expert Rating below for finer details on the 2022 Cadillac Escalade.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　8.0

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.0/10

　　How does the Escalade drive? Cadillac has done a fine job hiding just how big and heavy the Escalade really is. The Escalade's 6.2-liter V8 might not send it to 60 mph (6.7 seconds) as quickly as some rival SUVs, but it's potent enough. On-ramps and highway passing are no issue, and the V8 sounds pretty good too. The transmission occasionally has some abrupt shifts, and we wish the shift paddles worked in Drive and not just Low, but it's mostly smooth and smart enough to be in the right gear most of the time.

　　We wouldn't call the Escalade sporty, but it's smooth and composed enough around turns. The steering is light and direct, so parking or driving down winding roads doesn't feel like a chore.

　　

Comfort

7.5/10

　　How comfortable is the Escalade? We don't think the Escalade's ride is quite as refined as that of class leaders such as the Mercedes GLS, but it's certainly comfortable enough most of the time. The seats, too, aren't quite as relaxing as those of the class leaders, but you won't be complaining after hundreds of miles behind the wheel. It's generally pretty quiet too.

　　The climate control system keeps the temperature even, but overall it falls short of the best of the best. There isn't enough adjustment in the vents, and we had to adjust the automatic temperature frequently. Heated seats allow finer control of the zones, which is great.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below