Used Cadillac Escalade Quick Facts
- The latest-generation Cadillac Escalade from 2021 on is the most desirable. Additionally, 2018-2020 are also good years to buy, but precede some high-tech features.
- The Escalade-V pumps out a tire-scorching 682 horsepower.
- Cadillac debuted an electric SUV in 2024 called the Escalade IQ.
The Cadillac Escalade has a long history of providing everything full-size luxury SUV buyers want and then some. Its truck-based roots enable it to tow heavy loads and, in ESV form, comfortably carry eight people. Over the years, the Escalade’s impressive powertrains, cutting-edge features, and strong reliability and resale stats have kept customers coming back. It shouldn’t be hard to find a low-mileage used example in great condition.
The latest generation Escalade is the most sophisticated, offering a high-performance V-Series model (we’ll explain below), Cadillac’s Super Cruise hands-free driving assist, and even an electric-powered Escalade. Read on to get details on the best years for buying a used Cadillac Escalade and what this SUV offers.
- What Is the Best Model-Year Used Cadillac Escalade?
- Cadillac Escalade by Generation: Which Trim Should You Buy?
- Is the Cadillac Escalade a Good SUV?
- How Much Can the Cadillac Escalade Tow?
- Does the Cadillac Escalade Offer a Hybrid Engine?
- Can the Cadillac Escalade Go Off-Road?
- What Are the Most Reliable Years for the Cadillac Escalade?
- What Are the Least Reliable Years for the Cadillac Escalade?
What Is the Best Model-Year Used Cadillac Escalade?
The latest-generation Cadillac Escalade from 2021 on is the most desirable. It corrects some shortcomings from the previous generation (namely, the infotainment interface and rear suspension). It adds more high-tech features, like a massive, curved OLED display and the ability to drive itself. Performance fans will love the Escalade-V, which features a 682-hp supercharged V8, while buyers preferring the greener side of the pasture can enjoy the zero-emission Escalade IQ electric vehicle (EV).
However, if you’re trying to save more than a few thousand dollars and you don’t need many high-tech gadgets, a late-model fourth-generation or even third-generation Escalade is a solid choice. They feature powerful V8 engines, can tow up to 8,300 pounds, and have a solid reputation for reliability and durability.
A note about features: Due to the post-pandemic chip shortage, some 2021 and 2022 Escalade models may be missing features such as a heated steering wheel, auto stop/start, and Super Cruise. You’ll want to be sure the used model you’re buying has all the expected features, or move to a 2023 or newer model.
See used Cadillac Escalade models for sale near you.
Cadillac Escalade by Generation: Which Should You Buy?
Fifth Generation: 2021-Current
Without question, the fifth-generation Escalade is the best version yet. Slightly longer than the fourth-gen model, the latest Escalade offers several improvements worth having. Its independent rear suspension not only improves ride and handling but also allows the Escalade to have a flush cargo floor, a feature lacking in the older version. The design also increases space for second- and third-row occupants, especially on the stretched Escalade ESV.
In the cabin, a massive one-piece curved OLED display houses the instrument cluster and infotainment screens. Climate control runs through another touchscreen above the center console and rotary gear selector. If you’re not a big fan of touch controls versus conventional knobs and buttons, a third-generation Escalade may be more to your liking. However, if you equate luxury with technology, read on.
One of the biggest advances in the fifth-gen Escalade is the Super Cruise hands-free driving assistant. When engaged, the system allows the driver to remove their hands from the wheel and foot from the gas and brake, although both eyes must remain open and alert. The system works only on approved highways but covers about 750,000 miles in the United States and Canada.
The Escalade’s standard 6.2-liter V8 engine carries over from the fourth generation. It produces an impressive 420 hp yet can achieve 20 mpg on the highway. Cadillac offered an optional diesel engine for a short time, although not many customers opted for it. The diesel provides less horsepower but the same 460 lb-ft of torque as the gas V8, earning an EPA 27 mpg highway figure.
Rear-wheel drive (RWD) is standard, and 4-wheel drive (4WD) is optional on all but the Escalade-V, which comes standard with a sophisticated all-wheel drive (AWD) setup.
Several trims make up the fifth generation. The base Escalade Luxury trim comes standard with leatherette upholstery, heated seats (first two rows), tri-zone climate control, a wireless charging pad, a heated steering wheel, and 12-way power front seats. Also included are rain-sensing wipers, a hands-free power liftgate, and a 19-speaker audio system. Standard driver assists include forward collision warning and braking, front and rear parking sensors, and the Safety Alert Seat.
Moving to the Premium Luxury brings more desirable features, such as a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic detection, a rearview camera mirror, lane-keeping assist, parking assist, and a head-up display. Adaptive cruise control is available, but as part of an option package. Other features of note include leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and an available air-ride suspension.
The Platinum trim includes most of the Premium’s standard and optional equipment and adds semi-aniline leather upholstery, massaging 16-way power front seats, a 36-speaker AKG audio system, and soft-close doors. There’s also Magnetic Ride Control, an electronic limited-slip differential, a trailering package, adaptive cruise control, and reverse automatic braking.
The Sport and Platinum Sport trims build on the Premium and Platinum trims, adding Mulan leather upholstery, a limited-slip differential, Magnetic Ride Control, and black-out exterior trim and wheels. The Platinum Sport adds adaptive air suspension.
While listed on the 2021 and 2022 features list, Super Cruise is not widely available where advertised until the 2023 model year.
Besides a recall for a possible issue with the connecting rods and bearings on the 6.2-liter V8, the fifth-generation Escalade remains relatively free of major problems.
Model-Year Changes
2025: Revised styling inside and out includes a new full-width digital dashboard. New standard features include an AKG audio system and Super Cruise. Cadillac drops the diesel engine option and introduces the Escalade IQ electric vehicle.
2024: Cadillac makes Super Cruise standard on all but the Luxury base trim.
2023: The 682-hp Escalade-V debuts.
2022: No significant changes. The chip shortage results in some features being deleted.
See 2021-to-current Cadillac Escalade models for sale near you.
Fourth Generation: 2015-2020
The fourth-generation Escalade is a slightly better version of the third generation, but the two share many mechanicals and luxury features. The same 6.2-liter V8 carries over, although it is now hooked to a new 8-speed automatic that later turns out to have some performance issues. Cadillac replaced it with a 10-speed in 2018.
To accommodate the flat-folding second and third-row seats, Cadillac sacrifices a bit of cargo and rear seat legroom compared to the third-generation Escalade, but at least you don’t have to manually lug the rear seats out and store them. The downside is that Cadillac raised the floor about four inches to make room for the flat-folding seats, cutting down on cargo space and increasing the liftover height when loading.
If you’re not a big fan of everything controlled by touch or voice, this generation might not work for you. Cadillac moved from conventional knobs and buttons to haptic touch controls on everything from the infotainment system to the steering wheel controls. It’s not a very effective system. Similarly, the CUE infotainment setup has its fair share of issues, including screens that freeze up or go blank, screens that delaminate and cease to function, and general unresponsiveness.
This generation does offer advanced driver assistance features like a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic detection, automatic high beams, and forward collision alert. Initially, more advanced systems like adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking appear only on the top-line Platinum but eventually make their way to lower trims either as standard or as part of an optional package.
Four trims make up this series: Base, Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Platinum.
The more notable features are heated and cooled front seats, LED headlights, a hands-free power liftgate, a configurable digital instrument cluster, and a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel. Move up to the more luxurious trims, and you’ll find 18-way power-adjustable massaging front seats, a heated steering wheel, a power sunroof, Bose audio, and a rear seat entertainment system.
Problem areas for this generation include shuddering and slow shifts for the 8-speed automatic and the CUE infotainment system. As for recalls, two worth following up on involve defective upper control arms and a bad vacuum pump that can lead to decreased brake assist.
Model-Year Changes:
2020: No significant changes.
2019: A hands-free power liftgate joins the standard equipment list.
2018: A new 10-speed automatic transmission upgrades from the short-lived 8-speed gearbox.
2017: The significant changes are marked by new trim names, a rearview camera mirror, and an automated parking assistant.
2016: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto join the CUE infotainment system, and lane-keeping assistance becomes optional. All trims get automatic headlights and an improved optional Driver Awareness package.
2015: A new 8-speed automatic transmission replaces the old 6-speed unit.
See 2015-2020 Cadillac Escalade models for sale near you.
Third Generation: 2007-2014
A third-generation Escalade will likely have high mileage and wear and tear. Still, if you can find one in good condition, there’s much to like. The same 6.2-liter V8 powers this generation and mates to a 6-speed automatic transmission. In 2009, a hybrid powertrain option debuts, pairing a 6.0-liter V8 with an electric motor sandwiched between the engine and transmission. However, this option only lasts for a few years.
The stretched Escalade ESV and pickup-based Escalade EXT carry over from the second generation.
While plenty of luxury features exist, you won’t find advanced driver assist systems, smartphone compatibility, or fold-away second- and third-row seats.
Some more attractive features include heated and ventilated front seats, heated and cooled front cup holders, 16-way power seats, Bose audio, Magnetic Ride Control, navigation, and power-retractable running boards.
Some common issues for these years include broken exterior door handles, bad front bearings, and failed air shocks on models equipped with air suspension.
Model-Year Changes:
2014: Cadillac deletes the hybrid and EXT models.
2013: No significant changes.
2012: A new center console and enhanced navigation mark the big changes.
2011: Some tweaks to the OnStar software add flexible speech recognition.
2010: Cadillac adds Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation to the 6.2-liter engine and front seat side-impact airbags.
2009: The hybrid model joins the lineup. New features include a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel and side blind-zone alert. Platinum trims gain LED headlights.
2008: No significant changes.
See 2007-2014 Cadillac Escalade models for sale near you.
The Early Years: Generations (1999-2006)
2001-2006
The second-generation Escalade improves on the original, introducing the 6.0-liter V8 alongside the tried-and-true 5.7-liter engine. These years also introduce the extended wheelbase ESV and pickup-based EXT to the lineup. Find one in decent condition, and you’ll have a nice SUV with lots of turn-of-the-century luxury (think CD players, Bose audio systems, touchscreen GPS navigation, and a rear-seat DVD player).
See 2001-2006 Cadillac Escalade models for sale near you.
1999-2005
The original Escalade launched as Cadillac’s answer to Lincoln’s surprisingly successful Navigator. For whatever reason, Cadillac’s dressed-up Chevy Tahoe took the market by storm, quickly appearing in popular music videos, sporting events, and Hollywood premieres. It also marked the end of the sedan as Cadillac’s flagship vehicle.
See 1999-2005 Cadillac Escalade models for sale near you.
Is the Cadillac Escalade a Good SUV?
The Escalade is a perfect SUV. It has solid bones, cutting-edge tech, a luxurious cabin, and the power to haul big loads like a boat, horse trailer, or an Airstream. However, the fifth generation really steps up the Escalade’s game, putting it on par with the world’s most luxurious SUVs.
How Much Can the Cadillac Escalade Tow?
The tow rating starts at 8,000 pounds but can go as high as 8,200 pounds when properly equipped for 2021 to current models. The 2015-to-2020 models can haul up to 8,300 pounds, and the early models pull between 7,100 and 8,100 pounds.
Does the Cadillac Escalade Offer a Hybrid Engine?
The Escalade offered a hybrid engine option, but only for four years between 2009 and 2013. However, the 2025 Escalade now offers an electric powertrain, which is even cleaner than a hybrid.
Can the Cadillac Escalade Go Off-Road?
While it’s no Jeep Grand Cherokee nor Mercedes G-Class, the Escalade can tackle some mild off-road situations, but only when equipped with 4-wheel drive.
What Are the Most Reliable Years for the Cadillac Escalade?
There aren’t really any horrible years for the Escalade, but the fourth- and fifth-generation models are probably the most reliable. We like the 2023 and newer Escalade SUVs for their features and tech. In the fourth generation, we’d opt for the 2018 or newer as the 10-speed transmission is superior to the 8-speed.
What Are the Least Reliable Years for the Cadillac Escalade?
We’d maybe pass on the 2021 and 2022 only because some models may have features deleted due to the chip shortage. The 2015-2017 models have an 8-speed automatic that some owners report suffering from torque converter shudder and delayed acceleration.
