hamburger icon

2018 Cadillac Escalade

Change vehicle or year
Cadillac Escalade OEM Exterior Photo
Interior Profile
OEM Exterior
OEM Exterior
Rear Interior Volume
Photos Colors
Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

Select a Trim
Select a Trim
2018 Base 4x2
most popular
Price:   -  From $74,695
2018 Base 4x4 Price:   -  From $77,695
2018 Luxury 4x2 Price:   -  From $80,295
2018 Luxury 4x4 Price:   -  From $83,295
2018 Premium Luxury 4x2 Price:   -  From $84,695
2018 Premium Luxury 4x4 Price:   -  From $87,695
2018 Platinum 4x2 Price:   -  From $93,795
2018 Platinum 4x4 Price:   -  From $96,795

Overview

The 2018 Cadillac Escalade is nearly as luxurious as SUVs get, providing drivers with a dynamic road presence, an upmarket cabin with three-row seating, formidable technology, and a lovely V8 engine. Competition includes the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class, Lexus LX570, and of course, the inimitable Land Rover Range Rover. But while consumers might cross-shop the Escalade with these brutes, there isn't one that can match the Caddy's panache or reputation in popular culture.

What's New for 2018

Cadillac has made several changes to the Cadillac for 2018. There are new exterior and interior color combinations, a 10-speed automatic transmission instead of last year's eight-speed unit, and more technology, such as an updated adaptive cruise control system.

Cadillac Escalade

Choosing Your Cadillac Escalade

The Escalade gets one engine option only – a 6.2-liter V8 that develops 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels via the new 10-speed auto transmission. All-wheel drive is available for an extra $3,000.

Rear-drive Escalades return 14 miles per gallon in city, 23 highway and 17 mpg combined, while all-wheel drive drops those numbers to 14/21/17 mpg.

Despite being a luxury-oriented SUV, the Cadillac still gives owners an impressive towing capacity of 8,300 pounds.

There are four trim levels – Base, Luxury, Luxury Premium, and Platinum. The only notable optional package is the Radiant Package, which adds seven-spoke 22-inch wheels, a restyled grille, and a chrome exhaust tip. It's available on the base trim for $3,905 and on the Luxury and Luxury Premium trims for $2,130. Among the individual items, we recommend $1,720 rear-seat entertainment system, which is standard on the Luxury Premium and above. The other major standalone option are a $1,750 set of power-retractable side steps (standard on the range-topping model).

Cadillac Escalade

Base

The entry-level Escalade is priced at $75,290 (including $1,295 destination charges). Standard features include LED headlights and taillights, 20-inch wheels, GM's impressive magnetic ride control system, automatic locking rear differential, hands-free tailgate, rain-sensing automatic wipers, roof-mounted luggage rack and smart-key with remote engine start.

Inside, you have ambient lighting, three-zone climate control, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, a surround-view camera, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, heated and leather-wrapped steering-wheel, automatic parking, cruise control and wireless charging. The multimedia duties are handled by an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system with a built-in wifi hot-spot, navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility and Bose audio system.

Cadillac Escalade

Luxury

Moving up the range, you have the Escalade Luxury, costing $80,290. New components include 22-inch wheels, a rear-camera mirror, a four-color head-up display, sunroof, new leather upholstery, and plethora of driver-assistance features like automatic high-beams, blind-spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning with low-speed automatic braking, lane departure warning and lane keep assist.

Cadillac Escalade

Premium Luxury

The Luxury Premium trim comes in at $84,890. It gets features from the lower trims plus an electronic parking brake, illuminated door handles, and rear-seat entertainment with a nine-inch roof-mounted, BlueRay-capable screen. The driver assistance features are bolstered with adaptive cruise control, front and reverse automatic braking, and automatic safety-belt tightening.

Cadillac Escalade

Platinum

The range-topping Escalade Platinum will set you back $93,990. Added features on the exterior are re-designed 22-inch wheels, LED cornering lights and power-retractable side-steps with illuminated lighting. On the interior, there is a thoroughly updated cabin with more upmarket materials, different upholstery, micro-fiber headliner, massaging front seats and upgraded rear-seat entertainment with two individual screens located on the front headrests.

CarsDirect Tip

The entry-level Escalade is well-equipped but the Luxury trim provides the best value for money thanks to its range of driver-assistance features. The Luxury Premium is a bit underwhelming, while the Platinum’s price-tag may not be appealing to most buyers.

Get your price on a Cadillac Escalade »

author image
Automotive Editor
Read Less

Expert Review

Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

author image
Automotive Editor

Despite its aging bones and truck-inspired construction, the 2018 Cadillac Escalade does an admirable job of keeping up with modern rivals. The powertrain is smooth and versatile, and the feature set will please passengers young and old. Best of all, the Escalade still has the brash and blinged-out style that made it such a hit.

Best Value

Many buyers will be happy with even a base Escalade, which is equipped with heated leather seats, a heated leather steering wheel, automatic parking assist, a WiFi hotspot, navigation, and a 16-speaker Bose sound system. The long-wheelbase ESV model adds extra cargo capacity, but all except the largest families won’t need it.

We’d spring for the Luxury trim for its upgraded safety technology. The Escalade’s body doesn’t get amazing scores in NHTSA crash testing, but Cadillac has done well keeping up with modern safety suites. The Luxury trim adds a bevy of sensors and assist features, along with automatic emergency braking and automatic high beams. As a bonus, you get extra-big 22-inch rims with chrome inserts. With all-wheel drive, it’s the multi-capable Escalade we’d have.

  • Model: 2018 Cadillac Escalade Luxury
  • Engine: 6.2-liter V8
  • Output: 420 hp / 460 lb-ft
  • Transmission: 10-speed automatic
  • Drivetrain: All-wheel drive
  • MPG: 14 City / 21 Hwy
  • Options: Metallic Exterior Color ($625), All-wheel drive ($3,000)
  • Base Price: $81,590 (including the $1,295 destination charge)
  • Best Value Price: $85,215

Performance

Cadillac Escalade

Paired with a new 10-speed automatic, the Escalade’s 6.2-liter V8 is more than capable of managing the considerable bulk. The transmission itself is smooth and refined, and the engine’s cylinder deactivation technology works seamlessly. The Magnetic Ride Control means that even with the larger rims, the Escalade is planted and stable over potholes.

Still, don’t expect the Escalade to be much fun in the corners. The power-assisted steering is well calibrated, but at around 6,000 pounds, the Escalade has to reckon with vast inertia. This means muted handling and mediocre efficiency, although you probably weren’t buying the Escalade for its fuel economy. The car uses body-on-frame construction, which often introduces secondary motion and makes vehicles harder to handle. The chassis does a good job masking most of the ill effects, but the Escalade is still a truck in car’s clothing.

Style

Angular and extroverted, the Escalade remains one of the most recognized vehicles on the road. The grille is chrome-slatted and imposing, complementing sharp lines and Cadillac’s signature vertical taillights. The interior is swathed in leather, and upper trims offer some truly opulent configurations. Cadillac’s CUE infotainment system is clunkier than many, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto help ease the difficulties.

If understatement is more your style, you’d best look elsewhere. The Escalade’s styling spectrum runs from loud to overwhelming, and it’s going to attract its share of attention. The Escalade’s enduring image means that driving one is a statement – conspicuous, expensive, and showy. It certainly makes an arrival, but it may not be for everyone.

The Best and Worst Things

The Escalade’s willing powertrain is complemented by a big personality, but also by an equally big curb weight.

Right For? Wrong For?

Cadillac Escalade

The Escalade is perfect for the parents who like everyone to know where they are in the after-school pickup queue. It can appeal to younger buyers, too. As a lifestyle statement, the Escalade still enjoys a special position in the world of SUVs.

It’s still more car than many buyers need. As crossovers and compact SUVs become ever more capable, the reasons to buy the biggest car on the lot dwindle. Buyers who value practicality (or humility) can save piles of cash by looking at less luxurious options.

The Bottom Line

Among premium SUVs, the 2018 Cadillac Escalade is still the one to beat. The interior is lavish, the engine has plenty of grunt, and the exterior ensures that everyone knows how much you spent. The Escalade will eventually need more substantial updates to keep up, but it’s a winning recipe for now.

Read Less

Specs & Features

Highlights
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
6.2L V-8 / 420 HP / 460 ft.lbs.
Transmission
10-spd sequential shift control auto w/OD
Drive Type
Rear-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
14 / 23 / 18 Mpg
Passenger Capacity
7 / 8
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
48 Months / 50,000 Miles
Mechanical Specs
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
6.2L V-8 / 420 HP / 460 ft.lbs.
Drive Type
Rear-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined
14 / 23 / 18 Mpg
Brakes
4-wheel Disc / Brembo 4-wheel Disc
Front Suspension
Short And Long Arm
Rear Suspension
Rigid Axle Multi-link
Spare Tire And Wheel
Full-size Steel
Fuel Tank
26.0 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type
Premium Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank
$100
Dimensions & Capabilities
Maximum Cargo Volume
94.2 Cu.ft.
Passenger Volume
172 Cu.ft.
Exterior Length
203.9 "
Exterior Width
80.5 "
Exterior Height
74.4 "
Front Headroom
42.8 "
Rear Headroom
38.7 "
Front Legroom
45.3 "
Rear Legroom
39.0 "
Front Shoulder Room
64.9 "
Rear Shoulder Room
64.4 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight
5,578 Lbs.
Wheel Base
116 "
Turning Radius
19.5 '
Exterior Features
Door Count
4 Doors
Wheels
20.0 " Chrome Aluminum / 22.0 " Steel / 22.0 " Machined W/painted Accents Aluminum / 22.0 " Black Aluminum / 22.0 " Machined Aluminum / 22.0 " Silver Aluminum / 22.0 " Silver W/painted Accents Aluminum / 22.0 " Chrome Aluminum
Paint
Clearcoat Monotone / Metallic Monotone / Tri-coat Monotone
Exterior Mirrors
Dual Power Remote W/tilt Down Heated
Bumpers
Body-colored With 2 Front Tow Hook(s)
Grille Moldings
Chrome / Silver
Rear Spoiler
Lip
Exhaust
Stainless Steel / Stainless Steel With Chrome Tailpipe Finish
Interior Features
Seating
Passenger Capacity
7 / 8
Seat Trim
Leather
Front Seat Type
Bucket
Heated Front Seats
Driver And Front Passenger Heated-cushion, Heated-seatback
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls
(8-way Power)
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls
(8-way Power)
Front Armrests
(8-way Power)
Rear Armrests
Center
Rear Seats
Bucket / 60-40 Split-bench
Radio & Infotainment
Radio
Siriusxm Am/fm/hd/satellite, Seek-scan
Speakers
16 Bose Surround Sound
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity
Convenience Features
Steering Wheel Type
Power Telescopic Tilt
Climate Control
Automatic Air Conditioning
Cruise Control
With Steering Wheel Controls
Sun Roof
Rearview Mirror
Auto-dimming Day-night
One Touch Open Window
Front And Rear
Tinted Windows
Deep
Vanity Mirrors
Dual Illuminated
Remote Keyless Entry
Keyfob (all Doors)
Power Outlets
4
Safety Features
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating
Rollover Crash Safety Rating
Front Impact Airbags
Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags
Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag
Passenger Side Impact Airbag
Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Front
Anti-Lock Brakes
4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning
Blind Spot Sensor
Lane Departure Warning
Autonomous Cruise Control
Pedestrian Detection
Driver Attention Alert
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams
Adaptive Headlights
Parking Sensors
Automatic Parking Assist Automated
Security Systems
Security System
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable
Pass-key Iii+
Warranty
Bumper To Bumper Months Miles
48 Months / 50,000 Miles
Major Components Months
72 Months / 70,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Roadside Assistance Months
72 Months / 70,000 Miles
Corrosion Perforation
72 Months / Unlimited Miles
Accessories Months

Used 2018 Cadillac Escalade for Sale

1 vehicles found within 100 miles of your area
Cadillac
Premium Luxury
Color: White
Price

$42,995

Mileage

45,388 mi

Map location icon

California Car Company (29 mi)

Phone: (714) 256-8600

Other Cadillac Escalade Listings

We have expanded the search to include other Cadillac Escalade years that you might be interested in.

Cadillac
Premium Luxury
Color: Black Raven
Price

$79,595

Mileage

17,798 mi

Map location icon

Penske Buick GMC (6 mi)

Phone: (877) 361-5354
Cadillac
Sport
Color: Crystal White Tricoat
Price

$91,888

Mileage

26,885 mi

Map location icon

Platinum AutoHaus (6 mi)

Phone: (310) 318-3122
Cadillac
Color: Gray
Price

$71,888

Mileage

28,716 mi

Map location icon

Swickard Buick Gmc Of Thousand Oaks (31 mi)

Phone: (805) 267-3700
See All Used Car Listings

Insider Information

We have information you must know before you buy the Escalade. We want to send it to you, along with other pricing insights.

Sign Me Up

I agree to receive emails from CarsDirect. I understand that I can unsubscribe at any time. We will not spam you, and will never sell your email. Privacy Policy.

Thank you. You are now subscribed to our Pricing Insider updates.