In this case, I’d say go big or go home. If you’re buying something as big as an Escalade, why not get the biggest, most spacious one? There isn’t even a difference in fuel consumption. Show
The Cadillac Escalade ESV is not fuel efficient (duh)The tested Cadillac Escalade ESV Sport Platinum has a standard 6.2L V8 that makes 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Four-wheel drive is also standard on all models. The ESV (and normal Escalade) should get an average of 15 L/100 km if you’re driving equal amounts on the highway and city roads — otherwise it’s 13.1 highway and 16.6 city. After a week of driving the Escalade ESV, we had an observed average of 14.4 L/100 km; it’s better than the posted average but it’s still not much to brag about. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. NRCan says fueling this monster with premium gas should be roughly $4,350 annually, but of course, fluctuating gas prices can easily change that. After running it to nearly empty, filling up 95L of the 107L tank cost almost $200. If you filled up a full tank of gas every week for $200, you’re looking at a yearly cost of something closer to $10,000. However, I genuinely question if this would be your daily driver because if it is, this is a whole lot of car to casually drive your kid around to extracurricular activities or the grocery store. I tried backing it into a spot once. It was not fun. The cameras couldn’t properly ensure that I wasn’t about to hit either of the two cars beside me. I didn’t hit either but this thing is not meant for regular-sized parking spaces, as noted with a chunk of the vehicle sticking out of the allotted parking space. Although, parking like an a-hole would also save the trouble of fitting it through a drive-through. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.  Does the 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV have Super Cruise?Yes. I don’t mind Super Cruise, but I didn’t use it as often as I did when recently testing the Cadillac XT6. I do appreciate that it seems to know its limits, telling you to take control in an exit lane or questioning if it can see your face from time to time. I will note it changed lanes a little more than I would have, if I had full control. Managing editor Jonathan Yarkony recently drove this Cadillac Escalade ESV, using Super Cruise for the first time, and had this to say about it: “For me Super Cruise was a bit like a kid with a new toy for Christmas… I love using the adaptive cruise controls in every vehicle available to see how well they maintain space and adjust to slowing vehicles or other drivers cutting in. The Escalade’s Super Cruise was about as good as anything we’ve driven, with suitable follow distances and gradual braking when approaching significantly slower traffic without any alarming beeps or overreactions (I’m looking at you Honda). But the ultimate party trick of Super Cruise is that lane change function: Set your speed, settle into your lane, and when the Escalade approaches slower traffic, it will scan the next lane to the left to identify a gap, then signal and make the lane change, accelerate back to your set speed, pass the vehicle and then return to your original lane. It was just neat to see a car do all of that. Granted, it can only operate on specific roads mapped for Super Cruise and it requires much more space and time to execute the lane changes, so it’s a system that requires a lot of patience or passive nature. In other words, it is fun as a party trick, but probably not something I would use very often over the long term. If only Cadillac offered a Super Self Parking feature that was as intuitive as Super Cruise, that is something I’d be far more likely to use regularly.” This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Is the Cadillac Escalade ESV spacious on the inside?Yes. From the outside, it looks like the Escalade ESV can hold roughly 20 people, but there are only seat belts for seven. While there are a couple three-row SUVs that would be up to the task of getting better fuel consumption averages, I can confidently say none would give you as much cargo space and third row legroom as the 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV — with the third row up. With the third row down, most three-rows have adequate space, but with three kids, I almost always need that third row up, as well as an abundance of cargo space. All 14 Photos for Gallery Full Screen is not supported on this browser version. You may use a different browser or device to view this in full screen. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. For the day trip, we didn’t need a bunch of bags and therefore didn’t need to pile up the trunk with endless clothes and all the other things I overpack when we spend the night somewhere. We also didn’t need the stroller because we’re slowly growing out of use for one, but this trunk would have no problem fitting bags and a stroller at the same time, again, with the third row’s seats up. Instead, we just packed a small bag of spare clothes, some wet wipes and Super Nintendo — because the rear seat entertainment only works with HDMI. There’s a ton of space, but not a whole lot of hidden storage space for whatever one may want to go unseen. The centre console looks like it’ll be huge and while it’s bigger than average and can hold a small purse, it could definitely be a bit bigger considering the size of this vehicle. There’s also a small pocket for storage beside the driver and passenger (below the centre cup holders) but what’s usually a passthrough in other vehicles, isn’t one in here. It’s oddly shaped and won’t fit much. If you don’t need hiding spaces, it’s just a large vehicle that can fit a lot of junk in other spots. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. How much is the 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV?The 2023 Cadillac ESV starts at just over $110,000, before taxes and $2,300 destination charge. The tested Sport Platinum trim is the fifth of six trims and starts quite a bit higher than that. Adding things such as Super Cruise for $2,875 and the Onyx Package (including monochrome Cadillac emblems, gloss black Escalade nameplate, and 22-inch 12-spoke gloss black alloy wheels) for $4,240 can quickly increase that base price. In this tester’s case, it had both, and a few other things that pushed the total to $148,083. What competes with the Cadillac Escalade ESV?The Escalade ESV competes with pretty much the same full-size luxury SUVs as the unstretched Escalade. Its competition includes the JLR Range Rover, BMW X7, GMC Yukon Denali, and of course, Lincoln Navigator. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Compare the specs of similarly-priced full-size SUVsIn the Lincoln Navigator, we did a mini road trip to Niagara Falls, and while it’s a giant SUV, it’s not quite road-trip-friendly, in my humble opinion. The third-row passengers were quite nauseous by the time we reached our destination and there was extremely limited cargo space with that third row up. In comparison, the Escalade ESV had far more cargo space, but like the Navigator, its ride sometimes felt wobbly; I’ve never been on a cruise, but I imagine it’s a similar feeling to being seasick — without actually feeling like it’s going to tip over. When is the electric Escalade going to arrive?Dubbed the Escalade IQ, the all-electric Escalade is supposed to be more on par with the ESV’s sizing, and have a lot more tech than it has in previous years. Surprisingly, for such a big vehicle, the battery range is estimated to be over 700 km — but I guess the next question is how long will it take to charge? Though it’ll be similar in size to the ESV, using that third row in the IQ takes a bit of a hit to the cargo space, but keep in mind, you’ll also have access to the “eTrunk” up front, which holds 345L. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. It will feature two electric motors that deliver 680 hp and 615 lb-ft of torque, but if you’re looking for a little more from your monster, there will also be a Velocity Max mode that bumps it to 750 hp and 785 lb-ft of torque. Canadian pricing for the 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ hasn’t been released yet, but expect it to arrive sometime in 2024, and you can bet it’ll cost more than the gas versions of the Escalade and Escalade ESV. Final thoughtsGetting back into my minivan came with a slight sigh of relief as it felt so much lighter and simpler to drive. No loud engine noises, no heavy steering, no wobbling. If you’re looking for something inconspicuous, something that might ease car sickness, as well as save on fuel, the Escalade ESV is not it. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Regardless of your road-trip vehicle choice, it likely won’t change the hysterics of what’s happening inside — because kids will be kids. However, if it’s space you’re looking for — or general attention from those around you — then this 2023 Cadillac Escalade isn’t a terrible choice. In fact, Driving’s Peter Bleakney recently did a road trip in the Escalade ESV with other adults in his band, who likely weren’t complaining at every stoplight, and they enjoyed the ride. So, maybe kids just ruin the fun, and this is why we can’t have nice things. Check out the latest Cadillac Escalade ESV model. Click here for more Millennial Mom’s Reviews. Renita NaraineAll things automotive: breaking news, reviews and more. Wednesdays and Saturdays. By clicking on the sign up button you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. You may unsubscribe any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link at the bottom of our emails or any newsletter. Postmedia Network Inc. | 365 Bloor Street East, Toronto, Ontario, M4W 3L4 | 416-383-2300 A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Driving.ca's Blind-Spot Monitor will soon be in your inbox. We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again Notice for the Postmedia Network This website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more about cookies here. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. How much should i pay for a 2023 Cadillac Escalade?The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2023 Cadillac Escalade starts at $81,190 for the Luxury base-level trim with destination fee and popular options. Prices will increase as you add options or choose a trim with more features. MSRP stands for manufacturer's suggested retail price. Which is better Escalade or ESV?Escalade ESV Dimensions & Size. The key difference between the 2022 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV is in their size. The Escalade ESV, or Escalade Stretch Vehicle, boasts a longer wheelbase, body, and significantly more cargo space. Do Cadillac Escalades hold their value?Despite the fact that the Cadillac Escalade is the best-selling vehicle in its segment, it doesn't hold its value well as it ages. Is the Cadillac Escalade long term reliable?Overall the Cadillac Escalade has a long term quality rating of 79.1 compared to an average of 43 across Makes and Models we examined. |
