2020 Cadillac Escalade

There are four new trims for the 2020 Cadillac Escalade starting off with the $75,195 base model. There's also a $100,000 extended "ESV' (Extended Stretch Vehicle) model with all the features of the 'Platinum' top model for those who need to fit in more chains and Gucci clothes in the back.

The base trim comes with a wide array of equipment, but the Premium Luxury and Platinum models take this huge, lavish machine to another level. All the Escalade comes standard with a 6.2-liter V-8 engine mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard while you get the four-wheel drive is optional.

Trim	Base	Luxury	Premium Luxury	Platinum
MSRP RWD	$76,490	$80,090	$86,490	$93,590
MSRP AWD	$79,490	$85,090	$89,490	$96590
Key features	20-inch wheels	Same as Base	Same as Luxury	Same as Premium Luxury
	Adaptive suspension	Sunroof	Adaptive cruise control	Front seats with massaging function
	LED headlights	Head-up display
	Automatic parallel/perpendicular parking assist
	Hands-free liftgate
	Three-zone automatic climate control
	Heated/ventilated power-adjustable front seats
	Heated rear seats
	8-inch touchscreen

All variants are very well equipped with features that are standard throughout. There are also a few optional packages on offer too. There’s the Sport package which wraps the grille in black, and the other Driver Awareness package for a bundle of safety features.

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All the 2020 Escalade comes standard with a powerful V-8 engine so choosing between the trim basically depends upon the kind of features you want inside the vehicle. As all the Cadillac boasts an extensive list of features but to get the best interior we would suggest you go with the Premium.  Plus, it's got almost all the features from the Platinum model and you can barely differentiate between the two.

While its rivals have all opted for sensible V6 engines in their base models, the folks at Cadillac threw up at the idea of a puny 6-cylinder and went for the legendary LT1 V8 instead which clearly means that Cadillac is one of the very few mainstream car companies that actually care about horsepower-hungry petrol heads.

A 10-speed automatic transmission, jointly developed by General Motors and Ford replaces the previous model year’s 8-speed automatic transmission.

 

The V8 is the only powertrain option that one gets along with this Cadillac. Also, the only option on the Escalade is a ten-speed automatic transmission.  The 6.2-liter V-8 engine is a monster of an engine and is more than enough to move this 5,500-pound SUV briskly.

Models	Cadillac Escalade	Lincoln Navigator	BMW X7	Infiniti QX80
MSRP	$76,490	$75,825	$92,600	$65,500
Engine	6.2-liter V8 regular	3.5-liter V6 premium	4.4-liter V8 premium	5.6-liter V8
Transmission	10-speed automatic w/OD and auto-manual	10-speed automatic w/OD and auto-manual	8-speed automatic w/OD and auto-manual	7-speed automatic w/OD and auto-manual
Horsepower	420 hp @ 5,600 rpm	450 lb.-ft. @ 5,500 rpm	456 hp @ 5,250 rpm	400 hp @ 5,800 rpm
Torque	460 lb.-ft. @ 4,100 rpm	500 lb.-ft. @ 3,000 rpm	479 lb.-ft. @ 1,500 rpm	413 lb.-ft. @ 4,000 rpm

The V-8 feels incredibly burly and does not even slow down, even with the added heft of the extended-wheelbase ESV model. The 10-speed auto transmission feels incredibly smooth while shifting when more power is needed. You will not feel left behind on the highway as it merges into traffic easily. 

Acceleration

Despite its humongous size the 2020 Cadillac Escalade is the fastest of the lot and makes 0-60 in 6.1 seconds. It even beat others in quarter-mile as it takes only 14.6 seconds to cover the distance. 

Acceleration is easy and effortless. Once max power is attained, i.e., somewhere around the 4,000-5,500 rpm mark, this Cadillac moves as if it were a race car. 

Model	Cadillac Escalade	Lincoln Navigator	BMW X7	Infiniti QX80
0-60 MPH	6.1	N/A	N/A	N/A
Quarter Mile	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Engine	6.2L	3.5L	4.4L	5.6L
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/yr)	10.3	9.3	10.3	11.0

However, the Escalade’s weight does take a toll on its performance. Steady acceleration can be maintained only along straight lines. So the Escalade might prove pretty handy for a stint on the dragstrip, but it’s highly recommended that you steer clear of the racetrack.

Braking 

Now, before you forgive the five and a half thousand pound Caddy for performing poorly in the 60-0MPH braking test, you need to realize that it didn't. Yes, it's a shocker but it is true that the new Escalade comes to a standstill from 60 MPH in just 119 ft. 

This means that it brakes earlier than all the other cars in this segment further establishing that this Caddy is a more focused performance SUV than all of its predecessors. 

Model	Cadillac Escalade	Lincoln Navigator	BMW X7	Infiniti QX80
Brake front (in.)	N/A	N/A	N/A	13.8
Brake Rear (in.)	N/A	N/A	N/A	13.8
Curb Weight (lbs.)	5800	5872	5617	6140
60-0 MPH (ft.)	119	N/A	N/A	N/A

The feel from the pedal and the response from the brakes, in general, is adequately smooth and strong at the same time. So much so that one would appreciate driving the Escalade on an everyday commute around the city or on highways.

Ride and Handling

Cadillac Escalade shares its bones with the Chevrolet. Escalade’s ride quality is comfortable however you may feel the occasional bump over, particularly uneven roads. You get a stiff ride with the optional 22-inch wheel setup but the SUV holds its ground nicely thanks to its balanced steering. 

Straight-line speed hits you in the face almost instantly in the Escalade but around corners, it feels stable but nothing close to a Corvette which it takes its motor from. Obviously, this Caddy's extreme bulk is very apparent on tight corners but body roll is less and never becomes a pain to handle.

The Escalade, due to its low-hanging front bumper, crashed into harsh undulations on roads, and their impact was very much felt inside the cabin. So, the 2020 Cadillac Escalade tries but in general fails in trying to be an adequately comfortable SUV. On the flip side, on high speeds along straight roads, the Escalade benefits from its weight. It stays planted and the steering is responsive.

But no so much that you should dive in and out of corners. As opposed to what the performance figures might suggest, the Escalade is more stable than sporty wherever you drive it and that isn't exactly a bad thing because hardly anyone expects a sports car out of this behemoth.

The fuel economy figures of the Escalade aren't as impressive as the rest of the car but a few MPGs as a sacrifice for more horses? Bearable but in all honesty, the SUV royals have clearly bagged the trophy here.

Jokes apart, the Escalade with the V-8 engine has an EPA rating of 14 mpg city/23 mpg highway and 17 mpg combined which is pretty low when compared to the rivals.

Model	Cadillac Escalade	Lincoln Navigator	BMW X7	Infiniti QX80
MPG (city)	14	16	15	14
MPG (highway)	23	23	21	20
MPG (combined)	17	19	17	16

However, those MPG ratings are achieved when this Cadillac rides on the rear-wheel-drive system. When paired with the all-wheel drivetrain, those ratings drop to 21 miles per gallon on highways. In general, the 2020 Escalade’s fuel-efficiency is only average. The Lincoln Navigator is the segment leader in this case.

The Escalade can seat 7 passengers which means that there are two extra foldable seats in the rear, unlike a Range Rover that only seats 5. The excessive amounts of leather are not only for show; the seats definitely feel like they're the perfect choice for long trips without ever being a pain. As a matter of fact, the amount of space available in the second and third row is almost similar. 

Visibility is good and parking this massive SUV is immensely easy, you will never feel the need of blind-spot monitoring, parking sensor, and backup camera. Inside, the Escalade is quiet but bumpy ride quality and so-so seats add some negative points.

Right from the dash to the tiniest strands of stitching, the interior can only be called drop-dead gorgeous. It happens to be a perfect mixture of technology and retro craftsmanship. All the controls are within reach and the infotainment system is quite intuitive. The interior quality has definitely improved in the 2020 Escalade and getting in and out of this SUV is easy too.

Model	Cadillac Escalade	Lincoln Navigator	BMW X7	Infiniti QX80
Passenger Capacity	7	7	7	7
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in.)	42.8/64.9/45.3	41.8/65.2/43.9	41.9/60.0/39.8	39.9/63.8/39.6
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in.)	38.7/64.4/39.0	40.0/65.1/42.6	39.9/58.1/37.6	40.0/63.5/41.0
Third (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in.)	38.1/62.6/24.8	37.3/64.2/40.9	36.6/47.9/33.3	36.8/60.5/28.8

So overall comfort in this otherwise big SUV is compromised. What hasn’t been compromised is to give the Escalade a fairly premium feel on the inside. The quality of material used even on the base variant gives a rather pleasant feel.

Interior Features

The 2020 Escalade justifies its $75,000 price tag with all the comfort features that it loads up this ride with. Even the Base version is well equipped with comfort features like:

• Steering wheel controls
• Power liftgate
• Power mirrors
• Automatic parking
• Three-zone automatic climate control
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Heated rear seats
• Adaptive suspension
• Bose speakers

Infotainment Features

As soon as you get into the new Escalade, you are greeted by a beautifully shaped infotainment screen that just begs to be noticed along with its gracefully positioned buttons. The screen is run by the CUE or Cadillac User Experience which isn't a very clever name but we'll forgive that because it works brilliantly. 

It should also be mentioned that you can spec the Escalade with no lesser than 3 high-resolution screens with two right behind the front seats.

The CUE (Cadillac User Experience) infotainment system includes: 

• Bluetooth connectivity
• Satellite radio
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Navigation
• Wi-Fi hotspot
• Five USB-ports
• Wireless device charging
• 16-speaker sound system

Cargo Capacity

You get 15.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seats, 51.6 cubic feet with the third row folded and 94.2 cubic feet overall. 

The cargo capacity is impressive for a full-size SUV although the Lincoln Navigator offers better cargo space than the Escalade. 

Model	Cadillac Escalade	Lincoln Navigator	BMW X7	Infiniti QX80
Cargo Volume with rear seats up (ft.3)	15.2	20.9	12.8	16.6

The 2020 Escalade gets a 15.2 cubic feet trunk. As compared to the other mega-SUVs in this segment, this seven-seater has the third biggest trunk. It almost makes you wonder why the Escalade appears to be so big from the outside. Again, the Navigator drives to the top of this segment with the highest cargo capacity of 20.9 cubic feet.

There is also no denying the fact that this SUV boasts more swagger than any other vehicle that has hit the road. Its unmistakable styling is evident from every angle and it shares much of its structure with the Chevy Tahoe, Suburban, and the GMC Yukon. 

Now, it has clearly defined exterior characteristics that set it apart from its GM siblings like the gigantic chrome grille, 22-inch rims, and those gorgeous thin strip taillights. It's a looker even when you compare it to the handsome Range Rover so the looks department has been taken care of really well.

After all, we’re so used to seeing them lined up as convoys. But there’s no denying that the Escalade has a presence, and it looks at its absolute best when dressed in black. On the front is the big, bold grille that houses the swept-black headlights, and the boxy shape reminds us of a Tahoe or Suburban. 

Long vertical taillight also gets LEDs which makes it easy to follow the Escaladed when visibility is low. An aerodynamic rear spoiler adds a sporting flair to this SUV. It is, however, smaller than the Lincoln Navigator in size but the ESV model is about two-feet longer than the standard model making it one of the largest in class.

Model	Cadillac Escalade	Lincoln Navigator	BMW X7	Infiniti QX80
Curb Weight (lbs.)	5800	5872	5617	6140
Length (in.)	203.9	76.4	N/A	N/A
Width (in.)	80.5	79.9	78.7	79.9
Height (in.)	74.4	76.4	71.1	75.8
Ground Clearance (in.)	8.0	9.7	NA	9.2
Wheelbase (in.)	116.0	122.5	122.2	121.1
Track Width (in.) F/R	TBD	67.0/67.2	66.3/76.1	67.5/67.9

Things on the side are rather simple. The boxy shape follows along the sides of this Cadillac. The large 20-inch wheels take center stage. But with the other 22-inch wheels, the Escalade looks as if it were ready for take-off.

Moving over to the back, the Escalade appears even bigger. The big tailgate features the Cadillac logo in the center of a chrome strip that seems to separate the rear windshield from the rest of it. At the bottom left corner is the Escalade branding also in chrome. Putting together the entire back end of this Cadillac are Eldorado-inspired tail lights.

Exterior Features

• Invisible rear wiper
• Concierge lighting
• Cadillac Intellibeam
• Black roof rails
• Body-color splash guards
• Illuminated door handles
• Polished exhaust tips
• Solar absorbing windshield
• Spare tire lock
• Optional radiant trim
• 7 design choices for rims

Most manufacturers are trying their best, to make their car safer and safer, with every passing day. Cadillac is at the forefront of doing these changes and considering the importance of the safety of their occupants, Cadillac is adding a ton load of safety features as standard. The 2020 Cadillac Escalade has not yet been crash-tested. Other than that the list of safety features on this seven-seater is rather small:

• 7 Airbags
• Automatic Parking Assist
• ESC with Traction Control
• Enhanced Auto Emergency Braking with Forward Collision Alert
• Front and Rear Park Assist
• Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone alert
• Rear Camera Mirror washer and Cross Traffic Alert
• Reverse Automatic Braking
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System with Tire Fill Alert
• Surround Vision Camera

Cadillac Escalade vs. Lincoln Navigator

The infamous Lincoln-Cadillac rivalry has given us the best luxury cars to ever come out of the land of the stars and stripes despite both companies being founded by the legendary innovator Henry Leland. 

The goliath Navigator is a result of this feud continuing even in the 21^st century and we're grateful for that because this SUV is beauty and brawn carefully blended into one.

Cadillac Escalade vs. Infiniti QX80

This a face-off where the American born Cadillac shines through. The Escalade manages to overshadow the QX80 with much ease. It boasts a bigger engine, its trunk is bigger and the fuel economy is almost the same. 

But the Infiniti offers much of what the Escalade does. Only it offers all that at a much cheaper rate. The QX80 is a good $10,000 less expensive than the Escalade.

The Cadillac boasts one of the best interiors in the class however the infotainment system is a bit letdown. Regardless, the Escalade is the best looking and the quickest in the segment and ranks high as compared to rivals. It has been very cleverly priced. It looks good.

Even the entry-level variant is very well loaded with features. However, it does have its own quirks. But none of them is too big to undermine these big SUVs overall presence.