The 2023 Cadillac Escalade is a unique SUV that stands out in a world of similar-looking vehicles. This car is a symbol of American greatness and is designed to be bigger and better than its competitors. The exterior is muscular and bold, while the interior is luxurious and indulgent, with wood, leather, and satin-finished metals. The dashboard is a tech-lover's dream, featuring a sweeping curved display that serves as a high-tech control center. In the latest model, Cadillac has introduced a high-performance V-series, which will offer even more power and performance than before.
Read on to learn more about the 2023 Cadillac Escalade.
As the flagship of the Cadillac lineup, the Escalade doesn't skimp on luxury. The base Luxury trim offers plush faux leather, while the higher trims are graced with genuine hides. Premium luxury platinum trim, in particular, features soft semi-aniline leather seats that add an extra touch of elegance. A leather-covered dash, door panels adorned with aluminum speaker grilles, and adjustable interior ambient lighting all contribute to an upscale, inviting atmosphere. Space is in abundance inside the Escalade, with both standard and long-wheelbase models available. The latter option provides extra legroom for third-row passengers and expands cargo space, making it perfect for those long family road trips or shopping sprees.
When it comes to technology, the Escalade is a veritable tech wonderland. Its pièce de résistance is the digital dashboard, a stunning arrangement of three curved OLED displays that form a visually striking 38-inch combined digital landscape. These screens serve multiple functions, including a driver's gauge cluster and projecting the CUE infotainment system for both driver and passenger. Its setup is reminiscent of the Mercedes-Benz GLS-class's large infotainment system, but with a stacked design that creates depth and feels more integrated.
Standing assertively with broad shoulders and a prominent grille, it leads with an iconic badge-centered statement that is recognizable at first glance. The Escalade’s full LED headlamps with their crystalline structure not only illuminate the path forward but also serve as a modern touch that accentuates the SUV's premium character. The Escalade's size is formidable, yet it moves with a sense of grace and precision that belies its dimensions. With 22-inch wheels adding to its elevated stance, the overall impression is one of a vehicle designed for those who expect robust performance without compromising on style. Flush door handles and chrome accents further enhance the sleek, modern look, ensuring that the Escalade is as pleasing to the eye as it is capable on the road.
Beneath the hood of the 2023 Cadillac Escalade lies the heart of its performance: a robust 6.2-liter V-8 engine. This powerhouse is engineered for responsiveness, delivering a formidable 682 horsepower that ensures acceleration is both rapid and smooth. An available Duramax 3.0-liter turbo-diesel engine is an alternative for those prioritizing torque and efficiency, providing an impressive 460 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission that shifts with precision, contributing to a driving experience that is both exhilarating and composed. Whether cruising on the highway or navigating city streets, the Escalade's engine performance exudes confidence and power, solidifying the SUV's position as a leader in its class.
Despite its power and luxury, the 2023 Cadillac Escalade's fuel efficiency is a point of consideration. The EPA estimates that the Escalade achieves a fuel economy of 15 miles per gallon in the city and 20 miles per gallon on the highway for the 6.2-liter V-8 model. The turbo-diesel variant fares slightly better, with the EPA estimating 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. However, it's worth noting that the vehicle's large stature and powerful engines are factors that inherently limit its fuel efficiency. Owners of the 2023 Escalade may find the lower fuel economy an acceptable trade-off for the performance and luxury they gain.
The 2023 Cadillac Escalade is equipped with Cadillac's Super Cruise, an industry-leading semi-autonomous driving system, allowing for hands-free operation on compatible highways. Other key safety features include standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, driver assistance features, rear cross-traffic alert, and available adaptive cruise control. The Escalade has not only been designed to provide a secure cocoon for its occupants but also to incorporate proactive measures aimed at preventing accidents before they occur. Moreover, the robust build of the SUV itself, with its high-strength steel frame, contributes to passenger safety in the event of a collision. While official safety ratings from agencies like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) provide further insight, these integrated safety technologies demonstrate Cadillac's commitment to delivering a vehicle that is as safe as it is sophisticated.
The 2023 Cadillac Escalade is a luxurious and imposing vehicle that exudes a royal presence on the road. With its lavish interior and tech-savvy dashboard, it's like piloting the starship Enterprise—only with a V-8 engine and optional diesel that command the asphalt ocean. But before you start feeling like royalty, remember that fuel efficiency is the dragon you might not slay, so get ready to shell out more at the pump.
Would we recommend it? If your bank account is as stretchy as the Escalade’s long-wheelbase option and you fancy a car with more screens than your living room, absolutely. It's a cruiser fit for those who value cavernous space and high-tech amenities over penny-pinching at the gas station. But if the words 'fuel economy' trigger even a hint of anxiety, you might want to steer clear—lest you wish to fund your local gas station's next remodel. In the realm of full-sized SUVs, the Escalade competes with the grace of a ballet dancer and the appetite of a linebacker. It's up to you to decide if that's the duality you want in your driveway.
