2016 Cadillac Escalade

New for 2016

Aftering undergoing a complete overhaul in 2015, the Cadillac Escalade returns for 2016 with an enhanced Cadillac User Experience (CUE) audio and infotainment system, which has been improved for faster repsonse and more inuitive operation. Apple CarPlay® is also now supported. 

Bolder Still 

When it comes to power, prestige, and performance, there is simply no matching the 2016 Cadillac Escalade. It can tow up to 8,300 pounds, has room for up to eight passengers, and sports a wide array of advanced safety and technology features, the latter of which sees a marked improvement this year thanks to enhancements made to Cadillac's groundbreaking CUE system. 

Powertrain and Performance

The 2016 Cadillac Escalade boasts a 6.2-liter V8 engine that serves up 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. It’s mated to a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission that drives the rear wheels. While most owners will be pleased with the standard rear-wheel drive configuration, the Escalade is also available with all-wheel drive.

While power output is extraordinary, the 2016 Escalade provides discerning customers with advanced technology designed to mine maximum efficiency in spite of the vehicle’s commanding frame. Variable Valve Timing, direct injection, and Active Fuel Management ensure the Escalade’s power plant achieves impressive fuel economy numbers of 17 mpg combined (15 city/22 highway) with rear-wheel drive,* while the four-wheel-drive model is rated at 17 mpg combined (15 city/21 highway).*

The 2016 Escalade may not possess the dexterity of a ballerina, but it still manages to pirouette around hard corners with confidence and grace. Still, what it lacks in agility it more than makes up for in pure assuredness. Its brawny V8 provides smooth acceleration that makes pressing on the gas pedal a true pleasure, and climbing quickly to highway speeds an elementary endeavor.

If that wasn’t impressive enough, the cabin maintains library levels of quietness, even when the engine is called upon with great haste—allowing for whisper-level conversations.

Features and Trims

The 2016 Cadillac Escalade starts at $72,970** and comfortably seats seven passengers, or eight with the standard second-row captain’s chairs replaced by an optional second-row bench seat.

The Escalade is practically overflowing with standard features. Highlights include stunning 20-inch chrome wheels, automatic LED headlights, and front and rear parking sensors. There is even a hands-free power liftgate that makes storing bags, groceries, or any other type of cargo a breeze.

Inside is a luxuriously appointed cabin with a heated steering wheel, tri-zone automatic climate control, power- adjustable pedals, leather upholstery, and heated and ventilated eight-way power front seats with four-way lumbar adjustment and driver memory functions.

Cadillac vehicles have always incorporated the latest technologies and the 2016 Escalade is no different. Standard electronics features include an enhanced Cadillac User Experience (CUE) infotainment system, a rearview camera, a customizable instrument panel, navigation, real-time traffic alerts, and a Bose® 16-speaker audio system.

Buyers wishing to enhance their Escalade further can do so by selecting from Luxury, Premium, and Platinum trim. The Luxury trim adds 22-inch wheels, a sunroof, power-folding second row seats, and head-up display (HUD) integrated into the windshield.

Also included in the Luxury trim are a number of enhanced safety technologies, which include blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision alert, and a safety alert driver seat that sends pulses through the seat cushion on the left or right or simultaneously, alerting you of potential hazards as well as the direction they’re coming from.

Premium trim models add even more features, including a Driver Assist Package that features Front Automatic Braking, Rear Automatic Braking, adaptive cruise control, and automatic safety belt tightening. There is even a rear-seat entertainment system that is sure to prove a hit with passengers.

Finally, the Platinum trim includes all the Escalade Premium features plus 22-inch premium painted wheels with chrome inserts, integrated center console cooler, premium Nappa semi-Aniline leather seating surfaces for the front two rows, sueded-microfiber headliner and door pillar trim, and much more.

Design

The 2016 Escalade marries science and art into a breathtaking union of metal and magnificence. It’s a commanding, skyscraper on wheels, which Cadillac said served as inspiration for the Escalade’s design.

Up front, the Escalade benefits from full-LED headlights and, of course, a bold, chrome-laded grille that quite simply demands attention. Large vertical pillars give the Escalade an even more upright character, although the smart creases and slightly sloped roofline provide a modest amount of curvature to what is a very angular design. Around back, we find another set of full-LED lights, this time bracketing the taillights and providing even more cohesion to Escalade’s dramatic suit of metal and alloy.

Inside, the Escalade provides  warmth, comfort, and safety. Cut-and-sewn upholstery is but one of many examples of attention to detail Cadillac has given to its full-size SUV. Naturally, there is an abundance of premium materials, and an attractively designed interior brings the Escalade in line with the rest of the Cadillac lineup.

Likewise, the Escalade provides a generous amount of space for passengers. Second row seating can easily accommodate full-grown adults, while the third-row acquits itself well, too. Overall, there is 15.2 cubic feet of storage behind the third row and 94.2 cubic feet available with the second and third rows stowed.

Safety

Standard safety features on all 2016 Cadillac Escalade models include antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, a rearview camera, front and rear parking sensors, front seat side airbags, side curtain airbags, and an airbag located between the front seats that aids in side-impact crashes. Also standard is OnStar®, which includes automatic crash notification, on-demand roadside assistance, remote door unlocking, stolen vehicle assistance and turn-by-turn navigation.

As previously mentioned, the 2016 Escalade can be outfitted even further with a number of advanced safety technologies and driver’s aids. These include blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision alert, and a safety alert driver seat that sends pulses through the seat cushion on the left or right or simultaneously, alerting you of potential hazards as well as the direction they’re coming from

Bottom Line

The 2016 Cadillac Escalade is a shining example of what happens when you incorporate brains and brawn. It’s a sharply-styled, imposing specimen that does it all. It features an impressive array of technologies designed to entertain and cosset—all without sacrificing the required power, efficiency, and utility drivers rightly demand.

Other full-size SUVs all require some degree of sacrifice, but the 2016 Escalade is more than happy to indulge your every desire. And that’s the way it should be.

For more information, or to schedule a test drive, visit or contact us at MotorWorld | MileOne Autogroup today.

*EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary depending on driving habits and conditions. Use for comparison purposes only.

**The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price excludes destination freight charge, tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment.

Image: Cadillac