2022 CADILLAC ESCALADE
Overview
Cadillac may not be the first car manufacturer that comes to mind when considering sports utes. But Cadillac has managed to play to its legendary strengths—comfort, spaciousness, power and deluxe appointments—without sacrificing the nitty-gritty muscular look and feel desired by SUV fans. This full-size luxury SUV can seat eight adults comfortably in its three rows, all of them roomy, but still navigate the road less traveled, even haul up to 8,000 pounds, all without breaking a sweat.
The Perfect Ride for …
The driver who wants it all and has the bucks to pay for it. The Escalade aficionado is the type of motorist who will doggedly hike the Appalachian Trail by daylight, but once night falls, expect a 5-star dinner followed by a bubble bath. He or she wants a car that can handle the highway with aplomb, easily passing lesser vehicles, while also serving as a comfortable people-hauler, whether that means the whole fam-damily heading off to the hinterlands for some grand adventure or executives flying in for a business retreat. The Escalade fan expects a vehicle to confer a measure of status, with all the bells and whistles that technology and deft design can offer—not least of all state-of-the-art safety features.
Drive and Handling
For all five Escalade trims, the standard engine is a 6.2L V-8 that serves up 420 HP and 460 lb-ft of torque, with a 10-speed automatic transmission having manual mode. That engine will cruise up to 60 mph in under six seconds. The price of all that power, of course, is lackluster fuel efficiency: 14 mpg in the city; 19 mpg on the highway. The available Duramax turbo-diesel will improve mileage to 21/27 mpg, but the horsepower drops to 277.
In keeping with Cadillac’s reputation, the least expensive trim is called Luxury. Next comes Premium Luxury, followed by Sport, Premium Luxury Platinum, and Sport Platinum. The higher trims offer a Touring Package, with an air suspension feature that makes for an amazingly smooth ride for this sports ute behemoth. All but the base trim also feature Super Cruise, which GM bills as “the first true hands-free driving technology for compatible roads” Yes, this luxury SUV really can drive itself.
Key Features
Super Cruise is just one of a long list of high-tech safety features on the 2022 Escalade. All five trims now come standard with a lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist; automatic braking, deploying both rear and front brakes in emergencies; Buckle to Drive technology that prevents the SUV from being put into drive or reverse until the driver’s seatbelt is clicked (or 20 seconds have passed since starting the engine); plus a 360-degree camera system that comes in handy when maneuvering such a large vehicle into tight parking spaces. Available safety features include adaptive cruise control, rearview camera mirror, and blind-spot warning with rear traffic alert.
The Cadillac touch is obvious in the Escalade’s impressive cosmetic touches and creature comforts. The standard list for all trims includes heated front seats and steering wheel, plus wireless device charging. Attractive faux leather seats are standard in the Luxury trim. The pricier models have the real McCoy, with the Platinum trims sporting a soft, semi-aniline leather. Leather is not limited to the seats but also adorns the dashboard and door panels. Optional luxuries include ventilated front seats, a console refrigerator, and a 2-screen entertainment system in the rear.
Alternative Options
Looking for a smaller SUV? Consider the Cadillac XT5. It offers tons of luxury and features along with great fuel economy at a perfect size for city driving. For drivers craving performance and luxury, the CT5-V Blackwing is the pinnacle of sport sedans. If you need to see your options in person, contact the MotorWorld | MileOne Autogroup sales team online today!
Image Credit: Cadillac