2023 Cadillac Escalade V-Series

The Escalade, as everyone knows, is Cadillac's humongous flagship SUV. Redesigned in 2021, it gained a performance version, the V, in 2023. What does the V add? Principally a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 (682 hp), standard all-wheel drive, performance-tuned adaptive air suspension and ride control, and Brembo high-performance brakes. Oh, and cost. The Escalade's base Luxury trim starts at $84,000; the V's starting price in early 2024 is $152,295. In many ways, the Escalade-V delivers. The big V8 supplies plenty of power and torque, the adaptive air suspension provides sporty handling (for a big SUV), and steering feedback is decent. Its 3 rows of seating are spacious and comfortable, with easy entry and exit. The exterior and interior styling and materials are dramatic and eye-catching. Fit and finish are first-rate, with an abundance of leather, wood, and brushed metal trim. The Escalade-V also is loaded with high-tech convenience and safety features, such as front heated and ventilated seating with massage, customizable drive modes, and GM's Super Cruise semiautonomous driving system. So what's not to like? Dismal fuel economy, for one—13 mpg in combined driving. Poor rear visibility is another, due to second—and third-row headrests, large rear roof pillars, and a small rear window. Additionally, the Escalade's exhaust is loud, particularly at start-up, with no way to diminish it.