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Price Range: Less Than
$24,490
$154,765
mpg/MPGe Range: More Than
11
134
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Introduction:

To help members understand the latest automotive technology so they can purchase vehicles that best suit their needs, the Automobile Club of Southern California's Automotive Research Center (ARC) began testing and reviewing vehicles over a decade ago

For the 2023 edition, we include testing and ranking cars and light trucks with the latest technology, including having at least one advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) feature. In addition to vehicle evaluation, the guide covers a number of pertinent automotive topics in detail—for example, the latest advanced safety features, how to properly maintain your vehicle, and new vehicles coming to market in the next few years.

2023 Cadillac Escalade-V

Vehicle Type: SUV Gasoline
83
 overall score
Category Ranking: 18

Vehicle Price

Base Price: $149,195
Price as Tested: $154,765

Fuel Information

Fuel Type: Premium
Fuel Capacity (gal): 24
EPA City mpg11
EPA Highway mpg16
EPA Combined mpg13

Advanced Safety Features

  • Adaptive Cruise Control [S]
  • Advanced Headlights [S]
  • Automatic Emergency Braking [S]
  • Blind-Spot Warning [S]
  • Driver Monitoring [O]
  • Forward-Collision Warning [S]
  • Lane-Departure Warning [S]
  • Lane-Keeping Assistance [S]
  • Rear Cross-Traffic Warning [S]
  • Reverse Automatic Emergency Braking [S]
  • [S] Standard, [O] Optional
NHTSA Rating:

Overall Observations

The Escalade, as everyone knows, is Cadillac’s humungous 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 is $151,000. 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 head restraints, 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. And let’s not forget that jawdropping MSRP.

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Strengths and Weaknesses

Strong Points

  • • Powerful, smooth drivetrain
  • • Sporty handling from adaptive air suspension
  • • Spacious cabin in all three rows
  • • Luxurious fit and finish

Weak Points

  • • Poor fuel economy
  • • Loud exhaust, especially at start-up
  • • Restricted rear visibility

Vehicle Specifications

Model year tested: 2023
Number of passengers (F/R): 2/5
Curb weight (lbs): 6320.0
Exterior L / W / H (in): 211.9 / 81.1 / 76.7
Wheelbase (in): 120.9
Number of air bags: 9
Warranty (months/miles): 48/50,000
Tire manufacturer and model: Bridgestone Alenza A/S 02
Front and rear tire size: 275/50 R22
Max towing capacity (lbs): 7,000
Headlight type: LED
Transmission type: Auto 10-speed
Drivetrain type: Four wheel
Engine/motor: 6.2L V8 supercharged
Engine horsepower @ RPM: 682 @ 6,000

Test Data

Test Vehicle Scores

Advanced Safety Features:

9.70

Fuel Efficiency:

.00

EPA Emissions Score:

3.00

Acceleration:

8.19

Braking:

4.50
Handling: 4.64
Quality and Drivability: 8.34

Ride Quality:

8.11

Interior Size:

6.52

Easy of Entry and Exit:

8.18

Visibility:

7.68

Interior Noise:

5.97

Cargo Capacity:

8.21
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