There was a time when the epitome of success for many automobile consumers was ownership of a Cadillac Eldorado or a Cadillac DeVille. The former was a luxury coupe that lasted 50 years and 12 generations from its 1952 debut. The DeVille, a full-size luxury sedan, lasted 46 years and eight generations until its 2005 demise.
The brand has evolved with smaller, non-land-yacht offerings—though the Cadillac Escalade is an exception. The 2024 model marks the enormous sport utility vehicle’s 25th year.
The auto industry as a whole is steadily addressing environmental concerns. One million electric vehicles may be sold in the United States this year, which would be a first. However, that’s still a small percentage of total sales, with one reason being the loyalty for large, powerful, fuel-guzzling SUVs including the Escalade.
Named after a French term translated to suggest “climb or scale a fortified wall,” the Escalade is part of the segment that also includes the Lincoln Navigator, Ford Expedition, GMC Yukon and half a dozen others.
In 2021, the debut of the current generation, and last year, sales of the Escalade were nearly identical, just surpassing 40,000—the best numbers in the vehicle’s tenure.
The 2024 model is nearly identical to the 2023 model, which marked the debut of the V trim. It’s Cadillac’s version of doubling down. Minus the V, the Escalade trims include a 6.2-liter V8 with 420 horsepower and rear-wheel drive. Optional are a six-speed diesel and four-wheel drive. For power gluttons, the V includes a 6.2-liter V8 with nearly 700 horsepower and a specialized all-wheel-drive system. All Escalade trims feature 10-speed automatic transmissions.
Despite its more than 6,200-pound massiveness, the Escalade V advances from 0 to 60 mph in less than five seconds, and features six-piston Brembo front brakes and an exhaust note sure to wake up nearby neighbors. Is the sound of a muscle car a coveted quality in a three-row luxury SUV? It must be a logical progression for behemoth vehicle enthusiasts.
On a positive note, the Escalade’s comfort, quality craftsmanship and lengthy feature list must also account for much of the vehicle’s popularity. Its high-quality leather seating and trim and its high-positioned seating for eight make the SUV an uber-luxurious beast powering down the open road.
Super Cruise, the semi-autonomous driving system, allows for hands-free driving and automatic lane changes. It’s a $2,500 option. In case a symphony is desired on the highway, the SUV is offered with a top-line choice: a 36-speaker AKG Studio Reference system. For additional necessities, there’s an optional $700 refrigerator/freezer unit on the console.
The extensive list of standard convenience features includes a blind spot system, power panoramic sunroof, surround-view camera, adaptive cruise control, remote engine start, parking sensors and multizone climate control. Despite their size and weight, the second and third-row seats maneuver easily and open up a vast storage cavern.
The popularity of SUVs remains on the upswing, with Cadillac’s in line with the other largest offerings in the segment. With all of its wonders, the Escalade V is a prime choice, but only if its two major issues aren’t issues for potential owners. With its options and taxes factored in, the price is as massive as the vehicle. Gas mileage averages are abysmal.
Cadillac enthusiasts may well rejoice regardless. The Escalade has a 25-year legacy, and the V trim will likely only enhance the brand’s reputation. It’s still about prestige, not dollars and sense.
Facts & figures
Acceleration: 0-60 mph, 4.4 seconds
Airbags: 8
Fuel economy: 11 mpg city; 16 mpg hwy
Horsepower: 682
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price: $149,195
Price as tested: $154,865
Manufacturer’s website: cadillac.com
Warranty: Bumper to Bumper, 4 years/50,000 miles; Powertrain, 6 years/70,000 miles; Corrosion, 6 years/100,000 miles; Roadside Assistance, 6 years/70,000 miles
