2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV

The Cadillac Escalade ESV is the brand's top SUV offering and has made quite a name for itself as one of the most premium SUV offerings. The Escalade ESV is based on the same platform that binds the Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon and their respective extended wheelbase variants, and competes with other big-boned competitors like the Lincoln Navigator L. The Escalade ESV features all of Cadillac's latest tech, including the amazing Super Cruise driver assistance system, and acres of space for passengers. Under the hood, you get a tried and tested 6.2-liter V8 engine producing 420 horsepower, or a diesel motor with 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. Its long wheelbase offers even more space than the standard version, and the interior feels like an opulent hotel on wheels. Whether humans truly need this much car is a question that probably needs asking, but while reveling in luxury and comfort, we'll put sensibility aside for a bit.

Five trims, two engines, and the choice of RWD or AWD mean that there are quite a few configurations. The 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV's price starts at $81,295 for the cheapest V8-powered RWD Luxury trim. This starting price excludes tax, registration, and a destination fee of $1,795. Going for the 3.0-liter Duramax diesel engine adds nothing to the price, but adding an AWD drivetrain will push the cost up by $3,000 across the board. The Premium Luxury sells for an MSRP of $90,095, and the Sport costs $93,095. The top Cadillac Escalade ESV models enter six-figure territory; both the Premium Luxury Platinum and Sport Platinum go for $107,595. You can increase the Cadillac Escalade ESV's MSRP easily by piling on the options.

Cadillac Escalades of old used to handle like they were driving on the back of an oiled-up hog, but after the launch of an all-new platform in 2021, these large SUVs drive noticeably better, and the same goes for the extra-long ESV. In town, the Cadillac ESV offers an extremely comfortable ride, and harsh bumps and road imperfections are swallowed up without complaint. The body-on-frame setup is not built for sporty driving; however; this SUV will respond to steering inputs, eventually, and there is a noticeable amount of body roll when leaning hard into a corner, but for a vehicle with a curb weight of nearly 6,000 lbs, it's impressively capable. Magnetic Ride Control is a must-have on this SUV as it smoothes out the ride quality even more. As a canyon carver, this Escalade fails, but as an everyday cruiser with long-distance aspirations, it doesn't get much better.

The Cadillac Escalade is a favorite amongst buyers in the US for a few reasons. Firstly, it looks good - there are few cars out there that have the presence of a high-end Escalade. Secondly, these vehicles drive beautifully, especially when equipped with the adaptive air suspension. You'll struggle to find a more comfortable ride in this class. Inside, the interior bristles with technology, and the build quality and material choice are also up there with the best of them. Thanks to its long wheelbase, this Escalade also offers awe-inspiring passenger space, which is an all-important factor in this segment. Under the hood, we'd stick with the reliable 6.2-liter V8 engine, which offers solid performance, but terrible fuel economy figures. Competitors from Chevy and GMC offer very similar products for a bit less,The new and improved Cadillac Escalade ESV is offered in a choice of five trims: Luxury, Premium Luxury, Sport, Premium Luxury Platinum, and Sport Platinum. There are two engine options on offer: a 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine producing 277 hp and 460 lb-ft, or a 6.2-liter V8 engine making 420 hp. Power is sent to either the rear of all four wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission.

The base model features standard tri-zone automatic climate control, eight-way power-adjustable front seats, wireless Apple CarPlayAndroid Auto, and driver assistance features such as front and rear park assist, auto emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. Both Platinum trims have classy semi-aniline leather upholstery and 12-way power front seats with massaging. The Sport models also have a unique exterior appearance with gloss black trim. Both Platinum trims get a sensational 36-speaker sound system. but the Cady outclasses them in terms of luxury. It's a pity about the high price, though.

This SUV comes in many flavors, all of them tasty, but at the end of the day, your choice will boil down to budget. The base model is a highly accomplished machine, and every trim after that simply builds on a solid base of comfort and luxury. For that reason, we'd go with the mid-range Sport. This model comes in at under $100k but features a ton of comfort and tech features that should keep even the most discerning shopper happy. The Sport includes features such as an electronically limited-slip differential, magnetic ride control, and trailer side blind zone alert. The Sport is priced at $93,095 in RWD guise with the V8 engine option, and the only option we'd be quite tempted to go for is the superb Super Cruise driver-assistance system for $2,500.