Skip to content
pickacar

SUV · Gas

Cadillac Escalade 2021–2026 (5th gen)

Cadillac Escalade
Photo: BuickCentury04 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Price
$76,200–$113,000
MPG
23
  • Strength: Excellent safety
  • Strength: Excellent capability
  • Strength: Excellent passenger space
  • Watch-out: Poor running costs
  • Watch-out: Below-average value retention
Loading…
How it scores for you10 scores
A tech-laden, eight-seat luxury hauler that tows 8,200 lbs and pampers with a 38-inch OLED cabin, but drinks fuel thirstily and depreciates fast.
Reliability49

Recalled about as often as cars of the same model years (over-the-air software recalls count half); 3 of its 19 recalls were serious. About 3% of its owner complaints describe a crash, fire or injury. Based on recalls and serious defect reports — it doesn't capture everyday repairs or problems fixed by warranty extensions. Adjusted -5 points for its wider reputation.

Safety100

5-star overall NHTSA crash rating (frontal 5, side 5, rollover 3).

Running costs4

About $4,150 a year in fuel (EPA estimate) — cheaper to run than about 4% of cars we track.

Cargo & utility55

25.5 cu ft of cargo space — more than about 55% of other SUVs we track.

Passenger space90

Full-size SUV seating up to 8, with genuinely usable third row and vast cargo (121 cu ft folded). Independent rear suspension freed up interior room versus prior gens.

Driving fun52

420 hp V8 provides strong straight-line thrust and towing (8200 lbs), but the Escalade is a large, heavy body-on-frame SUV that isn't agile. Magnetic Ride helps, yet handling is trucklike.

Tech85

5th-gen Escalade is renowned for its curved 38-inch OLED dashboard display, Super Cruise hands-free driving, AKG audio, and Night Vision — among the most advanced cabins in its class.

Comfort82

Air suspension and Magnetic Ride Control deliver a plush, quiet ride. Premium materials and available massaging seats make it a segment leader for luxury comfort.

Value retention40

Luxury brands like Cadillac tend to lose value faster than average.

Capability100

Rated to tow 8,200 lb; all- or four-wheel drive available.

Safety & recalls26 recalls
Overall 5/5
Frontal 5/5
Side 5/5
Rollover 3/5

26 recalls · 5 common complaint areas across 2021–2026

  • Engine — 116 complaints (2023)
  • Recall — Equipment: other: owners/service/other manual (2026)
  • Engine — 76 complaints (2022)

2026

  • RecallEquipment: other: owners/service/other manual26V114000

    General Motors has decided that certain 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV, 2025-2026 Cadillac OPTIQ, Chevrolet Colorado, Equinox EV, GMC Canyon, 2026 Buick Enclave, Envision, Cadillac CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade IQ, Escalade IQL, LYRIQ, VISTIQ, Chevrolet Blazer EV, Corvette Convertible, Corvette Coup

  • RecallPowertrain: transfer case (4-wheel drive)26V289000

    General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2026 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, and GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles with four-wheel (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), and certain 2015-2020 Suburban, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Yukon, Yukon

  • RecallWheels: hub26V304000

    General Motors, LLC is recalling certain 2025–2026 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban 1500, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles with 24-inch wheels. Incorrect bolts may have been installed on the left and right front wheel hubs, which can result in the bolts loosening or deformi

  • Complaint clusterEngine30 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE

    Vehicle engine shutdown on routs [XXX] in [XXX] while traveling at 70mph. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

  • Complaint clusterElectrical7 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    I purchased a new 2026 Cadillac Escalade equipped with the 6.2L V8 engine and took delivery on XXX. At approximately 9,700 miles, the vehicle developed an engine-related problem and the check engine light illuminated. I brought the vehicle to Cadillac of Norwood in [XXX] on XXX During diagnosis, th

2025

  • RecallWheels: hub26V304000

    General Motors, LLC is recalling certain 2025–2026 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban 1500, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles with 24-inch wheels. Incorrect bolts may have been installed on the left and right front wheel hubs, which can result in the bolts loosening or deformi

  • Complaint clusterEngine11 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE

    I had a 2023 Escalade that I was experiencing issues with. I decided to pay lot of money to get out of the 2023 and purchase a 2025 - which is what I was told would get me around the engine problems I was experiencing. Well that was quite the opposite. In 2025 Cadillac Escalade: 1. All the ligh

  • Complaint clusterElectrical7 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    On [XXX], at approximately 15,200 miles, my 2025 Cadillac Escalade V developed multiple warnings while I was driving at highway speed. These included reduced acceleration, speed limited to 62 mph, service power steering, service traction control, rear axle system off, and unavailable forward-collisi

  • Complaint clusterPowertrain6 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN

    The engine suffered catastrophic failure, piston number six 6and connecting rod broke in pieces and made a hole on the block. This is a L 87 engine 6.2 L.

2024

  • RecallService brakes, hydraulic: brake fluid low warning: lamp; service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: electric: control module: software24V674000

    General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2023-2024 Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade, and Escalade ESV vehicles. The electronic brake control module software may fail to display a warning light when a loss of brake

  • RecallEngine and engine cooling: engine: hard parts internal/mechanical25V274000

    General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with a 6.2L V8 gas engine. The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing d

  • Complaint clusterEngine33 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE

    The engine in our escalade is starting to fail. Our cadillac dealer did their voluntary recall on our escalade at around 15,000 miles. This included a "Pico" listening forgot knock, and once it passed that test they drained the previously factory recommended 0w-20, and re filled with the now recomme

  • Complaint clusterPowertrain12 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN

    On June 14, 2026, while driving approximately 70 mph on a Michigan freeway, the 6.2L V8 engine began shaking violently. The vehicle lost oil pressure, warning messages appeared on the dashboard, and the vehicle completely lost propulsion and shut down while still in motion. My spouse and child were

  • Complaint clusterElectrical7 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    On 8/25/2026, my 2024 Cadillac Escalade with the 6.2L V8 suffered a sudden loss of propulsion at approximately 49,754 miles. While my husband was driving and preparing to enter the highway, the vehicle went into Neutral and lost propulsion. He heard a loud banging noise, the low-oil warning illumina

  • Complaint clusterEngine and engine cooling7 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

    See attached document for complaint. I am writing to you as a deeply concerned mother and consumer seeking urgent help with a danger ous and unresolved engine defect in my 2024 Cadillac E calade, which has been formally recalled under NHT A Campaign 25V-274 (GM Recall 1 252494000). I purchased this

2023

  • RecallExterior lighting: lighting control module: software22V903000

    General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Cadillac CT4 and CT5; 2021-2023 Buick Envision; and 2022-2023 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate wh

  • RecallSuspension: rear23V642000

    General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The rear suspension outer control arm bolts may not have been properly heat-treated, which can cause the bolts to break.

  • RecallService brakes, hydraulic: brake fluid low warning: lamp; service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: electric: control module: software24V674000

    General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2023-2024 Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade, and Escalade ESV vehicles. The electronic brake control module software may fail to display a warning light when a loss of brake

  • RecallEngine and engine cooling: engine: hard parts internal/mechanical25V274000

    General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with a 6.2L V8 gas engine. The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing d

  • Complaint clusterEngine116 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE

    Oil pressure sesnsor warning. The dealership is saying I need a new motor.

  • Complaint clusterPowertrain36 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN

    Transmission control module went out of the blue, caused limp mode on the highway and barely got off. Damaged the Transmission, had to replace by cadillac. 2 weeks later after i got the car back, blew 3 fuses and the starter while driving. Had to get towed back over 100 miles. 3 days later the eng

  • Complaint clusterElectrical21 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    We were driving on an interstate in Indiana and the car jerked and then automatically went into neutral. We couldn’t accelerate or put the car back into drive. We had to get over 2 lanes and onto the shoulder. We were able to put the car in park once on the shoulder but the car would not turn on

  • Complaint clusterEngine and engine cooling18 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

    The contact owns a 2023 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormally loud motor sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that the vehicle unexpectedly shut off while in a parking lot and fail

  • Complaint clusterUnknown or other9 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    I am reporting ongoing safety concerns with my 2023 Cadillac Escalade involving unexpected acceleration and loss of propulsion while driving. On XXX, while traveling to [XXX] in slow-moving traffic with Super Cruise engaged, my vehicle unexpectedly accelerated forward. I immediately applied the brak

2022

  • RecallSeat belts: critical fasteners22V617000

    General Motors, LLC (M) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with third-row seats. The rivet that retains the buckle to the mounting bracket in the left or right side third-row seat belt buckle assembly

  • RecallExterior lighting: lighting control module: software22V903000

    General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Cadillac CT4 and CT5; 2021-2023 Buick Envision; and 2022-2023 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate wh

  • RecallEngine and engine cooling: engine: hard parts internal/mechanical25V274000

    General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with a 6.2L V8 gas engine. The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing d

  • RecallPowertrain: automatic transmission: control module: software; power train: automatic transmission: fluid/lubricant: valves/valve body26V085000

    General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2022 Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade, and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles equipped with 10 Speed Transmission with ETRS (Electronic Transmission Range Select). The transmission control valve may fail and loc

  • Complaint clusterEngine76 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE

    The contact owns a 2022 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled, and the engine seized. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was unable to restart and was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed with eng

  • Complaint clusterPowertrain24 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN

    Engine failed while driving down the highway at speed. Just shut off. Very dangerous. No power had to pull over. Vehicle would not start agin. Said low oil pressure. Had it towed to the dealership. Complete engine failure and had to have the motor replaced. After replacement engine still does not fe

  • Complaint clusterEngine and engine cooling12 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

    The contact owns a 2022 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH to the dealer, the vehicle experienced reduced engine power. The vehicle was driven to the dealer and was diagnosed with engine failure. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced and related the

  • Complaint clusterElectrical10 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    My 2022 Cadillac Escalade Sports Platinum has shut down several times while I'm driving, and recently it started shifting into neutral on its own. I have three kids, and my whole family was in the car when this happened. Once, it shut down and shifted to neutral as I was crossing a busy street at ni

2021

  • RecallElectrical: instrument cluster/panel20V790000

    General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV vehicles. The front passenger seat belt and airbag status telltale lights located in the overhead console in these vehicles may be set to "night mode" when the vehicle is started using remote start or when the veh

  • RecallSeat belts; seat belts: critical fasteners20V811000

    General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2021 GMC Canyon and Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV and Chevrolet Blazer, Camaro, Colorado, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500, Suburban and Tahoe vehicles. Incorrect bolts m

  • RecallSeat belts; seat belts: rear/other21V190000

    General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Chevrolet Suburban, and Tahoe vehicles with third-row seating. The third-row outboard seat belts may have been entrapped or misrouted behind the outboard seat-folding mechanism, which could resu

  • RecallAirbags: srs malfunction warning lamp/light; electrical system: software21V421000

    General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Buick Envision, Cadillac CT4, CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Corvette, Suburban, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL vehicles. The communications gateway module incorrectly processes a loss of communication with the sensing diagnostic module (SDM),

  • RecallSteering: steering control module21V455000

    General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. A software issue may cause a loss of power steering assist at startup or while driving.

  • RecallFuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump: control/drive module21V739000

    General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The fuel pump power control module may cause the fuel pump to fail or operate intermittently, which can interrupt fuel flow to the engine, and cause an un

  • RecallPowertrain: driveline: driveshaft22V036000

    General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, and Chevrolet Tahoe vehicles. The rear wheel driveshaft assemblies may have internal components that were not heat-treated properly, possibly resulting in driveshaft failure.

  • RecallSeat belts: critical fasteners22V617000

    General Motors, LLC (M) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with third-row seats. The rivet that retains the buckle to the mounting bracket in the left or right side third-row seat belt buckle assembly

  • RecallExterior lighting: lighting control module: software22V827000

    General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Yukon, Yukon XL, Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, Cadillac Escalade, and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles. The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate when the headlights are on. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requireme

  • RecallPowertrain: automatic transmission: control module: software; power train: automatic transmission: fluid/lubricant: valves/valve body24V797000

    General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with diesel engines. The transmission control valve may fail and caus

  • RecallEngine and engine cooling: engine: hard parts internal/mechanical25V274000

    General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with a 6.2L V8 gas engine. The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing d

  • RecallFuel system, diesel: storage: tank assembly25V619000

    General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac Escalade, 2021, 2023-2024 Chevrolet Tahoe, and 2022 and 2024 GMC Yukon vehicles equipped with a 6-cylinder diesel engine. The original fuel tank may have been replaced with an incorrect fuel tank, which can allow fuel to leak in a rollover

  • Complaint clusterEngine70 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE

    The engine started clicking and rumbling out of no where. I have done every maintenance protocol since buying and was told there was a recall on all of these engines. Somehow mine is not covered in the recall?

  • Complaint clusterPowertrain22 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN

    My car has 79k miles and it just went in for a new transmission. I was out of town and the transmission went out along with starter

  • Complaint clusterElectrical18 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    - What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The rearview backup camera system seems to be misaligned or improperly calibrated or connecting to the wrong camera when put into reverse. When the vehicle is placed in reverse, the camera image poin

  • Complaint clusterEngine and engine cooling17 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

    See attached document for complaint.

  • Complaint clusterUnknown or other6 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    My vehicle died in the middle of an intersection, I was stranded in the intersection, I could not put it in neutral to move it out of the way. Luckily I was in town and not on the freeway. That is my issue. My cadi had to be dragged onto a tow truck bed and dropped at my local gm dealer in wabas

Cost to own$53,100 / 5 yr

MSRP, new

$76,200–$113,000

Estimated used price, by model year

2026$105,100–$113,000
2025$77,800–$91,300
2024$67,900–$79,700
2023$58,900–$69,200
2022$50,800–$59,600
2021$43,500–$51,000

$4,150/yr

EPA estimate, combined fuel cost per year.

Loading…
Specs
MSRPNew $76,200–$113,000
Efficiency23 MPG
Seats8
Drivetrain4WD
PowertrainGas

City MPG

21

Highway MPG

27

Combined MPG

23

Horsepower

420 hp

Doors

4

Length

227.2 in

Width

81.1 in

Height

76.4 in

Wheelbase

134.3 in

Curb weight

5,869 lb

Cargo volume

25.5 cu ft

Cargo (seats folded)

121 cu ft

Towing capacity

8,200 lbs

Check a listing

Sign in to check a specific listing against this car's data.

Find one for sale