By: Krish Persaud
Photography By: Kayden Beatty
October 9, 2023
Few names in the world of luxury SUVs are as revered as the Cadillac Escalade. The 2023 iteration of this illustrious vehicle is a remarkable fusion of luxury, innovation, and performance, firmly establishing itself as a standout contender in the bustling market for high-end SUVs. In this comprehensive automotive review, we will dive into the Escalade’s myriad attributes and experiences.
Thank you to our friends at GM Canada Inc. for generously granting us the opportunity to thoroughly evaluate the 2023 Cadillac Escalade Sport Platinum during a week of intensive testing.
The Escalade caters to diverse driving preferences with a range of powertrain options. The 6.2-litre V8 engine delivers 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, ensuring a satisfying driving experience with brisk acceleration. Paired with a smooth 10-speed automatic transmission, this robust powertrain efficiently transfers power to the wheels.
For those prioritizing efficiency, Cadillac offers a 3.0-litre Duramax Turbo diesel engine, producing 277 horsepower and an impressive 460 lb-ft of torque. The standout feature of this diesel engine is its efficiency, promising significant fuel cost savings with an expected rating of 15.5 L/100 km. Remarkably, Cadillac offers the diesel engine as a no-cost alternative, enhancing its appeal.
The Escalade offers a range of driving modes, including Sport, Snow/Ice, Off-Road, and Tow/Haul, allowing drivers to optimize their driving experience based on road conditions and preferences. Whether you’re seeking a sportier feel, enhanced traction in adverse weather, or the capability to tow heavy loads, the Escalade’s versatility shines through.
For decades, the Cadillac Escalade has commanded attention with its audacious and distinctive presence on the road. The 2023 model retains its iconic silhouette, featuring soaring vertical taillights and an imposing grille. It continues to impress even the most discerning SUV enthusiasts by being larger, lower, and more spacious than its predecessor.
With 22-inch wheels as standard, the Black Raven Escalade’s appearance is enhanced, ensuring it stands out amidst its luxury SUV peers. The optional running boards are a noteworthy addition, especially for those who may find entry into this spacious SUV slightly challenging. It truly asserts its dominance in the urban landscape, dwarfing even sizable crossovers in sheer size and presence.
Step inside the 2023 Escalade, and you’ll immediately sense the meticulous craftsmanship aimed at delivering a top-notch experience. The interior is a masterpiece of design, featuring premium materials and finishes that underscore Cadillac’s unwavering commitment to excellence. With a range of color and style options, you can personalize your Escalade to your heart’s content. The interior showcases a stunning Dark Auburn with Jet Black accents, full leather seats with semi-aniline leather seating surfaces, and exquisite Mondrian quilting. These seats provide the perfect level of cushioning, ensuring comfort for all passengers.
Behind the wheel of the Escalade, you’ll encounter a truly remarkable driving experience. The 10-speed automatic transmission efficiently harnesses the capabilities of the 6.2-litre V8 engine, offering robust and adaptable performance. While some engine noise may enter the cabin during spirited driving, it remains largely imperceptible, providing a serene ride. Cadillac’s fourth-generation Magnetic Ride Control, coupled with the air suspension, stands out as a highlight that elevates the driving experience. The combination of these features raises ride quality to an unprecedented level of refinement. The independent rear suspension and 22-inch wheels ensure a comfortable ride, even on less-than-ideal road surfaces.
The centerpiece of the Escalade’s interior is its striking curved OLED screen setup. Comprising three OLED panels stacked vertically, spanning approximately 100 cm across the dashboard, this setup offers a magnificent and immersive experience. It includes a 14.2-inch instrument cluster, a 7.2-inch touchscreen on the left, and a 16.9-inch touchscreen serving as the infotainment system’s focal point. The remarkable clarity and responsiveness of these OLED panels make interactions effortless. Cadillac also ensures that physical controls and buttons are user-friendly. Standard features such as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto simplify smartphone integration. The AKG Studio available premium audio system, which has up to 36 speakers, delivers a concert-like auditory experience that music lovers will adore.
The 2023 Cadillac Escalade is a luxury SUV that combines opulent design, advanced technology, and powerful performance. It features an integrated augmented reality navigation system that overlays real-time directions and information onto the windshield, enhancing safety and convenience. The vehicle offers various driving modes for different road conditions and purposes, and it includes the Super Cruise hands-free driving system for advanced highway assistance. This combination of innovative features and driving capabilities solidifies the Escalade’s position as a leader in the luxury SUV market.
Thanks to the independent rear suspension design, the third-row seating is noticeably more spacious and ergonomically designed, significantly improving passenger comfort while also increasing cargo capacity. Even larger adults will discover ample room for relaxation during extended journeys. When it comes to cargo space, the ESV variant excels by offering an expansive area behind the third row, dispelling any doubts that SUVs can’t match minivans in terms of cargo capacity. The standard Escalade, while slightly smaller, maintains its spaciousness and can easily accommodate luggage, groceries, or sports equipment, providing up to 3,426 litres of storage capacity.
Size is one of the Escalade’s defining characteristics, and it delivers on that promise. If the standard length Escalade isn’t enough, the Escalade ESV boasts an increase of 13.2 inches in wheelbase for better third-row comfort and increased cargo space.
If you crave exhilarating performance, the Escalade-V variant is available. Equipped with a supercharged 6.2-litre V8 engine churning out an astounding 682 horsepower, it delivers both opulence and incredible speed, sprinting from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds. However, this performance comes at the expense of fuel efficiency, with a combined estimated rating of 16.6 L/100 km, which should be considered in your decision-making process. In the luxury SUV market, the Escalade competes head-to-head with top-tier models such as the Lincoln Navigator, Mercedes-Benz GLS, and Range Rover, offering a compelling alternative for those seeking a unique blend of luxury and power.
Buyers have the flexibility to customize the 2023 Cadillac Escalade to their exact preferences, with options including various trims, engines, and colors. The luxury trim starts at $110,429, while the performance-oriented Escalade-V has a starting price just under $220,000. Our Escalade Sport Platinum is priced slightly above $146,000, making it a premium choice among the offerings.
The 2023 Cadillac Escalade Sport Platinum serves as a shining embodiment of luxury, innovation, and performance in the realm of luxury SUVs. It seamlessly melds distinctive design, opulent interiors, and cutting-edge technology to cater to the most discerning tastes. Whether you seek a spacious interior, versatile cargo space, or a choice of powertrains, the Escalade has you covered. From efficient diesel cruising to exhilarating supercharged performance or the timeless charm of a V8 engine, the Escalade offers a multitude of options. It sets a new standard for high-end, full-size SUVs, making a lasting impression in the world of luxury SUVs, albeit with a price tag that matches its luxury and performance. In today’s fiercely competitive automotive landscape, the 2023 Cadillac Escalade presents an enticing proposition that’s challenging to match for those who demand the pinnacle of luxury and power.
