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Cadillac Escalade

From a ten-month production rush to the 682-hp Escalade-V.12

Researched November 1, 2026 from 35 sources

Also called

  • SladeRoad-test shorthand for Escalade, also used for the Hybrid.34

At a glance

0400800
255–682 hpPower
07.515
4.3–10.6 s0–60 mph
0125250
172–201 km/hTop speed
05001,000
441–885 N·mTorque
01,5003,000
2,518–2,853 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.12671314

Engine
5.3–6.2 L V8s; 6.0 L Hybrid; 2021: 3.0 L diesel I6; V: supercharged 6.2 L1210
Layout
Front-engine; rear-wheel drive or AWD/4WD12
Gearbox
4-, 6-, 8- or 10-speed automatic; Hybrid: two-mode CVT18
Built at
Arlington Assembly, United States; Silao Assembly, Mexico; Avtotor, Russia1

The story

Rushed out for 1999 to counter the Lincoln Navigator, the Escalade took ten months from approval to production. The 2021 rear-drive diesel paired 277 hp and an EPA-rated 27 mpg highway with available hands-free Super Cruise.15

1999: Navigator rival in ten months19992002: 345 hp for the second generation20022007: GMT900 brings 403 hp and six speeds20072009: Two-mode Hybrid joins the range20092015: Direct injection lifts the V8 to 420 hp20152021: T1, OLED and independent rear suspension20212023: 682 hp: the Escalade finally goes V20232025: 55-inch dash; diesel bows out2025 Cadillac Escalade (first generation) (GMT400): 1999–2000Cadillac Escalade (second generation) (GMT800): 2002–2006GMT800Cadillac Escalade (third generation) (GMT900): 2007–2014GMT900Cadillac Escalade (fourth generation) (K2XL): 2015–2020K2XLCadillac Escalade (fifth generation) (T1XL): 2021–presentT1XL 200020052010201520202025
GenerationsMilestones1367891718192223
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1999–2000Cadillac Escalade (first generation) (GMT400)
2002–2006Cadillac Escalade (second generation) (GMT800)
2007–2014Cadillac Escalade (third generation) (GMT900)
2015–2020Cadillac Escalade (fourth generation) (K2XL)
2021–presentCadillac Escalade (fifth generation) (T1XL)
1999Navigator rival in ten months
2002345 hp for the second generation
2007GMT900 brings 403 hp and six speeds
2009Two-mode Hybrid joins the range
2015Direct injection lifts the V8 to 420 hp
2021T1, OLED and independent rear suspension
2023682 hp: the Escalade finally goes V
202555-inch dash; diesel bows out
  1. 1999

    Navigator rival in ten months

    Cadillac's first SUV arrives for 1999 after a ten-month sprint from approval, with a 255-hp 5.7 L V8 and GMC Yukon Denali roots.16

  2. 2002

    345 hp for the second generation

    The redesigned Escalade gets a 345-hp 6.0 L V8 with four-wheel drive; rear-drive versions use a 285-hp 5.3 L V8.17

  3. 2007

    GMT900 brings 403 hp and six speeds

    GMT900 adds an aluminum 6.2 L V8 with 403 hp, 565 Nm and six speeds: the first mass-produced pushrod engine with variable valve timing.1

  4. 2009

    Two-mode Hybrid joins the range

    The two-mode Hybrid adds a 6.0 L V8 and twin motors for 379 hp combined; electric-only driving reached about 32 km/h in a test, or 37 downhill.14

  5. 2015

    Direct injection lifts the V8 to 420 hp

    The fourth generation's 6.2 L V8 adopts direct injection, lifting power from 403 to 420 hp and torque from 565 to 624 Nm.89

  6. 2021

    T1, OLED and independent rear suspension

    Tim Herrick says the fifth-generation T1 Escalade was a priority from day one; its curved OLED dash and independent rear suspension push it upmarket.310

  7. 2023

    682 hp: the Escalade finally goes V

    Howard Smith and Charlie Allen develop the 682-hp V; a larger supercharger and reinforced 10-speed automatic help bring the power to the street.211

  8. 2025

    55-inch dash; diesel bows out

    The facelift adds vertical high- and low-beams, a 55-inch dashboard and available 24-inch wheels, while dropping the 3.0 L diesel.12

Every generation

  • GMC Yukon Denali
    GMT400
  • Cadillac Escalade (first generation)
    GMT4001999–2000
  • Cadillac Escalade (second generation)
    GMT8002002–2006
  • Cadillac Escalade (third generation)
    GMT9002007–2014
  • Cadillac Escalade (fourth generation)
    K2XL2015–2020
  • Cadillac Escalade (fifth generation)
    T1XL2021–present

Power over the years

From 255 hp to 682 hp in 24 years.

0200400600800 20002005201020152020 hp 1999 · 255 hp · 5.7 L V82002 · 285 hp · 5.3 L V8, rear-wheel drive2002 · 345 hp · 6.0 L HO V82004 · 295 hp · 5.3 L V82007 · 403 hp · 6.2 L Vortec V82009 · 379 hp · Two-mode Hybrid, combined2015 · 420 hp · 6.2 L direct-injected V82021 · 277 hp · Duramax diesel2021 · 420 hp · 6.2 L V82023 · 682 hp · Escalade-V, supercharged 6.2 L 682 hp Escalade-V, supercharged 6.2 L 255 hp 5.7 L V8
12568915
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
19992555.7 L V8
20022855.3 L V8, rear-wheel drive
20023456.0 L HO V8
20042955.3 L V8
20074036.2 L Vortec V8
2009379Two-mode Hybrid, combined
20154206.2 L direct-injected V8
2021277Duramax diesel
20214206.2 L V8
2023682Escalade-V, supercharged 6.2 L

Versions

11 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • Standard

    Escalade

    2021

    420 hp
  • Escalade ESV

    Standard

    Escalade ESV

    2021

    420 hp
  • Escalade EXT

    Standard

    Escalade EXT

    2002–2006

    345 hp

  • Special

    Escalade Sport Edition

    420 hp

  • Special

    Escalade Platinum

    2015–2020

    420 hp

  • Special

    Escalade Platinum Edition

    2008

    403 hp

  • Special

    Escalade ESV Platinum Edition

    2004

    345 hp
  • Escalade Hybrid

    Special

    Escalade Hybrid

    2009–2013

    379 hp
  • Escalade-V

    Performance

    Escalade-V

    2023

    682 hp

  • Limited

    Escalade-V 125th Anniversary Collector Series

    2027

  • Limited

    Escalade-V Checo Perez Edition

    682 hp

How to spot one

Look for

  • 1999–2000: a chrome oval grille frames a black insert and Cadillac wreath-and-crest badge.121
  • 2007–2014: look for a huge grille and chrome accents around the fender vents.114
  • 2015–2020: shield-shaped grille, headlamps reaching into the fenders and rear lights up the roof pillars.8
  • 2025: vertical headlamps combine with slim horizontal running lights and an illuminated Cadillac logo.12

Year by year

  1. 2003

    HID low-beam headlights and mirror-mounted turn signals become standard.1

  2. 2005

    Chrome exhaust tips become standard.17

  3. 2007

    GMT900 redesign brings vertical headlamps, a huge grille and chrome-trimmed fender vents.114

  4. 2015

    New sheet metal retains sharp creases, with stacked LEDs at both ends.9

  5. 2021

    A curved OLED dashboard made from three screens totals 38.3 inches.3

  6. 2025

    Vertical headlamps, slim horizontal running lights, a 55-inch dashboard and available 24-inch wheels mark the refresh.12

Don’t confuse it with

  • GMC Yukon Denali

    For 1999–2000, check the Cadillac crests, different grille and smooth cladding; Escalade emblems sit on the sheet metal.1

Against its rivals

  • Lincoln Navigator

    Escalade vs Lincoln Navigator

    Braking, 113–0 km/h lower is better

    Escalade207 ft
    Lincoln Navigator222 ft
    716
  • BMW X7 (2020)

    Escalade vs BMW X7 (2020)

    Price as tested lower is better

    Escalade$104,810
    BMW X7 (2020)$96,895
    16
  • Mercedes-Benz GLS 580 4Matic (2020)

    Escalade vs Mercedes-Benz GLS 580 4Matic (2020)

    Price as tested lower is better

    Escalade$104,810
    Mercedes-Benz GLS 580 4Matic (2020)$108,135
    16
  • BMW Alpina XB7

    Escalade vs BMW Alpina XB7

    Skidpad grip

    Escalade0.7 g
    BMW Alpina XB70.9 g
    2

Prices

Value today $5.1K–$122.0K1922

Price when newAuction saleValue todayPrices on a log scale
$1K$10K$100K$1M 200020052010201520202025 Value today: $5,100–$122,000 1999 · $46,225 · US base MSRP2004 · $71,025 · US base, ESV Platinum2007 · $57,280 · US base, RWD2009 · $74,185 · US Hybrid 4WD base incl. destination2010 · $62,500 · US base, RWD2021 · $77,490 · US base, RWD Duramax diesel2021 · $107,290 · US base, ESV Sport Platinum2023 · $151,490 · US base, Escalade-V2027 · $239,000 · US V 125th Anniversary, approx. base 1999 · $46,225 · US base MSRP, 1999 model year 2008 · $45,000 · 2003 Escalade, The Sopranos, Barrett-Jackson2025 · $76,501 · 2024 Escalade Sport Diesel 4WD, 26k miles, BaT2026 · $122,000 · 2023 V, 996 miles; $156,365 sticker, BaT2026 · $14,500 · 2005 Escalade, 71k miles, BaT2026 · $5,100 · 2000 Escalade, 148k miles; seat-bolster hole, BaT2026 · $47,500 · 2020 Luxury 4WD, 12k miles, BaT2026 · $9,700 · 2000 Escalade, 89k miles, BaT2026 · $13,300 · 2002 Escalade AWD, 55k miles, BaT2026 · $13,750 · 2009 Escalade Hybrid, 40k miles, BaT2026 · $30,000 · 2013 Escalade Premium AWD, 53k miles, BaT2026 · $46,250 · 2016 Escalade ESV Premium 4WD, 24k miles, BaT2026 · $85,000 · 2024 Escalade Sport Platinum 4WD, 20k miles, BaT2026 · $121,000 · 2023 Escalade-V, 3,500 miles, BaT $122.0K BaT, 2026
123451319222325272829303132333435
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
1999Launch price$46,225US base MSRP, 1999 model year
1999Price when new$46,225US base MSRP
2004Price when new$71,025US base, ESV Platinum
2007Price when new$57,280US base, RWD
2009Price when new$74,185US Hybrid 4WD base incl. destination
2010Price when new$62,500US base, RWD
2021Price when new$77,490US base, RWD Duramax diesel
2021Price when new$107,290US base, ESV Sport Platinum
2023Price when new$151,490US base, Escalade-V
2027Price when new$239,000US V 125th Anniversary, approx. base
2008Auction sale$45,0002003 Escalade, The Sopranos, Barrett-Jackson
2025Auction sale$76,5012024 Escalade Sport Diesel 4WD, 26k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$122,0002023 V, 996 miles; $156,365 sticker, BaT
2026Auction sale$14,5002005 Escalade, 71k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$5,1002000 Escalade, 148k miles; seat-bolster hole, BaT
2026Auction sale$47,5002020 Luxury 4WD, 12k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$9,7002000 Escalade, 89k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$13,3002002 Escalade AWD, 55k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$13,7502009 Escalade Hybrid, 40k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$30,0002013 Escalade Premium AWD, 53k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$46,2502016 Escalade ESV Premium 4WD, 24k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$85,0002024 Escalade Sport Platinum 4WD, 20k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$121,0002023 Escalade-V, 3,500 miles, BaT
2026Value today$5,100–$122,000

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 11 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 13 stories from its legend
    • “LSXcalade's 9.81-second pass”
    • “Mike Myers wanted an Escalade”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 6 generations

  • Market

    • 4 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

SPOT is free on iPhone. Full car files come with SPOT Plus.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 35 sources
  1. Cadillac Escalade - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  2. 2023 Cadillac Escalade-V Tested: Power and Money caranddriver.com
  3. Tested: 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV Goes Big on High-Tech Luxury caranddriver.com
  4. 2009 Cadillac Escalade 4WD Hybrid - Cadillac Fullsize Luxury SUV Hybrid Review - Automobile Magazine motortrend.com
  5. 2021 Cadillac Escalade Diesel Is Smooth, Fuel-Sipping Euphoria caranddriver.com
  6. 1999 Cadillac Escalade Charges More For a Dressed-Up Chevy Tahoe caranddriver.com
  7. Tested: 2002 Cadillac Escalade caranddriver.com
  8. 2015–2020 Cadillac Escalade K2XL Buyer’s Guide motogallery.com
  9. Tested: 2015 Cadillac Escalade AWD caranddriver.com
  10. 2021 Cadillac Escalade Backstory: How an Icon Was Redesigned motortrend.com
  11. How Cadillac Engineers Made The Escalade-V Work jalopnik.com
  12. 2025 Cadillac Escalade Goes Big on Tech, Ditches the Diesel caranddriver.com
  13. Cadillac Escalade-V 125th Anniversary Collector Series (2027) - pictures, information & specs netcarshow.com
  14. 2007 Cadillac Escalade — Long-Term Road Test Update caranddriver.com
  15. 2021 Cadillac Escalade First Test Review: Finally What It Should Be motortrend.com
  16. 3-Row Luxury SUVs Compared: 2020 BMW X7 vs. Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator, Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class motortrend.com
  17. 2002-06 Cadillac Escalade | Consumer Guide Auto consumerguide.com
  18. 2007-14 Cadillac Escalade | Consumer Guide Auto consumerguide.com
  19. 996-Mile 2023 Cadillac Escalade V for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $122,000 on January 19, 2026 (Lot #227,013) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  20. Cadillac F1 Driver Checo Perez Gets a Limited Edition Escalade V Named After Him thedrive.com
  21. Cadillac Escalade: How It Came to Be caranddriver.com
  22. No Reserve: 2000 Cadillac Escalade for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $5,100 on July 28, 2026 (Lot #254,635) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  23. No Reserve: 2005 Cadillac Escalade for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $14,500 on July 21, 2026 (Lot #253,522) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  24. Cadillac's Escalade becomes a pop culture icon without even trying autoweek.com
  25. 2021 Cadillac Escalade as seen in popular culture. motortrend.com
  26. Heavy Hitter: Mitchell Stapleton's LSXcalade Goes 9's lsxmag.com
  27. 12k-Mile 2020 Cadillac Escalade Luxury 4WD for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $47,500 on August 20, 2026 (Lot #258,882) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  28. No Reserve: 2000 Cadillac Escalade for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $9,700 on April 3, 2026 (Lot #236,250) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  29. 2023 Cadillac Escalade-V for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $121,000 on April 7, 2026 (Lot #236,782) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  30. No Reserve: 2002 Cadillac Escalade AWD for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $13,300 on February 26, 2026 (Lot #231,455) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  31. No Reserve: 40k-Mile 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $13,750 on June 10, 2026 (Lot #246,926) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  32. No Reserve: 2013 Cadillac Escalade Premium AWD for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $30,000 on August 21, 2026 (Lot #259,073) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  33. 24k-Mile 2016 Cadillac Escalade ESV Premium 4WD for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $46,250 on September 7, 2026 (Lot #261,934) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  34. 2024 Cadillac Escalade Sport Diesel 4WD for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $76,501 on December 10, 2025 (Lot #222,891) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  35. No Reserve: 2024 Cadillac Escalade Sport Platinum 4WD for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $85,000 on August 11, 2026 (Lot #257,095) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • caranddriver.com
  • motortrend.com
  • motogallery.com
  • jalopnik.com
  • netcarshow.com
  • consumerguide.com
  • bringatrailer.com
  • thedrive.com
  • autoweek.com
  • lsxmag.com

Photo credits

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