2014 Cadillac Escalade Reviews, Pricing & Specs

Yes, it’s getting a little long in the tooth, but Cadillac’s full-size Escalade luxury SUV keeps on truckin’ for 2014, and continues as one...

Yes, it’s getting a little long in the tooth, but Cadillac’s full-size Escalade luxury SUV keeps on truckin’ for 2014, and continues as one of this high-end automaker’s more distinctive offerings. Bold styling, accommodations for 7 in 3 rows of seating, V8 power and 108.9 cubic feet of cargo room with the second-row seatbacks folded and the third row removed (oof!)—all these features and more adorn the latest Escalade versions. But offerings by Lexus, Infiniti and Mercedes-Benz carry a bit more refinement and offer a tad more versatility, according to most reviews of this high-end hauler.

In any case, the Escalade again comes in 4 trim levels for 2014, the base Escalade, the lower-midlevel Luxury, the upper-midlevel Premium and the flagship Platinum Edition. All trims remain essentially unchanged from last year, come delivered with standard rear-wheel drive (RWD) and remain eligible for an available all-wheel drive (AWD) system that allows normal cruising in RWD, with automatic diverting of torque from the wheels that slip to the wheels that grip when conditions get slippery.

A potent 6.2-liter ethanol-capable (FFV) V8 powerplant returns to this year’s Escalade lineup, again mating with the well-wrought 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission to put out 403 hp and 417 lb-ft of torque. Once more, mileage is estimated at 14 mpg city/18 highway in standard RWD editions and 13/18 in AWD variants. Towing, meantime, is maxed out at 8,300 pounds with the proper equipment.

Look for 18-inch alloy wheels, an adaptive load-leveling suspension, a trailer hitch and wiring, step running boards, a power rear liftgate and heated, power-folding and power-adjustable mirrors to once again grace the profile of the base Escalade. Inside, expect leather-trimmed upholstery, heated power-adjustable front seats, full power accessories and heated second-row captain’s chairs, along with leather and simulated wood cabin accents. Cruise control, power-adjustable tilt-wheel steering and pedals, remote engine start and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, meantime, constitute a sampling of convenience goodies aboard. Standard techno-amenities, furthermore, remain memory for driver's settings, OnStar/Bluetooth Directions and Connections, a flash-based navigation suite, rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera, all embraced by tunes from an audio system featuring a single-CD player, 10 premium Surround Sound speakers and satellite radio.

The 2014 Escalade Luxury, meantime, adds in 22-inch alloy wheels, an upgraded adaptive suspension, a power sunroof, power flip-and-fold second-row seats and a heated steering wheel, with power-retractable running boards and rear-seat DVD entertainment returning as options.

The Premium trim again throws in the above options standard, as well as boasting upgraded exterior chrome, dual chrome exhaust tips and painted 22-inch wheels, with LED headlights remaining an option.

Finally, the Escalade Platinum for 2014 carries all of the above, along with 22-inch chrome wheels, upgraded leather upholstery, heated and cooled cupholders, unique styling details inside and out, and a standard rear-seat DVD entertainment system with dual headrest-mounted screens.

As for yet-unmentioned options, all lower trims remain eligible for many of the features found standard in higher trims, while all trims can delete the chrome dual-exhaust tips for a spare tire add-on. Additionally, the Platinum trim can be delivered with an available second-row bench seat for 8-passenger capacity.

Safety-wise, look for all trims to sport 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), traction and stability control, front side-mounted airbags and 3-row head airbags, not to mention daytime running lights, front fog/driving lights and turn-signal-integrated mirrors. Of course, OnStar emergency assistance returns for the 2014 Escalade lineup, as do a post-collision safety system, xenon high-intensity-discharge (HID) headlights and a remote antitheft alarm. The Luxury and higher trims also throw in a standard blind-spot warning system.