One of the most recognizable vehicles on the market is the Cadillac Escalade. Ranging from family transport, to commercial vehicles. This can do it all. With more than 20 years of models on the road, with a ton of tweaks in between. There’s a lot to pick from, so let us help you buy showing you the best year for a used Cadillac.
Key Takeaways:
- The Cadillac has seen a few iterations of electric power, with the most recent one being a battery powered option.
- Starting from 2017 and onwards, this is the best time to get a Cadillac if your family likes to bring HDMI devices, as you can now connect them to the vehicle. Making family road trips more enjoyable while going to your destination.
- The more recent models are perfect for those who want the best features available. Coming with 36 speakers, and 55-inch screens. They may be harder to find, but are more than worth it.
First Generation (1998-2000)
The first generation of Escalade wasn’t anything too fancy. This was due to it being rushed out. Thanks to that, the first generation was unrecognizable to what we know today.
Some of the features that you can find from this generation were an in-dash CD player, with a console-mounted six-CD changer. Making it one of the best vehicles for physical media.
Other features were a seven-speaker stereo with a subwoofer, automatic headlamps, heated front, and rear seats, rear-seat audio controls, and even unique engines, and suspensions, giving you a smoother ride.
Second Generation (2001-2006)
Hitting the roads as a 2002 model, this generation came with a few builds. Rear-wheel drive came standard while the standard engine was the 5.3L V8. If you find an ESV or EXT build, note that it is longer, and wider than the base build. This came with all-wheel drive.
In 2004, the Cadillac saw the inclusion of second-row bucket seats, as well as XM satellite radio. If you want more, you can look for a platinum ESV. This came with 20-inch chrome wheels, a chrome grille, heated and cooled seats for the front, and back, a moonroof, and monitors for the second and third row.
This generation also saw a few engines. These were the 5.3L V8 that it launched with, producing 285 horsepower. It was later returned, now generating 295 horsepower. The other engine, being larger, and more powerful was the 6.0L V8, able to produce 345 horsepower.
Third Generation (2007-2014)
This generation saw an industry first as the Escalade uses a mass-produced pushrod engine with VVT. This engine can produce 403 horsepower, and is paired to a new six-speed automatic transmission.
2008 saw something special debut, and that was the Escalade Hybrid. With 20% of Cadillac models sold in 2008 being hybrids. Using the 6.0L V8 engine and pairing it with two 60-kilowatt electric motors. When combined, you’ll get 379 horsepower. Able to go 0-60 in 8.2 seconds.
Standard features for this generation included tri-zone climate controls, leather trimmed seats, wood and leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, heated seats for the first, and second row. Some tech features that you will find are a 6-disc CD changer, power liftgate, remote engine start, and a rearview camera.
Fourth Generation (2015-2020)
This generation hit the market in 3 trims, the Base, Luxury, and Premium. When this generation first came out, the features were similar to the one before, but that changed with later updates.
2016 saw a few driver assistance features that help keep you and your passengers safe. These were in the form of Lane Keep Assist, as well as a driver awareness package. The Platinum trim also came out this year, making some of the best optional features standard for this trim.
2017 saw the rear seat entertainment change from RCA to HDMI, making it more in line to what we have now. A Live-View rear-vision camera was also added to the rearview mirror. In 2018, the 8-speed transmission was dropped in favor of a 10-speed.
Fifth Generation (2021- Present)
Unlike the last generation, this one came with more trims to pick from. These are the Luxury, Premium Luxury, Sport, Premium Luxury Platinum, and Sport Platinum. This year also came with an AKG audio tech system that comes with 36 speakers.
A facelift hit the 2025 model, and while it may be hard to find one used, we’ll still go over them so you know what you’re looking at. For the first time, new 24-inch alloy wheels are featured on the Escalade. The interior also sees the addition of the 55-inch display that the IQ had.
The Escalade IQ is the new take on the electric Escalade. This came with a 24-module battery that has a capacity of more than 200 kW-hr. Giving the vehicle a range of 450 miles. Thanks to the nature of electric vehicles, you can get up to 750 horsepower while in velocity max mode.
For comparison, this generation has seen the 6.2L EcoTec3 V8, and 3.0L I6. The more fuel efficient one being the 3.0L I6, getting an EPA estimated 23 combined MPG.
Which Model Year of Cadillac Escalade Is Best to Buy Used?
No matter which mode or year you decide is best for you, we want to help. Come on down to Car2Sell here in East Windsor to see what we have in stock.