Since its introduction to the masses in 1998, the Cadillac Escalade’s presence on our roads is undeniable. This supersized SUV was popular before they became all the rage; embraced by big-name athletes, rappers, and other celebrities, it became the go-to vehicle for those wanting to be seen. Two decades later, does this 2024 Cadillac Escalade Sport Platinum command the same level of attention as its predecessor?
First off, the 2024 Escalade couldn’t be further from the original. You have three engine options and technology galore, but the similarities are there if you look hard enough. Like its predecessors, the newest Escalade is modern, bold, and imposing. The massive grille, brilliant lighting, and wide and tall stance makes almost everyone move out of your way. Despite the overall boxy silhouette, the Escalade wears enough curves to make it stand out from its competitors, and avoids looking too boring or too extravagant. Cadillac has knocked it out of the park here.
Inside, as a full-size SUV with three rows of comfortable seating, the Esacalade simply works. Once in a while, myself and a few family members hop across the border for some cross-border shopping; normally we’d have to make concessions on how much stuff we can bring back, but that simply wasn’t an issue with the Escalade. It fit everything, and my also-tall family had zero issues sitting behind me in the second row. In fact, with reclining rear seats and the screens back there, it feels like sitting in a first-class pod. If you somehow need more space, you can opt for the Escalade ESV, which adds over 500 more litres of cargo space with the third row up.
The real showcase inside the 2024 Escalade is the curved 38-inch OLED display that integrates the gauge cluster and infotainment. This was a showstopper when the current-generation Escalade debuted for the 2021 model year, but now, displays spanning across the dashboard is common especially among luxury vehicles. Thankfully, Cadillac’s setup remains fresh and modern-looking with crisp graphics. If you use the built-in navigation system, you can even configure the gauge cluster to show you your directions and upcoming turns using augmented reality. This is impressive, though it might take some getting used-to. The rest of the Escalade’s interior feels appropriately luxurious and overall material quality feels better than the Lincoln Navigator, though some controls and switchgear look and feel basic for an SUV like this.
Cadillac offers three engine options with the 2024 Escalade. This particular tester comes standard with GM’s normally aspirated 6.2-litre V8 engine. I’ve always been a fan of this engine on account of its performance and smoothness; with 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, it moves this massive SUV with authority. Cadillac also offers the Escalade with a turbodiesel 3.0-litre inline-six pumping out 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, and the Escalade V comes with a beastly supercharged V8 with 682 horses. All Escalades in Canada come with standard four-wheel-drive and a smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission. Our tester also comes standard with an adjustable air suspension setup, though lower trim levels don’t benefit from this. Choose wisely; once you’ve experienced this sort of ride comfort, it’s hard to go back.
Most Escalade buyers probably know what to expect in terms of fuel economy. Weighing in at 5,673 pounds and with a 6.2L V8 under the hood, this full-size luxury SUV is hardly the poster child for fuel economy. This powertrain combo is rated at 16.6 L/100 km in the city and 13.0 highway; on top of that, you need premium gas to fill its 91-litre tank. All that said, I achieved an impressive-for-the-size 13.4 L/100 km combined when my time with this Escalade was all said and done.
When this fourth-generation Escalade launched in 2021, it started at around $90,000. However, in this vastly different post-pandemic marketplace, it now starts at $115,640, and our Sport Platinum tester topped out at $160,040 as-tested. Want the Escalade V? You’ll need to drop at least $220,640. Ouch.
While the Escalade today is perhaps not the go-to luxury SUV it once was for athletes, celebrities, and anyone else who wants to be seen, it has marched forward for over 20 years. The presence of the 2024 Cadillac Escalade Sport Platinum is undeniable, and with options for a larger body, a more fuel-efficient diesel, even a road-ripping supercharged V8 available, Cadillac has all its bases covered. And with an all-electric version coming next year, the Escalade is bound to continue standing the test of time.
