2012 Cadillac Escalade
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.

- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV AWD, Esv 4dr SUV AWD, Ext P/U Ext Cab S/Box AWD, Hybrid 4dr SUV 4WD
- Engines
- 6.0L 8-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid, FFV
- MPG (best)
- 21 combined · 20 city / 23 hwy
- Length
- 202.4–222.8 in
- Curb weight
- 5,690–6,120 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 8 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2012 Cadillac Escalade is a SUV - offered with 2 engines (6.0L 8-cyl and 6.2L 8-cyl), including a hybrid version and rear-wheel drive, 4-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 202 inches long and 79 inches wide on a 116-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 5,690 lb (4dr SUV AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (20 city / 23 highway), 0% better than the 2012 SUV - average of 20.9 MPG, for an estimated $3,200 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 22 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2012
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2011 Escalade — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 Escalade →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Arlington, Texas
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2012 Escalade configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV AWD | 202.4 in | 78.7 in | 74.4 in | 116.1 in | 68.5 / 67.3 in | 5,690 lb | 50/50 |
| Esv 4dr SUV AWD | 222.8 in | 79.1 in | 74.4 in | 129.9 in | 68.5 / 67.3 in | 5,942 lb | 52/48 |
| Ext P/U Ext Cab S/Box AWD | 218.1 in | 79.1 in | 74.4 in | 129.9 in | 68.5 / 67.7 in | 5,948 lb | 52/48 |
| Hybrid 4dr SUV 4WD | 202.4 in | 79.1 in | 74.4 in | 116.1 in | 68.5 / 67.3 in | 6,120 lb | 54/46 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Escalade Hybrid 2WD Hybrid | 6.0L 8-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 / 23 / 21 | 0% | $3,200 | 423 |
| Escalade Hybrid 4WD Hybrid | 6.0L 8-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 4-Wheel Drive | 20 / 23 / 21 | +11% | $3,200 | 423 |
| Escalade 2WD FFV | 6.2L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 18 / 16 | -23% | $4,200 | 555 |
| Escalade ESV 2WD FFV | 6.2L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 18 / 16 | -23% | $4,200 | 555 |
| Escalade AWD FFV | 6.2L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 18 / 15 | -21% | $4,450 | 592 |
| Escalade Ext AWD FFV | 6.2L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 18 / 14 | -26% | $4,800 | 635 |
| Escalade ESV AWD FFV | 6.2L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 18 / 14 | -26% | $4,800 | 635 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Cadillac Escalade.
Similar 2012 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Cadillac Escalade (this car) | 21 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2012 Audi Q7 | 20 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2012 Lincoln Navigator | 16 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2012 BMW X6 | 19 MPG | Not rated | 10 |
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class | 15 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Lincoln MKT | 20 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2012 Infiniti QX56 | 16 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (3)
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Feb 5, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V051000 · 284,645 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2012 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500/3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500/3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." These vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated passenger frontal inflators containing phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
- Risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on February 22, 2021. Second notification letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 11, 2021. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212328770.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Feb 5, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V054000 · 1,778,128 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, PR, AS, GU, the MP, and VI or "Zone A." Additionally GM is recalling certain 2011-2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL and 2011-2013 Cadillac Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AZ, AR, DE, DC, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV or "Zone B." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2010-2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL and 2010-2013 Cadillac Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated passenger frontal inflators containing phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
- Risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on February 25, 2021. Second notification letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed to 40 VIN owners on May 11, 2021. A second owner notification letter was mailed to all other owners on January 24, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212328800.
Electrical System › Ignition · Dec 30, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V827000 · 84,192 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado HD, Silverado LD, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra LD, Sierra HD, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the ignition lock actuator may bind, making turning the key difficult or causing the ignition to get stuck in the "Start" position.
- Risk
- If stuck in the "Start" position, the ignition may suddenly snap back into the "Accessory" position, causing a loss of engine, steering, and braking power, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. If the vehicle is in a crash, the air bags may not deploy, increasing the risk of occupant injury.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the ignition lock housing, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on February 12, 2015. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), or 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14696 for the original equipment, and 14912 for the service replacement parts.
Not every 2012 Cadillac Escalade is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2012 Cadillac Escalade buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 9 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 4 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Air Bags — 3 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 69,279 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 Cadillac Escalade. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Escalade years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Escalade | 17 | 228.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 Escalade | 17 | 227.2 in | Not rated | 4 | 54 |
| 2025 Escalade | 17 | 227.2 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 39 |
| 2024 Escalade | 23 | 227.2 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 74 |
| 2023 Escalade | 23 | 227.2 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 234 |
| 2022 Escalade | 23 | 227.2 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 143 |
| 2021 Escalade | 23 | 227.2 in | ★★★★★ | 12 | 169 |
| 2020 Escalade | 17 | 203.9 in | Not rated | 2 | 36 |
| 2019 Escalade | 17 | 203.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 59 |
| 2018 Escalade | 17 | 203.9 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 37 |
| 2017 Escalade | 17 | 203.9 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 89 |
| 2016 Escalade | 17 | 203.9 in | Not rated | 4 | 104 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Cadillac. How we calculate this →