2023 Cadillac Escalade

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2023 models.

Cadillac Escalade
Pictured: 2026 Cadillac Escalade ESV. Photo: BuickCentury04, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Body styles
Esv Luxury 4dr SUV, Esv Sport / Premium Luxury 4dr SUV, Esv Sport Platinum / Premium Luxury Platform 4dr SUV, Luxury 4dr SUV
Engines
3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 6.2L 8-cyl
Transmission
10-speed automatic
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
Seats
7
Fuel
Diesel, Premium Gasoline
MPG (best)
23 combined · 21 city / 27 hwy
Length
211.8–227.2 in
Curb weight
5,721–6,111 lb
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
4 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Seats up to 73 rows of seating.
  • Lots of standard safety tech4 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.

Watch out for

No weak spots against similar models in the data.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade is a standard SUV offered with 2 engines (3.0L 6-cyl turbo and 6.2L 8-cyl) and rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.

It measures about 227 inches long and 81 inches wide on a 134-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 5,869 lb (Esv Luxury 4dr SUV).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (21 city / 27 highway), 14% better than the 2023 standard SUV average of 20.2 MPG, for an estimated $4,150 a year in fuel.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned a 4-star overall rating.

It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 234 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.

What changed for 2023

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2022 Escalade — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2022; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2022 Escalade →

Trims, performance & features

Engine–6.2L 8-cyl
Transmission10-speed automatic
DriveAWD/4WD
Seating7 seats · 3 rows

Trims

Sport PlatinumPremium LuxurySport

Safety & driver-assist features

Automatic emergency brakingStandard
Pedestrian emergency brakingStandard
Forward collision warningStandard
Blind-spot monitoringSome trims
Blind-spot interventionStandard
Rear cross-traffic alertStandard
Rear automatic brakingStandard
Lane departure warningStandard
Lane keeping assistStandard
Adaptive cruise controlStandard
Parking assistStandard
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Adaptive driving beamOptional
Keyless startStandard
LED headlightsYes

Built in: Arlington, Texas

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2023 Escalade configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
Esv Luxury 4dr SUV227.2 in81.1 in76.4 in134.3 in68.5 / 68.1 in5,869 lb53/47
Esv Sport / Premium Luxury 4dr SUV227.2 in81.1 in76.4 in134.3 in68.5 / 68.1 in5,992 lb53/47
Esv Sport Platinum / Premium Luxury Platform 4dr SUV227.2 in81.1 in76.4 in134.3 in68.5 / 68.1 in6,111 lb53/47
Luxury 4dr SUV211.8 in81.1 in76.8 in120.9 in68.5 / 68.1 in5,721 lb52/48
Sport / Premium Luxury 4dr SUV211.8 in81.1 in76.8 in120.9 in68.5 / 68.1 in5,838 lb52/48
Sport Platinum / Premium Luxury Platform 4dr SUV211.8 in81.1 in76.8 in120.9 in68.5 / 68.1 in5,972 lb52/48

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Escalade 2WD Diesel3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic 10-spdRear-Wheel Drive21 / 27 / 23+14%$4,150442
Escalade 4WD Diesel3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic 10-spd4-Wheel Drive20 / 26 / 22+17%$4,350462
Escalade 2WD6.2L 8-cylAutomatic 10-spdRear-Wheel Drive14 / 19 / 16-21%$5,150556
Escalade 4WD6.2L 8-cylAutomatic 10-spd4-Wheel Drive14 / 18 / 16-15%$5,150564
Escalade V 4WD6.2L 8-cylAutomatic (S10)4-Wheel Drive11 / 16 / 13-31%$6,300702
5/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
4/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $8,750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
20.2 MPG2023 Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2023 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV SUV 4WD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★–
2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV SUV 2WD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★–
StandardElectronic stability control
StandardForward collision warning
StandardLane departure warning

Similar 2023 standard SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2023 Cadillac Escalade (this car)23 MPG★★★★★4
2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class22 MPGNot rated0

Recalls (4)

Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Hard Parts Internal/Mechanical · Apr 24, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V274000 · 597,571 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with a 6.2L V8 gas engine. The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.
Risk
Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will inspect the engine, and as necessary, repair or replace the engine. For vehicles that pass inspection, dealers will add higher viscosity oil, install 6 oil fill cap, replace the oil filter, and update the owner's manual. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 18, 2025. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N252494000.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Electric › Control Module › Software · Sep 12, 2024

NHTSA campaign 24V674000 · 449,671 vehicles

Problem
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2023-2024 Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade, and Escalade ESV vehicles. The electronic brake control module software may fail to display a warning light when a loss of brake fluid occurs. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
Risk
Without a warning light, the vehicle may be driven with low brake fluid, which can reduce braking performance and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
The Electronic Brake Control Module (eBCM) software will be updated through an over-the-air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2024. Owners can contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N242447990.
Suspension › Rear · Sep 20, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V642000 · 189 vehicles

Problem
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The rear suspension outer control arm bolts may not have been properly heat-treated, which can cause the bolts to break.
Risk
A broken suspension bolt can result in misalignment of the rear wheel, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will replace both rear suspension outer control arm bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 14, 2023. 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 N232415910.
Exterior Lighting › Lighting Control Module › Software · Dec 8, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V903000 · 740,108 vehicles

Problem
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Cadillac CT4 and CT5; 2021-2023 Buick Envision; and 2022-2023 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate when the headlights are on. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk
DRLs that do not deactivate as intended may result in a glare, reducing visibility, and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
The body control module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 23, 2023. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N222386380. This recall expands previous recall number 22V-827.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2023 Cadillac Escalade is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

234Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
6Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
2Injuries reported
30,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Engine174
Power Train41
Electrical System26
Fuel/Propulsion System25
Engine And Engine Cooling19
Unknown Or Other16
Service Brakes9
Suspension5
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/11: 124/12: 125/01: 1625/02: 1525/03: 1325/04: 1725/05: 1125/06: 1025/07: 825/08: 825/09: 425/10: 725/11: 125/12: 526/01: 1026/02: 926/03: 526/04: 926/05: 726/06: 626/07: 826/08: 2026/09: 1226/10: 724/1125/0225/0525/0825/1126/0226/0526/08max 20

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2023 Cadillac Escalade buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Engine — 174 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  3. Power Train — 41 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  4. Electrical System — 26 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 30,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2023 Cadillac Escalade. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Escalade years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 Escalade17228.3 inNot rated00
2026 Escalade17227.2 inNot rated454
2025 Escalade17227.2 in★★★★★139
2024 Escalade23227.2 in★★★★★274
2022 Escalade23227.2 in★★★★★4143
2021 Escalade23227.2 in★★★★★12169
2020 Escalade17203.9 inNot rated236
2019 Escalade17203.9 inNot rated159
2018 Escalade17203.9 in★★★★★237
2017 Escalade17203.9 in★★★★★289
2016 Escalade17203.9 inNot rated4104
2015 Escalade17203.9 inNot rated9106

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Cadillac. How we calculate this →