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

- 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
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
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
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Esv Luxury 4dr SUV | 227.2 in | 81.1 in | 76.4 in | 134.3 in | 68.5 / 68.1 in | 5,869 lb | 53/47 |
| Esv Sport / Premium Luxury 4dr SUV | 227.2 in | 81.1 in | 76.4 in | 134.3 in | 68.5 / 68.1 in | 5,992 lb | 53/47 |
| Esv Sport Platinum / Premium Luxury Platform 4dr SUV | 227.2 in | 81.1 in | 76.4 in | 134.3 in | 68.5 / 68.1 in | 6,111 lb | 53/47 |
| Luxury 4dr SUV | 211.8 in | 81.1 in | 76.8 in | 120.9 in | 68.5 / 68.1 in | 5,721 lb | 52/48 |
| Sport / Premium Luxury 4dr SUV | 211.8 in | 81.1 in | 76.8 in | 120.9 in | 68.5 / 68.1 in | 5,838 lb | 52/48 |
| Sport Platinum / Premium Luxury Platform 4dr SUV | 211.8 in | 81.1 in | 76.8 in | 120.9 in | 68.5 / 68.1 in | 5,972 lb | 52/48 |
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 2WD Diesel | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic 10-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 21 / 27 / 23 | +14% | $4,150 | 442 |
| Escalade 4WD Diesel | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic 10-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 20 / 26 / 22 | +17% | $4,350 | 462 |
| Escalade 2WD | 6.2L 8-cyl | Automatic 10-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 19 / 16 | -21% | $5,150 | 556 |
| Escalade 4WD | 6.2L 8-cyl | Automatic 10-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 14 / 18 / 16 | -15% | $5,150 | 564 |
| Escalade V 4WD | 6.2L 8-cyl | Automatic (S10) | 4-Wheel Drive | 11 / 16 / 13 | -31% | $6,300 | 702 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2023 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV SUV 4WD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | – |
| 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV SUV 2WD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | – |
Similar 2023 standard SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Cadillac Escalade (this car) | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class | 22 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
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.
Not every 2023 Cadillac Escalade is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2023 Cadillac Escalade buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 174 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Power Train — 41 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Electrical System — 26 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 30,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- 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 →| 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 |
| 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 |
| 2015 Escalade | 17 | 203.9 in | Not rated | 9 | 106 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Cadillac. How we calculate this →