Driving a luxury SUV is truly a next-level experience. While luxury sedans and sports cars offer their degree of appeal, sitting behind the wheel of a full-size luxury SUV brings a whole new level of regality to the driving experience. From the expansive amount of head and legroom to the full array of features packed beneath the surface, driving a great luxury SUV is an experience that luxury car drivers shouldn’t pass up. And one of the greats in the industry is the Cadillac Escalade. Since 1999 the Cadillac Escalade has dominated the luxury SUV landscape, offering a premium experience whether you’re sat in the driver’s seat or all the way back in the third row. Visit any Cadillac dealership, and chances are you’ll find a top-of-the-line Cadillac Escalade out front and center. The latest model to hit the market, the 2020 Cadillac Escalade, is quite the show. With four different trim options to choose from and plenty of intelligent design behind its bones, the 2020 Cadillac Escalade is easily one of the most impressive luxury SUVs this year.
The Array of Available Trim Options
Take a look at any SUV model lineup, and chances are you’ll find an array of codenames and catchphrases that for some potential drivers may be a little overwhelming. The 2020 Cadillac Escalade, like previous iterations of the model, keeps things classy labeling it’s family lineup as the Standard, Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Platinum. This simple trim naming method keeps things clean, while at the same time showcasing precisely what you’re getting yourself into when you get behind the wheel.
As can be expected of a three-row luxury SUV of this caliber, the 2020 Cadillac Escalade starts at a pretty MSRP of $75,195. Although, the truth of the matter is when you sit behind the wheel of the 2020 Cadillac Escalade, you’ll be repaid every dollar spent and more based on the level of value packed into even the base model. At an MSRP of $92,295 you can buy yourself into the top of the line model, the 2020 Cadillac Escalade Platinum, which introduces you to the highest point of luxury.
While the four trim options offered by the 2020 Cadillac Escalade are pretty streamlined, each one comes with a unique package. From added safety features to greater interior comforts, each trim option is a step up, each designed to satisfy with different levels of luxury.
What’s Expected on All Trims
While each trim option of the 2020 Cadillac Escalade comes with improvements, there are a variety of features that ought to be expected on all trim options. One such standard feature is the powerful engine packed beneath the hood of every 2020 Cadillac Escalade. A vehicle of this size needs an engine that is ready and willing to put out more than your standard amount of horsepower and torque. Fortunately, Cadillac was clearly aware of this when they tooled the Escalade with a robust 6.2-liter V8 engine that is responsible for 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque.
All of this power is certain to come in handy, whether your hauling cargo down the highway or joyriding with every passenger seat filled. This powerful SUV can also be used to tow up to 8,300 lbs, which is quite impressive even in a top-performing pickup truck. That said, the V8 engine might be a hindrance to gas mileage, as the 2020 Cadillac Escalade earns an EPA-rated 14 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway. Those are still great ratings for a vehicle of this size.
Beyond the engine, all 2020 Cadillac Escalades come with 2WD or 4WD, which is sturdy and lends for some buttery smooth driving. The 10-speed automatic transmission paired with the V8 engine is also a nice fit across all trim options. And for a vehicle of this size, the responsive kick of the engine results in some pretty thrilling driving.
As can be expected, the 2020 Cadillac Escalade offers four doors and three-rows of seats. With all three rows of seats up, drivers can enjoy up to 15.2 cubic feet of cargo space. While that may not sound like a lot, the total cargo capacity of the 2020 Cadillac Escalade breaks the scales at 94.2 cubic feet.
Besides these simple specs, the 2020 Cadillac Escalade expanse into a broad range of offerings, including near-futuristic automotive tech and interior comforts that feel more appropriate for a luxury lounge than a full-sized SUV.
Moving Up the Trim Option Ladder
Base models of the 2020 Cadillac Escalade start strong, as can be expected of a luxury SUV of this caliber. On the base model, drivers can find a wide range of interior features such as a wireless charging pad for their smartphone, as well as a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. The audio system in the base model is also a premium feature, sporting a Bose surround sound 16-speaker audio system. Heated and cooled front seats adorn the base model as well, and a hands-free power liftgate makes for a nifty addition.
Moving up the Luxury option, drivers will find a rear camera mirror, providing far greater awareness than your classic rearview mirror. IntelliBeam is also standard on the Luxury trim, which is a feature that automatically senses the surrounding area and adjusts the headlights accordingly. Passengers will also enjoy a power sunroof, as well as the option of a rear-seat entertainment system.
The Premium Luxury trim option makes all of the previous features standard as well as includes the option of power-retractable assist steps. A theft-deterrent package can be found on the Premium Luxury model, and the 22” 7-spoke alloy wheels make for a nice addition to an already fully-fleshed out package.
Last but certainly far from least is the Platinum model, which makes the power-retractable assist steps standard. A cooled front center console with covered storage is only found on this trim option, and the addition of digital headphones for the entertainment system is available for addition. A special maple sugar leather interior with jet black accents is only available on the Platinum model as well, which truly makes the Platinum edition a remarkable work of art.
Which Trim Option Should You Choose
Creating the perfect luxury SUV is next to impossible. With so many crowds to appeal to and so many logistics involved, perfection is a goal rarely approached by automakers. That said, the array of trim options of the 2020 Cadillac Escalade drive surprisingly close to that level of perfection. While the entry price may be rather high for the average consumer, Cadillac has made it clear that the Cadillac Escalade isn’t for the average consumer, and that’s central to the SUV’s charm.
The package offered in the 2020 Cadillac Escalade is quite remarkable, one you might be hard-pressed to find elsewhere. While other automakers feature decked out luxury SUVs, few do things quite as well as Cadillac. Cadillac has a history in automotive excellence, and they make their expertise clear in the 2020 Cadillac Escalade, so visit a Cadillac dealership near you to check out this amazing SUV.
