2026 Cadillac Escalade ESV: NHTSA Safety Rating & Pricing
— NHTSA, EPA, AAA, RepairPal
In its segment, the 2026 Cadillac Escalade ESV scores well for safety. NHTSA has 1 recall campaign on file, fewer than the 1.7 average for SUVs.
- Starting MSRP
- $94,100 - $171,000
- EPA Combined MPG
- 13-17 MPG
- NHTSA Safety Rating
- 5-Star (Highest)
- Est. Annual Fuel Cost
- $2,779 - $3,635 per year
- Recalls on File
- 1 recall on file
- Owner Complaints
- 2 on file
- Est. Monthly Cost (with fuel)
- $1,364 per month
- Est. Cost per Mile (with fuel)
- $0.84
- Brand Origin
- United States
The 2026 Cadillac Escalade ESV is a SUV priced from $94,100 to $171,000 across 11 trims. In this price range, depreciation and insurance are often larger factors than fuel cost. The data below covers all of it.
- 5-year ownership cost $10,390 above luxury SUVs average
- Base price $3,505 more than 2025 model
- Avg repair cost $93 per year above SUV average
2026 Cadillac Escalade ESV at a Glance
Published crash-test coverage is incomplete for the 2026 Cadillac Escalade ESV. Within the currently available data, the clearest positive signals are high published crash-test results.
- safety
Strengths in the data
- Safety: 5-star NHTSA. Safest SUVs 2026 →
Cautions in the data
- Crash-test coverage is incomplete: IIHS data is not available for this model yet.
- Best estimated five-year cost in the lineup still lands about $10,390 above the similar-vehicle average.
- Reliability is not a standout here: RepairPal 3.0/5.
Similar vehicles to compare
How Safe Is the 2026 Cadillac Escalade ESV?
In NHTSA crash testing, the 2026 Cadillac Escalade ESV received 5 out of 5 stars overall. 82% of tested SUVs share this top rating. Tests cover frontal impact, side impact, and rollover resistance. Source: NHTSA.
Overall Safety
82% of SUVs share this top rating
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Frontal Crash | |
| Side Crash | |
| Rollover |
Rollover Risk: 21.9%
A strong NHTSA score is a good starting point. IIHS testing adds scenarios NHTSA does not cover, including the small-overlap crash that accounts for a significant share of real-world fatalities.
NHTSA and IIHS evaluate the design. Recalls evaluate the execution. A look at both tells you whether the 2026 Cadillac Escalade ESV performs as intended under real-world conditions.
Does the 2026 Cadillac Escalade ESV Have Any Recalls?
NHTSA has 1 recall campaign on file for the 2026 Cadillac Escalade ESV, affecting EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. This is fewer than the 1.7 average for SUVs. Recalls address safety-related defects identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA. Repairs for recalled vehicles are free at authorized dealers. Source: NHTSA.
1 recall campaign on file with NHTSA.
Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
Most recent: February 2026
What Do 2026 Cadillac Escalade ESV Owners Report to NHTSA?
NHTSA has 2 owner complaints on file for the 2026 Cadillac Escalade ESV. This is below the average of 9 complaints for 2026 SUVs. Owner complaints are self-reported and unverified, but patterns across many reports can indicate real issues.
2 in the last 90 days · most recent filed 2026-03-01
Most-reported problem areas
- Engine2
- Electrical1
- Fuel System1
Source: NHTSA Vehicle Complaints Database. Data last refreshed 2026-04-16.
In this price range, fuel economy is rarely the deciding factor, but the annual cost difference between trims can still be significant. The EPA data below quantifies it.
What Is the 2026 Cadillac Escalade ESV Fuel Economy?
At up to 17 combined MPG, the 2026 Cadillac Escalade ESV's fuel costs are estimated at $2,779 per year, near the $2,699 average for luxury SUVs. Source: EPA.
Ranges from 13 to 17 combined MPG depending on trim and drivetrain.
| Trim | Combined | City | Highway | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base RWD GAS | 17 MPG | |||
| Base 4WD GAS | 16 MPG | |||
| Luxury RWD GAS | 17 MPG | |||
| Sport RWD GAS | 17 MPG | |||
| Luxury 4WD GAS | 16 MPG | |||
| Sport 4WD GAS | 16 MPG | |||
| Platinum Luxury RWD GAS | 17 MPG | |||
| Platinum Sport RWD GAS | 17 MPG | |||
| Platinum Luxury 4WD GAS | 16 MPG | |||
| Platinum Sport 4WD GAS | 16 MPG | |||
| V AWD GAS | 13 MPG |
Estimated 5-year fuel costs range from $13,895 to $18,175 depending on trim.
The most efficient trim ranks in the top 7% for fuel cost within its EPA vehicle class.
Luxury vehicles depreciate faster than average and cost more to insure. AAA's ownership estimates below show what those costs look like for the Medium SUV class.
What Does the 2026 Cadillac Escalade ESV Cost to Own?
Estimated 5-year total ownership cost for the 2026 Cadillac Escalade ESV ranges from $151,815 to $232,995 depending on trim, based on AAA's Your Driving Costs study for the Medium SUV class. This includes insurance, maintenance, depreciation, registration, and financing. These are class averages, not specific to this model. Source: AAA.
| Maintenance | $1,817 per year |
|---|---|
| Insurance | $1,873 per year |
| Depreciation | $5,074 per year |
| Registration & Taxes | $862 per year |
| Financing | $1,815 per year |
| Total (excluding fuel) | $13,584 per year |
| Cost per mile | $0.84 per mile |
In this price range, the base trim typically includes features that other brands charge extra for. The question is which upgrades justify the step up in MSRP and the depreciation that comes with it.
How Do the 2026 Cadillac Escalade ESV Trims Compare?
11 trims are available for the 2026 Cadillac Escalade ESV, spanning $94,100 to $171,000. All trims use a Gasoline powertrain. Compare specifications and estimated costs in the table below. Prices are MSRP before destination and fees.
| Trim | Base MSRP | Combined MPG | Est. Annual Fuel Cost | Drive Type | Horsepower | Curb Weight | Est. 5-Year Cost | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base RWD GAS | $94,100 | 17 MPG | $2,779 per year | RWD | 420 hp | 6,038 lbs | $151,815 | ||||||||
| Base 4WD GAS | $97,100 | 16 MPG | $2,953 per year | 4WD | 420 hp | 6,241 lbs | $155,685 | ||||||||
| Luxury RWD GAS | $105,100 | 17 MPG | $2,779 per year | RWD | 420 hp | 6,038 lbs | $162,815 | ||||||||
| Sport RWD GAS | $105,700 | 17 MPG | $2,779 per year | RWD | 420 hp | 6,038 lbs | $163,415 | ||||||||
| Luxury 4WD GAS | $108,100 | 16 MPG | $2,953 per year | 4WD | 420 hp | 6,241 lbs | $166,685 | ||||||||
| Sport 4WD GAS | $108,700 | 16 MPG | $2,953 per year | 4WD | 420 hp | 6,241 lbs | $167,285 | ||||||||
| Platinum Luxury RWD GAS | $122,900 | 17 MPG | $2,779 per year | RWD | 420 hp | 6,038 lbs | $180,615 | ||||||||
| Platinum Sport RWD GAS | $123,400 | 17 MPG | $2,779 per year | RWD | 420 hp | 6,038 lbs | $181,115 | ||||||||
| Platinum Luxury 4WD GAS | $125,900 | 16 MPG | $2,953 per year | 4WD | 420 hp | 6,241 lbs | $184,485 | ||||||||
| Platinum Sport 4WD GAS | $126,400 | 16 MPG | $2,953 per year | 4WD | 420 hp | 6,241 lbs | $184,985 | ||||||||
Show 1 more trim(s)
| |||||||||||||||
The entry price has increased $9,205 since 2024.
New trims since 2024
added 2026
- Base (RWD, 4WD)
- Platinum Luxury (RWD, 4WD)
- Platinum Sport (RWD, 4WD)
Trims no longer available
last available 2025
- Premium Luxury (RWD, 4WD)
- Sport Platinum (RWD, 4WD)
- Premium Luxury Platinum (RWD, 4WD)
Price changes since 2024
- Luxury RWD GAS $84,895 (2024) → $105,100 (2026) +$20,205
- Luxury 4WD GAS $87,895 (2024) → $108,100 (2026) +$20,205
- V AWD GAS $155,295 (2024) → $171,000 (2026) +$15,705
- Sport RWD GAS $99,195 (2024) → $105,700 (2026) +$6,505
- Sport 4WD GAS $102,195 (2024) → $108,700 (2026) +$6,505
View full trim timeline (2024–2026)
| Trim | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luxury RWD GAS | $84,895 16 MPG | $90,595 17 MPG | $105,100 17 MPG |
| Luxury 4WD GAS | $87,895 16 MPG | $93,595 16 MPG | $108,100 16 MPG |
| Premium Luxury RWD GAS | $96,195 16 MPG | $99,795 17 MPG | — |
| Premium Luxury 4WD GAS | $99,195 16 MPG | $102,795 16 MPG | — |
| Sport RWD GAS | $99,195 16 MPG | $100,395 17 MPG | $105,700 17 MPG |
| Sport 4WD GAS | $102,195 16 MPG | $103,395 16 MPG | $108,700 16 MPG |
| Sport Platinum RWD GAS | $113,695 16 MPG | $119,895 17 MPG | — |
| Premium Luxury Platinum RWD | $113,695 16 MPG | $119,395 17 MPG | — |
| Sport Platinum 4WD GAS | $116,695 16 MPG | $122,895 16 MPG | — |
| Premium Luxury Platinum 4WD | $116,695 16 MPG | $122,395 16 MPG | — |
| V AWD GAS | $155,295 13 MPG | $162,995 13 MPG | $171,000 13 MPG |
| Base RWD GAS | — | — | $94,100 17 MPG |
| Base 4WD GAS | — | — | $97,100 16 MPG |
| Platinum Luxury RWD GAS | — | — | $122,900 17 MPG |
| Platinum Sport RWD GAS | — | — | $123,400 17 MPG |
| Platinum Luxury 4WD GAS | — | — | $125,900 16 MPG |
| Platinum Sport 4WD GAS | — | — | $126,400 16 MPG |
Compare Trim Costs
Select two trims and adjust your driving and financing to see how monthly costs compare. Only costs we can compute from EPA data and your inputs are shown. No estimates, no guesses.
Your driving & financing
Price and fuel economy are knowable before purchase. Reliability is the variable that matters most after. The RepairPal score below gives you a data point on what to expect.
How Reliable Is the 2026 Cadillac Escalade ESV?
RepairPal rates the 2026 Cadillac Escalade ESV at 3.0 out of 5.0 for reliability, which is about average for luxury SUVs. RepairPal ratings reflect repair frequency and cost data from a network of certified repair shops. Source: RepairPal.
A warranty does not make a vehicle more reliable, but it does limit your financial exposure if something fails. Here is what Cadillac includes.
What Warranty Does the 2026 Cadillac Escalade ESV Come With?
Here is what Cadillac covers at no cost for the 2026 Escalade ESV. Basic coverage handles most defects. Powertrain coverage protects the engine and transmission for a longer period. Both start from the original purchase date.
| Basic Warranty | 4yr/50k |
|---|---|
| Powertrain Warranty | 6yr/70k |
| Corrosion Warranty | 6yr/100k |
| Roadside Assistance | 6yr/70k |
| Complimentary Maintenance | 1yr/1visit |
What Are the 2026 Cadillac Escalade ESV Specs?
Dimensions, weight, and powertrain details for the 2026 Cadillac Escalade ESV. These figures are published by Cadillac and apply to the base configuration unless noted. Specific trims may differ.
EPA vehicle class: Full-size SUV
| Engine | 6.2L V8 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 420 - 682 hp |
| Power-to-Weight | 134.6 - 209.5 hp per ton |
| Price per HP | $224 - $301 |
| Torque | 460 - 653 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 10-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drive Type | Rear-Wheel Drive, Four-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended), premium unleaded (required) |
| Fuel Tank | 28.0 gal |
| Est. Range per Tank | 364 - 476 miles per tank (EPA combined) |
| Length | 227.0 in |
|---|---|
| Width | 81.1 in |
| Height | 76.4 in |
| Wheelbase | 134.0 in |
| Curb Weight | 6,038 - 6,510 lbs |
What Changed for the 2026 Cadillac Escalade ESV?
- Pricing changed across one or more trims
That is the complete data picture for the 2026 Cadillac Escalade ESV. In this price range, the depreciation and insurance estimates above often carry more weight than fuel cost. Data is refreshed periodically.
Data coverage & source links
The following data categories are not yet available for the 2026 Cadillac Escalade ESV: IIHS has not yet tested this vehicle for crashworthiness. Learn how we collect, verify, and present vehicle data.
Verify this data
2026 Cadillac Escalade ESV FAQ
Which 2026 Cadillac Escalade ESV trim has the lowest ownership cost?
Among 11 available trims, the Base RWD GAS has the lowest estimated five-year ownership cost at $151,815, starting at $94,100 MSRP. The most expensive trim to own is about $232,995. See the full trim comparison table above for a side-by-side breakdown.
What vehicles compete with the 2026 Cadillac Escalade ESV?
The 2026 Cadillac Escalade ESV competes with 2026 Audi Q8, 2026 BMW X5, and 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer L based on price, size, and segment. Each of those vehicles has its own fact sheet with the same EPA, NHTSA, IIHS, and cost data shown here. Browse all 2026 SUVs.
What changed on the 2026 Cadillac Escalade ESV from last year?
Compared to the previous model year, 6 new trims were added, 6 trims were dropped, and the entry price increased by $9,205 for the Cadillac Escalade ESV lineup. See the trim evolution timeline above for full year-by-year pricing and availability details.
How much does a 2026 Cadillac Escalade ESV cost per month to own?
Excluding your car payment, estimated monthly costs for the 2026 Cadillac Escalade ESV include about $1,132 for insurance, maintenance, depreciation, and fees, plus roughly $232 for fuel. That puts non-payment running costs around $1,364 per month. These are estimates based on AAA class averages and EPA fuel data. Actual costs depend on your driving, location, and coverage.
Where is Cadillac based?
Cadillac is headquartered in United States. Brand origin reflects where the company is based, not where individual vehicles are assembled. Many Cadillac vehicles sold in the U.S. are built at domestic or international plants. See our United States-brand cars 2026 list.
What other Cadillac models are available for 2026?
Cadillac offers multiple models for 2026. Our Cadillac models page lists every available Cadillac vehicle with safety ratings, fuel costs, and ownership data.
How much does the 2026 Cadillac Escalade ESV depreciate?
AAA estimates total annual ownership costs of $13,584 for the Medium SUV class, with depreciation typically being the largest component. See the ownership cost section above for the full breakdown.
Compare to Similar Vehicles
Other Model Years
Data on this page is compiled from government agencies and independent research organizations. It is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, purchasing, or safety advice. Verify all data with the original source before making decisions.