If you're in the market for a used Cadillac Escalade, there's a few things to know before you buy. While the model is great no matter what, some years may have extra features that will benefit you more. Together we'll take a look at the changes throughout the years, here are some of the best years to buy a used Cadillac.
Key takeaways
- It wasn't until the third generation that the Escalade started to become its own. This year saw a hybrid hit the market, able to go 0-60 in 8.2 seconds.
- If you're still holding onto a CD collection, the third generation is what you want. It comes with a 6-disc CD changer, letting you load up your favorite tunes in ways that modern cars can't replicate.
- If you're looking for legroom, but don't want something too long, then the fourth generation is for you.
- The fifth generation boasts the biggest screen on the market, as well as bringing a diesel engine to the Cadillac family for the first time in 4 decades.
First Generation (1998-2000)
This is where it all started for one of the most recognizable vehicles on the market. When it hit the market, it was more or less a clone of the GMC Yukon Denali, and didn't really come with much in terms of uniqueness. While it was a good vehicle, it still wasn't something that wowed consumers.
Second Generation (2001-2005)
When this generation hit the roads, with some features that made it less of a clone and more individual. It was manufactured as a rear-wheel drive vehicle with a 5.3L V8 engine.
When 2003 came around, the StabiliTrak was upgraded to a four-wheel version. This year also saw the addition of power-adjustable pedals, as well as turn-signal mirrors. The 2004 Escalade added even more features to help bring it in line with the Cadillac brand. These new features were XM satellite radio, second-row bucket seats to help bring more comfort for your passengers, and a tire pressure monitoring system.
Third Generation (2006-2013)
As part of the launch of the third generation Escalade, it was the official vehicle Super Bowl XL, showing just how far this model has come.
Coming with a 6.2L V8 engine, this was the first mass-produced pushrod engine with variable valve timing. This would produce a staggering 403 horsepower, as well as 417 lb-ft of torque.
If you're wanting to move away from gas engines, there's a Escalade Hybrid from this generation that you can be on the lookout for. This was released in 2009. This hybrid Escalade can go 0-60 in 8.2 seconds, which is impressive for a vehicle its size.
Some of the standard features you can find in this generation are leather trimmed seats, wood and leather-wrapped steering wheel that adds more sophistication to the vehicle.
For comfort, you will find heated first and second row seats, 14-way power front seats that come with a memory system, air conditioning with tri-zone climate controls and a remote engine start.
The tech side of this vehicle is pretty good too for this generation. You can find a premium sound system, 6-disc CD changer, rear radio controls and a power liftgate.
If you manage to find a Platinum Escalade, you'll get even more features. These are heated, and cooled cup holders, a rearview camera, cooled front seats, and a DVD entertainment system making this one of the best vehicles for family road trips.
Fourth Generation (2014-2019)
Building on the success that was the third generation, this one was something special. Cadillac decided to give up on some cargo space to give the front seats even more legroom, and increasing headroom as well.
Some other new features were a new engine, new coil-over front suspension, and variable-assist electric power steering. The manufacturers wanted to give you the best vehicle possible, so they took things into their own hands. You can find hand-crafted designs that feature cut-and-sewn and wrapped materials.
Some updates also trickled in over the years. The biggest ones being lane keep assist being added in 2016, and the rear seat entertainment was changed from RCA to HDMI in 2017, helping bring it into the modern era, making road trips even better.
Fifth Generation (2020-Present)
With advancements in technology, this Escalade brought massive changes, as well as massive screens. The massive screen that it brought is a 38-inch curved OLED screen, the first of its kind on any vehicle. Super Cruise also hit the roads this generation. This allows hands-free driving on roads across the US.
2020 also saw the option for a 3.0L LM2 I6 Duramax engine, making it the first diesel powered engine in nearly 4 decades. If you get your hands on one, you can look for the “600D” badge that shows off what's under the hood. In a MotorTrend review, they noted that the diesel “gets notably better fuel economy” and that there aren't any bad things about the engine.
This model gains some length, reversing the shortening that the fourth generation brought. This model came with more room for the second and third row, as well as having more cargo space.
New for this generation is a 36 speaker AKG audio system. This helps you enjoy music on the road in ways that the first generation of Escalade can only dream of.
Final Thoughts
If you're wanting an Escalade, or just want to browse our inventory, come see us at Car2Sell today.