2022 Cadillac Escalade — Carivo review carivo.co
SUV

2022 Cadillac Escalade

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $78,480–$104,746
Fuel Economy 15 MPG
Seating 7 passengers
Category SUV
Est. Annual Fuel $3,500/yr

Key Specifications — 2022 Cadillac Escalade

Seating Capacity7 passengers
Body StyleSUV
Base Price$78,480–$104,746

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2022 Cadillac Escalade

With an overall Carivo score of 7.4/10, the 2022 Cadillac Escalade earns a Good rating among the suvs we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.4/10, while Value at 6.2/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional suv — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.

Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability comes in at 7.0/10 in our assessment — above the middle of the pack for this class, though not flawless. On safety it earns 8.4/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.

Performance lands mid-pack at 7.5/10: enough power and composure for everyday needs, without the dynamics that distinguish the segment's driver-focused options. Technology scores 8.0/10 — one of the stronger tech packages in the segment. Expect a responsive infotainment system, broad smartphone integration, and a solid suite of driver-assistance features.

Priced from $78,480–$104,746, 15 MPG, seating 7, the Cadillac Escalade sits in the luxury tier of the suv market. The value score of 6.2/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 4 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.

Bottom line: There's a case for the 2022 Cadillac Escalade, but it needs the right buyer. Its value scores trail the class, and several higher-rated rivals sell for similar money — comparison-shop before committing.

Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →

How It Ranks Among SUVs

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade ranks #1166 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 53% of the segment. Its 7.4/10 overall score is exactly at the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $78,480 starting price is about 118% above the segment's median of $36,079.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →

Which Escalade Year Should You Buy?

Smart-money pick: the 2019 Cadillac Escalade scores 7.2/10 — within striking distance of the 2022's 7.4 — and starts roughly $7,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2026 7.6/10$85,994 Read review →
2025 7.6/10$85,994 Read review →
2024 7.5/10$83,490 Read review →
2023 7.5/10$80,985 Read review →
2022 (this review) 7.4/10$78,480
2021 7.3/10$75,975 Read review →
2020 7.2/10$73,471 Read review →
2019 7.2/10$70,966 Read review →
2018 7.2/10$68,461 Read review →
2017 7.1/10$65,957 Read review →
2016 7.1/10$63,452 Read review →
2015 6.9/10$60,947 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2022 Cadillac Escalade

✓ What it does well

  • Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
  • Competent performance that satisfies most everyday driving demands
  • Modern, intuitive tech suite with wireless connectivity and up-to-date ADAS
  • Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well

✗ Where it falls short

  • Reliability scores are mid-pack; some owners report higher-than-expected maintenance needs
  • Value-for-money is a weak point; comparable alternatives offer more for the price
  • Fuel economy at 15 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly
  • Premium price bracket — make sure the score justifies the outlay vs. segment alternatives

NHTSA Recalls — 2022 Cadillac Escalade (4 on record)

The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Seat belts / Critical fasteners
11/08/2022 · 22V617000
General Motors, LLC (M) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with third-row seats. The rivet that retains the buckle to the mounting bracket in the left or…
Exterior lighting / Lighting control module / Software
08/12/2022 · 22V903000
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…
Engine and engine cooling / Engine / Hard parts internal/mechanical
24/04/2025 · 25V274000
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…
Power train / Automatic transmission / Control module / Software
13/02/2026 · 26V085000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2022 Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade, and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles equipped with 10 Speed Transmission with ETRS (Electronic Transmission Range Select). The…

Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.

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