DecodedCars2016 Cadillac Escalade
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.
- Class
- Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- ESCALADE, Esv
- Engines
- 6.2L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 17 combined · 15 city / 22 hwy
- Length
- 203.9–224.4 in
- Curb weight
- 5,840–6,041 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 4 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints104 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 15 for similar models — most often about the engine.
- "Do not drive" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 7 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2016 Cadillac Escalade is a standard SUV offered with a 6.2L 8-cyl engine and rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.
It measures about 204 inches long and 80 inches wide on a 116-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 5,840 lb (ESCALADE).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 17 MPG combined (15 city / 22 highway), 11% worse than the 2016 standard SUV average of 19.1 MPG, for an estimated $3,950 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 104 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2016
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2015 Escalade — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 Escalade →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Arlington, Texas
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2016 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ESCALADE | 203.9 in | 80.3 in | 74.4 in | 116.1 in | 68.9 / 68.5 in | 5,840 lb | 52/48 |
| Esv | 224.4 in | 80.3 in | 74.4 in | 129.9 in | 68.9 / 68.5 in | 6,041 lb | 51/49 |
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 | 6.2L 8-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 22 / 17 | -11% | $3,950 | 511 |
| Escalade 4WD | 6.2L 8-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 15 / 21 / 17 | -9% | $3,950 | 526 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2016 Cadillac Escalade.
Similar 2016 standard SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Cadillac Escalade (this car) | 17 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2016 Tesla Model X | 289 mi | Not rated | 12 |
| 2016 Lexus LX | 15 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2016 Lincoln Navigator | 18 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class | 19 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Infiniti QX80 | 16 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2016 Infiniti QX60 | 26 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
Recalls (4)
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum · Sep 6, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V645000 · 3,456,719 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Cadillac Escalade, 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, 2015-2018 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon vehicles. The amount of vacuum created by the vacuum pump may decrease over time.
- Risk
- As the vacuum level drops, the brake assist decreases, increasing braking effort, extending the distance required to stop the vehicle, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Electronic Brake Control Module, free of charge. The recall began October 8, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192268490.
Air Bags › Frontal · Jul 10, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V437000 · 40,683 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Spark EV, Caprice PPV and SS vehicles, 2014-2017 Buick Encore and Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, 2015-2016 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Trax, Suburban and Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles, and 2015-2017 GMC Sierra HD 2500 and 3500 vehicles. While being previously remedied for recall 16V-651, the affected vehicles may not have received the complete software update necessary to remedy the recall condition. Without the update, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
- Risk
- A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 17287.
Seat Belts › Pretensioner · Sep 8, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V651000 · 3,640,162 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and 2014-2017 Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500, Trax, Caprice Police Pursuit Vehicle, GMC Sierra 1500, Buick Encore, and 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse, Chevrolet Spark EV and SS vehicles. In the affected vehicles, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
- Risk
- A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 13, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 16007.
Suspension › Front › Control Arm · Apr 28, 2016 Do not drive
NHTSA campaign 16V256000 · 3,738 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and 2016 Cadillac Escalade, Cadillac Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Sierra, GMC Yukon and GMC Yukon XL vehicles. The front upper control arms may have inadequate welds near the control arm bushing.
- Risk
- Inadequate welds may allow the control arm to separate from the bushing, compromising steering and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the left and right front upper control arms and realign the vehicle, free of charge. The recall began on May 18, 2016. Until the repairs have been made, owners are advised not to drive their vehicles. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 42190.
Not every 2016 Cadillac Escalade is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2016 Cadillac Escalade buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
- Engine — 31 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Power Train — 22 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Electrical System — 18 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 38,000 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 2016 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 |
| 2023 Escalade | 23 | 227.2 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 234 |
| 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 |
| 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 →