2020 Cadillac Escalade Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

For some consumers, a large luxury SUV is the only way to go. They combine utility, practicality, and sophistication. Drivers expect them to be full of the latest tech, comfort, and convenience features, and rightfully so, due to how much they cost.

Practically everyone has heard of the Cadillac Escalade. For many years, it has been the go-to choice for consumers looking for a large luxury SUV. Currently, the vehicle is in its fourth generation, which made its debut in 2015. The newest model does not see many changes.

As before, drivers will have four different trim options when it comes to the Cadillac Escalade. Additionally, there are "normal" and ESV models, which have a longer wheelbase and more interior space. Being classified as a luxury vehicle, drivers will find many features on the standard model. Each model up has more to offer.

The following is a guide aimed at detailing the differences between each trim level. Its ultimate goal is to help prepare consumers to make the best choice for their needs.

 

Compare the 2020 Cadillac Escalade Standard vs Escalade Luxury Trims. What is the difference?

The entry-level version of the Escalade does not get a fancy name. It is simply referred to as the base or standard model. Drivers have their choice between rear-wheel and all-wheel-drive with all 2020 Escalades. Like all trim levels, the base model is powered by a 6.2L V8 paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission. This combination gets drivers 420-horsepower as well as 460 lb-ft of torque.

Thanks to its powerful engine, the Cadillac Escalade has one of the best towing ratings out there in this vehicle class. Properly equipped rear-wheel-drive models can tow up to 8,300 pounds. Going with all-wheel-drive will only take that number down to 8,100 pounds.

Standard wheel size for this model is 20". A 17" full-size spare is included. Drivers have several different 22" wheel options they can add-on as well. Active aero shutters, which close when they are not needed to cool the engine, are found on the standard Escalade to help boost performance. The side mirrors are powered, heated, and have built-in turn signals.

Rounding out exterior features for the entry-level Escalade are things such as deep-tinted glass, roof rails, and a power-liftgate. The headlights turn on as well as off automatically. Drivers also get both LED headlights and taillights. Remote start, a handy feature for warming up or cooling off the vehicle before actually getting in, is also standard.

Tech features can be found throughout the cabin of the standard Escalade. Drivers get a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth, a 110-volt power outlet, and wireless charging. There is an 8" touchscreen that is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The infotainment system also includes standard navigation.

Also standard on all models is a 12" diagonal color driver information center that can be customized to display information in the way preferred by the driver. Another nice feature found here is the 16-speaker Bose sound system that has advanced noise cancellation technology built-in. Drivers can use this system to listen to the standard HD radio. There are a total of four USB ports to be found here.

All models of the new Escalade are Cadillac Connected Access capable. Drivers can download the myCadillac mobile app to use this system. Through it, drivers gain access to vehicle diagnostics, including a monthly report. The system also can help with scheduling maintenance, staying up to date on any safety recalls and locating the nearest dealership.

Also included is a universal home remote. With this, drivers can program their Escalade to talk to their garage door, gate, or security system. This system can remember up to three devices at one time.

Everyone will be comfortable inside the 2020 Cadillac Escalade as well. Standard equipment includes tri-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front row seats, and heated second row seats. In the front, consumers get leather bucket seats. The driver and front passenger also get 12-way power adjustment. As a bonus, drivers get a heated leather steering wheel. The pedals are power adjustable to help drivers find a comfortable arrangement. Coming standard in the second-row are bucket seats, but a bench seat is available to increase seating capacity.

There is a good amount of cargo space inside the Cadillac Escalade. In standard models, there are 15.2 cubic feet of space behind the third row. Folding down the third row of seating reveals 51.6 cubic feet, and folding down both back rows will give drivers 94.2 cubic feet. Those who need more room should consider an ESV model. With all the seats up, these Escalades have 39.3 cubic feet. Behind the second row, drivers get 76.6 cubic feet. Folding down the second and third-row reveals an astounding 120.9 cubic feet of cargo space.

Multiple advanced driver aids are found on this model. Drivers get standard automatic parking assist, which can help with both parallel and perpendicular parking by steering the vehicle into a spot. This model also comes with a surround-view camera that provides drivers with a bird's eye view of their vehicle.

Another useful feature is the rear seat reminder, which reminds drivers to check the backseat prior to exiting the vehicle. Drivers get a tire fill alert as well as a tire pressure monitoring system. Rainsense wipers, which can detect when they should turn on and at what speed, are included as well. Drivers with children will enjoy the teen driver feature. It allows certain features to be customized to a certain key fob. It also gives parents a report card to let them know how their teen is doing behind the wheel when they are not around.

The next option available to drivers is known as the Luxury. It is mechanically the same as the entry-level trim. It does get upgraded to 22" tires, however. Alloy wheels with chrome and pearl inserts are standard, but there are several other styles consumers can choose from. This is the first trim to offer the Escalade Sport Edition package. With this, the Escalade gets many black touches, including on the grille and window trim. This package is also available on the next two trims up.

Headlights get upgraded to IntelliBeam for the Luxury trim. These will turn the high beams on and off when it detects oncoming traffic. Also standard starting with this trim is a power sunroof. Cadillac included a wind deflector to help minimize noise inside the cabin when the sunroof is open. The rear view camera gains a washer, which is useful for preventing snow, mud, and other things from blocking the view.

The Luxury trim also adds the Theft Deterrent package. With this, drivers gain an interior movement sensor and an incline sensor. There are also glass break sensors for the rear windows. Inside, drivers will find standard second-row powered bucket seats. A power-folding bench seat is available here as well. Drivers can add the rear seat entertainment system to this trim. It includes a 9" screen, two pairs of wireless headphones, and a player compatible with both DVDs and Blu-Rays.

One of the biggest upgrades found for the Luxury trim is the inclusion of the Driver Awareness Package as standard equipment. This adds rear cross traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist featuring lane departure warning, lane change alert including side blind zone alert, safety seat alert, and forward collision alert.

Also standard is a rear camera mirror, which allows drivers to choose between a their traditional mirror view or a camera display of the area behind the vehicle. Additionally, drivers get a head's up display that will project important information directly into their line of sight, minimizing distractions.

The Luxury trim level is quite a bit more expensive. That said, many consumers will find the additional safety features alone worth the extra money.

Compare the 2020 Cadillac Escalade Luxury vs Escalade Premium Luxury Trims.  What is the difference?

Another well-equipped trim option is the Premium Luxury. It has a few mechanical upgrades, to include larger brakes, an electronic parking brake, and an enhanced version of automatic emergency braking. The standard and available wheel options stay the same.

There are also a few exterior upgrades. Drivers now get cornering headlights that help illuminate the road ahead when driving around corners. The door handles gain illumination. Inside the cabin, drivers now get the previously optional rear seat entertainment system standard.

Once again, the Escalade gains a few advanced driver aids when moving up trims. The Premium Luxury trim comes standard with the Driver Assist package. It adds adaptive cruise control, automatic seat belt tightening, and reverse automatic braking.

Relatively speaking, there is not a huge price jump between the Premium and Premium Luxury models. Consumers may figure they may as well go for it in order to get the extra safety features and rear seat entertainment system.

Compare the 2020 Cadillac Escalade Premium Luxury vs Escalade Platinum.  What is the difference?

The ultimate version of the 2020 Escalade is known as the Platinum. Mechanically speaking, it is identical to the Premium Luxury trim. It does get fancier wheels. They remain 22", but include nine spokes and an metallic ultra-silver finish. Drivers will get a unique grille and platinum sill plates if they choose this trim. Power-retractable side steps, which were available for the Premium Luxury, become standard for the Platinum trim level.

Inside, the front and second rows have upgraded leather upholstery. The third row also gets leather for the first time. If that is not enough leather, know that the entire console, door panels, and instrument panel are wrapped in it as well. The headliners gain a micro-suede liner. The driver and front passenger seats are upgraded to include 18-way power adjustment. For the driver, the seat also gains a three-mode massage feature. The front passenger gets a two-mode massage feature.

The luxurious interior upgrades do not end there. Dual screens, which are integrated in the back of the front headliners, become an available option. Drivers can choose from two color schemes, maple sugar or jet black for their interior color scheme. The wood trim is unique to the Platinum models. Floor mats are upgraded as well. Finally, this top-of-the-line trim gives drivers an insulated cooler inside the front console compartment. Safety features remain the same.

 

Which Trim to Choose?

The Cadillac Escalade continues to embody what people expect from a large luxury SUV. As a result, there is no bad choice here. Even the entry-level model has many features that are not typically found on non-luxury vehicles until the upper trims. The only area it is somewhat lacking in is advanced driver assistance aids.

Due to this, consider skipping up to the Premium Luxury level. The Premium, with its Driver Awareness package, is a solid choice, but going up a step really does not cost much more. With the Premium Luxury, consumers gain desirable features such as adaptive cruise control and an upgraded automatic emergency braking. The Platinum trim is sure to appeal to some, but the additional features may not warrant the increase in price for many consumers.

The Premium Luxury trim level of the 2020 Cadillac Escalade is a good choice that the whole family is sure to approve of.