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2022 Cadillac Escalade Trim Levels, Configurations & Comparisons.

2022 Cadillac Escalade Trim Levels, Configurations & Comparisons: Luxury vs Premium Luxury, Sport vs Platinum
Reviewed & fact checked by
James Murdoch

Compare the 2022 Cadillac Escalade Trims - Luxury vs Premium Luxury, Sport vs Platinum. What is the difference between them?

Many drivers have a love-hate relationship with large SUVs. A large SUV is bulky and difficult to maneuver, but its large space makes it versatile and practical for daily life. There aren't a lot of full-size SUVs currently on the market; however, there are a few heavy-hitters out there.

Classified as a large luxury SUV, the 2022 Cadillac Escalade has risen as an icon and status symbol over the years. The upscale Cadillac cabin elevates every drive with in-vehicle technology and comfort, whilst two powertrains work to meet different driving styles. Cadillac has equipped this SUV with more standard safety features than ever before, completely redesigning it fresh from the previous year.

The stylish and sophisticated 2022 Cadillac Escalade is offered in five distinct trim levels, ranging from luxuriously generous base models to extravagantly appointed top trims; ensuring customers can make an informed choice that fits their individual style. With prices starting above $75,000 each one offers a unique combination of features – making the latest iteration of this iconic vehicle truly exceptional.

Compare the Luxury vs Premium Luxury Trims. What is the difference?

Cadillac presents an impressive 2022 Escalade lineup, with a range of powerful engines to choose from. The standard 6.2L V8 produces 420-horsepower and 460 lb-ft torque while the turbocharged 3.0L six cylinder diesel delivers 277-horse power equally matched at 460 lb/ft of torque - both optimized by 10 speed automatic transmissions for maximum smoothness, economy and efficiency when on tow up to 8200 pounds! This makes it one formidable all rounder in its class indeed!

Switching to the diesel will make the 2022 Escalade Luxury far more fuel-efficient. With the standard V8, drivers will be looking at 14mpg in the city and 19mpg on the highway when equipped with rear-wheel drive. The diesel, on the other hand, can get drivers up to 21mpg in the city and 27mpg on the highway.

Set your style in motion with the Luxury's 22-inch, 14-Spoke alloy wheels finished in Bright Silver. All-season tires come standard, and a 17-inch spare tire is included as well. Black assist steps make it easy to get in this giant vehicle, while the chrome roof rails strike a perfect balance between moxie and sophistication. The Luxury trim is home to deep-tinted and acoustic glass for a relaxing experience inside the cabin.

LED auto-leveling headlamps are standard, along with LED tai lamps. The Rainsense windshield wipers turn on automatically when required  For the side mirrors, the Escalade Luxury gives drivers auto-dimming, power-folding, and heat, along with turn signal integration. A hands-free power liftgate is thrown in for even more convenience.

Eight-way power-adjustable front seats with two-way power lumbar support come standard. Both the front seats and the outboard second-row seats are heated. Ambient interior lighting allows you to choose from a spectrum of calming hues to create a cabin that reflect your moods. If auto-dimming rearview mirror and heated steering wheel are not enough, this SUV comes standard with tri-zone automatic climate control.

Unsurprisingly, the 2022 Escalade Luxury trim level is bursting at the seams with technology. There is a 7.2-inch digital control panel that makes it easy to see important information quickly. There is also a 14.2-inch digital gauge cluster, and the standard infotainment system runs on a 16.9-inch touchscreen. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are included, plus Bluetooth. The Luxury also has wireless device charging and a Wi-Fi hotspot for even more convenience. Completing the high-tech feel is a 19-speaker audio system and satellite radio.

The 2022 Escalade Luxury trim level is also fully equipped when it comes to safety features. Forward collision alert comes standard. Drivers also get both front and rear park assist to help them manage this large SUV. Also helping with that task is the included surround-view camera system. Lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking are all included as well. Helping to ensure that the driver is aware of any potential issues is the standard safety alert seat.

If the Luxury isn't good enough for you, the Premium Luxury will take things to the next level. The wheel size remains the same, but they get an even more sophisticated 14-spoke design in polished finish. This is the first trim that can be equipped with a heavy-duty trailering package, which consists of an auxiliary trailer camera, extra-capacity cooling system, trailering assist guidelines, and even a tire pressure monitoring system for the trailer.

The Escalade Premium Luxury model offers true luxury with an ultra view power sunroof that tilts and slides for full enjoyment. Drivers get the added peace of mind knowing that wheel locks are included, as well as a rear camera mirror and washer to ensure crystal clear vision on every ride. Plus, customize your driving experience even more with two available packages giving you access to adaptive air suspension or Magnetic Ride Control technology paired with electronic limited-slip differential.

The Premium Luxury offers an unparalleled driving experience, with ventilated heated front seats and luxurious leather trim upholstery. Audio aficionados can also indulge in optional 36-speaker sound systems or a rear-seat entertainment system for extraordinary travels.

Even more safety features are added to the Premium Luxury. It gains adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic assist. This trim also has enhanced automatic emergency braking, which uses radar along with camera technology to help the driver bring the Escalade to a stop. Reverse automatic emergency braking is included when drivers choose the Premium Luxury trim level or higher.

Optional for this trim is a night vision detection feature. It uses thermal heat imaging to look for pedestrians or large animals beyond what the headlights can see. This feature can be turned on and off as desired.

Cadillac's Escalade Premium Luxury trim offers an unbeatable driving experience with its revolutionary Super Cruise feature. Enjoy semi-autonomous control of your vehicle, keeping it at a safe distance from other cars and ensuring that you stay in the right lane - thanks to the standard alert system for lane changes. Plus, Side Blind Zone Alert keeps you extra aware when switching lanes by providing side mirror visual alerts whenever something is moving towards one of those hard-to-see spots.
The Premium Luxury builds on quite a bit to the already advanced Escalade, but it nicks $8,500 more than the Luxury, even without any optional add-ons and packages.

Compare the Premium Luxury vs. Escalade Sport Trim Levels. What is the difference?

The Sport trim takes performance to the next level with mechanical upgrades, and offers an integrated trailer brake controller as part of its standard package. An aggressive Dark Android finish on 22-inch wheels is complemented by gloss black roof rails for that extra edge. You'll be sure to turn heads in this athletic exterior design.

Other than the addition of trailer side blind-zone alert, the Sport trim does not make any safety or technology upgrades. It costs less than $3,000 more than the Premium Luxury, a price bump that many may find worth it due to the performance upgrades.

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

Choosing the Premium Luxury Platinum trim level will mean getting a smooth adaptive air ride suspension. This trim level swaps out the black exterior accents for chrome once again. It also gains a puddle lamp feature that lights up underneath the side mirrors when some approaches or exits the vehicle.

The Cadillac Escalade Premium Luxury Platinum takes luxury to the next level, with features designed for a superior comfort experience. Touring package standard elements such as illuminating sill plates and soft-close doors make getting in and out of your vehicle easier than ever! For even more pampering, this trim comes equipped with 12-way power adjustment seating plus lumbar massage - perfect for those long journeys where you need extra support to stay energized throughout.

This model has an ultra-sophisticated 36-speaker sound system that true audiophiles will appreciate. Not only is the sheer number of speakers impressive, but so is the digital sound processing that makes the music crystal clear. This sound system even gives the front passenger the ability to adjust the volume independently for their seat. While the standard sound system has one amplifier, the 36-speaker setup has three. Finally, the upgraded system gives drivers a conversation enhancement feature that can project the voices from the front seats to the speakers in the second and third rows.

Another feature made standard by this trim level is the rear-seat entertainment package. It includes two 12.6-inch diagonal screens. The screens can operate independently from each other, reducing arguments in the backseat about what to watch. This system will add two USB-C and two HDMI ports to the back of the center console. It also gives buyers two pairs of Bluetooth headphones.

Nestled inside the cabin is a luxurious upgrade known as 'the platinum interior package.' This exclusive feature offers an opulent transformation with leather-wrapped consoles, upper doors and instrument panels. In addition to this sumptuous touch, suede headliners and pillars are also present for that extra stylish appeal – elevating your driving experience into one of sophistication and prestige.

Going up to the Premium Luxury Platinum trim level will cost buyers a pause-worthy $14,000 more.

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

Get the best of both worlds with two trim options at the same starting price - Luxury Platinum and Sport. The former provides elegant touches to elevate your ride, while the latter offers a sporty look that is perfect for revving up style or performance on command. Whether you select one over another (or decide to have it all!), these trims deliver an unbeatable combination of sophistication and power in equal measure.

The Sport Platinum loses the chrome touches found on the Premium Luxury Platinum. Instead, it favors gloss black accents. It also has gloss-black body side moldings for a more aggressive look. Ultimately, the choice between the two trim levels depends mostly on personal style preferences.

Final Thoughts

The base Luxury trim offers drivers plenty of great features and performance abilities without any major omissions. It serves as a perfect compromise for those who want the complete package, but don't need all the bells and whistles that come with higher models. With advanced safety measures, reliable technology options, and robust performance capabilities in one neat bundle - this is sure to be an attractive choice!

The major exception would be for those buyers who want to add packages to their Escalade. Many of them are not available for the Luxury trim level, but join the options list of the Premium Luxury. If a buyer is interested in the trailering package, for example, or the Super Cruise feature, they should step up to the Premium Luxury model.

Higher trim levels add mostly things that can be added to the Premium Luxury as part of a package. Buyers can likely save money by picking and choosing what they actually want rather than shelling out $$90,000 plus for things they may never need.

Previous Year Trim Configurations:

2021 Cadillac Escalade Trime Levels