The future Cadillac Escalade is expected to launch for the 2020 model year. This page contains information about the next Escalade.
Following is speculative and unconfirmed information about the future Cadillac Escalade based on rumors, expectations and speculation. This page is a continuous work-in-progress and will be updated on a regular basis to reflect the latest information.
If you notice any inaccuracies about the information provided, or have edits to suggest, please let us know here.
- Last updated August 2, 2018
Future Cadillac Escalade Predictive Overview
| Vehicle: | 2020 Cadillac Escalade |
|---|---|
| Generation: | Fifth |
| Predecessor | 2015-2019 Cadillac Escalade (4th generation) |
| Launch timeframe: | Q3-Q4 2019 |
| Model year: | 2020 |
| Body style(s): | full-size 5-door SUV (Escalade) |
| extended-length full-size 5-door SUV (Escalade ESV) | |
| Platform: | T1 platform |
| Engine(s): | 6.2L V-8 Small Block (L87), 4.2L V-8 Twin Turbo DOHC (LTA) |
| Transmission(s): | 10-speed automatic |
| Powertrain placement: | Front-engine, longitudinal |
| Driveline: | RWD standard, 4WD optional |
| Alternative energy variant: | Plug-In Hybrid or Battery Electric Vehicle |
| Assembly site(s): | Arlington, Texas, USA |
| Notable new features: | Independent Rear Suspension |
| V-Sport model | |
| Electrified or pure electric model | |
| Expected prices: | $85,000-$120,000 |
Body Styles
The future Cadillac Escalade will continue being offered in two body styles:
- Regular-length Escalade
- Extended-length Escalade ESV
Both models will remain full-size SUVs with four doors and a rear liftgate.
Platform
The future Cadillac Escalade will ride on the new T1 platform.
The body-on-frame platform is significantly lighter yet stronger than the one underpinning the previous-generation Escalade.
Powertrain
The future Escalade will be offered with two gasoline engines and one alternative energy propulsion choice.
We believe that the two gasoline engines will be the naturally-aspirated 6.2L V8 small block (L87) as the base motor and the Twin-Turbo 4.2L V8 DOHC (LTA) as the uplevel motor. Both engines will be mated to the new 10-speed automatic transmission. The engines will be positioned longitudinally and run the length of the vehicle.
There will also be an electrified model, either a plug-in hybrid (like CT6 PHEV) or a pure battery electric (BEV).
2WD (rear-wheel-drive) will be standard, while 4WD will be optional.
Suspension
The next Cadillac Escalade is expected to introduce a fully independent rear suspension, replacing the solid rear axle for the first time ever. An independent rear suspension will deliver a better ride comfort and higher levels of handling, agility and independent wheel control.
Magnetic Ride Control will continue being standard.
Variants
We expect the future Cadillac Escalade to introduce a high-performance variant, either called Escalade V-Sport or Escalade-V.
Trim Levels
We expect the future Escalade to introduce Cadillac’s new “Y” trim level structure that splits the features and personas of the same model in two:
- Luxury, Premium Luxury and Platinum models have one set of features, appointments and visual characteristics that have more bright bodywork elements
- Sport models have another set of features, appointments and visual cues that replace the bright body work with body-color or black elements
New Notable Features
We expect the future Escalade to offer various new features never previously offered, including:
- Luxurious rear seat package that includes reclining second row seats with footrest, massage function, and advanced rear seat entertainment features
- Flat-loading floor, with the floor in the trunk starting at the base of the rear bumper, rather than several inches above (like on the current model)
- Independent Rear Suspension that improves ride comfort and handling ability
Pricing
Future Escalade prices are expected to start at $85,000, roughly a $10,000 increase over current models. The SUVs are expected to top out at $120,000.
Availability & Release Date
We expect the future Cadillac Escalade to become available in the second or third quarter of 2019 as a 2020 model year.
- Production: Arlington, Texas, United States
- North America, Middle East, South Korea, China (in limited quantities)
News
Follow our coverage of Cadillac Escalade news.
Forum
Discuss the future Escalade in our Cadillac Escalade forum.