The Gas Escalade
6.2L V8 · Up to 682 hp · The icon that started it all
Available Trims
| Trim | Starting MSRP |
|---|---|
| Luxury | ~$93,695 |
| Premium Luxury | ~$99,890 |
| Sport | ~$100,990 |
| Premium Luxury Platinum | ~$110,790 |
| V-Series | ~$155,095 |
| V-Series (top spec) | ~$170,595 |
Pros & Cons
✓ Iconic presence and brand recognition
✓ Best towing — 8,100 lbs
✓ Lower entry price ($34K less than IQ)
✓ ESV option for extra space
✓ Huge dealer network
✗ 14–16 MPG — ~$5K+/yr gas
✗ V8 valve lifter issue risk
✗ Super Cruise is optional
✗ Less refined ride than IQ
The Escalade IQ
All-electric · 750 hp · 460+ miles · The future of Escalade
Standard on Every Trim
- Super Cruise — hands-free highway driving
- 4-Wheel Steering — "Crab Walk" mode
- 12 cu ft Frunk
- Adaptive Air Ride Suspension
- Passenger screen — YouTube/Hulu (polarized from driver)
- Velocity Max — 750 hp at the press of a button
Pros & Cons
✓ Best EV range: 460+ EPA, 480–607 real-world
✓ Fastest charging: 352 kW peak
✓ 750 hp — faster than gas V-Series
✓ Silent, smooth luxury
✓ Super Cruise + 4WS standard
✓ Save $4K–6K/yr on fuel
✗ $34K premium over gas
✗ 9,000 lbs
✗ Cramped third row (IQL fixes it)
✗ First-year quality issues
✗ No $7,500 tax credit (over $80K)
Head-to-Head
Gas vs Electric — the numbers don't lie
| Feature | ⛽ Gas | ⚡ IQ |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $93,695 ✓ | $127,700 |
| Power | 420 hp (682 V) | 680 hp (750 launch) ✓ |
| 0-60 mph | ~6.1s (4.7s V) | ~4.5s ✓ |
| Range | ~400 mi | 460+ mi ✓ |
| Towing | 8,100 lbs ✓ | 7,500 lbs |
| Annual Fuel | ~$5,000+ | ~$800–1,200 ✓ |
| Super Cruise | Optional | Standard ✓ |
| 4-Wheel Steer | No | Standard ✓ |
| Weight | ~5,800 lbs ✓ | ~9,000 lbs |
| 5-Year Fuel Savings | — | ~$20K–$25K ✓ |
Visual Comparison
YouTube Reviews
24 handpicked videos — reviews, range tests, and honest takes
🔥 Must-Watch
📐 In-Depth
🔋 Range & Charging
⚠️ Critical Takes
📏 IQL Extended (2026)
Orange County Dealers
Inventory, contact info, and test drive details
1. Costa Mesa Cadillac ~43 IQs
2. Tustin Cadillac
3. Cadillac of Laguna Niguel
Test Drive Guide
Everything you need to know before you go
10 Things to Test
- Velocity Max — Red V button = 750hp. Floor it.
- Crab Walk — Tight turns with 4-wheel steer.
- Super Cruise — Hands-free on the highway.
- Tour vs Sport — Tour mode is the sweet spot.
- Third Row — Sit in it. It's tight. Ask about IQL.
- Frunk — 12 cu ft. Surprisingly useful.
- 55" Display — Passenger streams YouTube.
- 38-Speaker Audio — Crank it. It's incredible.
- One-Pedal Driving — Try regen braking.
- Park It — 360° camera + 4WS = easy.
Ask the Dealer
- "Any discounts?" — 126+ in SoCal = leverage.
- "2025 vs 2026?" — 2025 at discount could be a steal.
- "Home charging?" — Level 2 = full charge overnight.
- "Warranty?" — 3yr/36K + 8yr/100K battery.
The Verdict
Which Escalade Is Right for You?
Gas Escalade: Classic V8, lower price, 8,100 lb towing. Great if you want tradition and don't mind $5K/yr gas. Watch the lifter issue.
Escalade IQ: The future. 460+ mile range, 750 hp, Super Cruise standard, silent luxury. Save $4K–5K/yr fuel. Some first-year quality quirks.
💰 Sweet Spot: IQ Sport 1 at ~$128–131K. Edmunds agrees Level 2 isn't worth $20K more.
💪 With 43+ IQs at Costa Mesa and 126+ in SoCal — you have leverage. Don't pay over MSRP.