2026 Cadillac Escalade Platinum Sport

With the disappearance of the limousine platforms from Cadillac and Lincoln, The Cadillac Escalade Platinum Sport is what a head of state or a minor league celebrity should ride in. We at Napleton News are all about riding high, so hop in and join us as we check out the latest ‘scalade.

What’s the Escalade all about?

It’s massive. As in big. And huge, too. A seven (or eight) passenger SUV on the grand scale, it is one of the most massive Sport Utility Vehicles on the road today. And if it’s not big enough, take advantage of the even larger big brother, the Cadillac Escalade ESV. You see, one size doesn’t always fit all!

The Cadillac Escalade Platinum Sport is powered by a choice of the 6.2-liter V8 engine making 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. The second option is to go for the Mack Daddy of them all, the Cadillac Escalade-V. It’s a supercharged version of the 6.2-liter engine pumping out a brutal 682 horsepower and 653 lb-ft of torque.

Both engines are matched to a 10-speed automatic transmission with rear wheel drive. All-wheel drive is an available option but is standard on the Escalade-V.

Magnetic Ride Control is back. General Motor’s version of an adaptive suspension, it has sensors reading road conditions on the fly to stiffen or soften the ride for optimum comfort. It’s so good that it also finds its way into Corvettes and some Ferraris.

Finally, Super Cruise is here for the win. A hands-free partial self-driving system, it is a standard feature that has premapped thousands of miles of highway in the United States.

How does the Cadillac Escalade Platinum Sport look?

The new Escalade borrows heavily from the design cues found on the Cadillac EVs. This merging of design will help blend the two siblings into a proper family resemblance. But that’s not to say it’s no longer boxy because it is. Think of it as a Frigidaire side-by-side sitting on 24s.

The interior of the Escalade.

The inside of the Cadillac Escalade resembles the interior of a Gulfstream G650 corporate jet. Sure, this thing doesn’t have wings but still, it flies.

Start with a 55-inch wide digital dashboard. It’s actually three separate screens arranged as a gauge display, infotainment screen and a separate screen for the front seat passenger. But let’s step back for a second. We haven’t entered the car yet. First, grab the handles and squeeze the rubberized grip. Be sure to stand out of the way because the door will gently open to allow easy access. If you are parked next to other cars, built-in sensors will prevent the doors from opening fully, allowing you to avoid dents and dings along the way.

Getting situated behind the wheel is nothing unusual, with an innumerable number of adjustments to settle into. Once you find your spot, you find several other features, too. For example, after adjusting lumbar, seat cushions and back, you’ll consider whether to get massaged while driving or to cool yourself with the front ventilated seats.

The middle row features folding and reclining captain’s chairs with easy access to the third row.

Behind the wheel of the Cadillac Escalade Platinum Sport.

Driving the Escalade is an otherworldly experience that combines power, comfort and shear bulk. The power comes from the 420 horsepower 460 lb-ft of torque that gets this behemoth out of its own way quickly. The comfort is a result of the Air Ride Suspension and the Magnetic Ride Control.

This adaptive suspension also gives the ‘Scalade a surprising amount of maneuverability. It carries a huge footprint due to its sheer bulk but the suspension still does the trick. The result is a vehicle offering a smooth and compliant ride as well as one that can cut a corner. Mind you, it’s no BMW, but considering its heft, it is still very impressive.

Overall, the Cadillac Escalade is one impressive ride that has taken the place of limousines and Town Cars everywhere.

2026 Cadillac Escalade Platinum 4×4