2022 Cadillac Escalade

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2022 Cadillac Escalade

9.4

/10

Original MSRP

$79,440–$108,840

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Features We Love

For 2022, the Escalade didn’t change much—it was more of a carryover year. The main updates were a few new paint colors and added safety features like Buckle to Drive and available seatbelt pretensioners. Overall, it’s the same design with a couple small safety and tech upgrades.

I really loved this Escalade. It just feels so comfortable and spacious for families, and once you get your car seats in, it works really well. There’s a lot here that actually makes everyday life with kids easier.

Captain’s chairs with easy installs: two sets of lower anchors in the second row make installs straightforward and nicely spaced out
Tether anchors across five seats: all second and third row positions have top tether anchors, which is huge for forward-facing flexibility
Wide second row spacing: tons of room between seats, which makes loading kids and buckling so much easier
Third row is actually usable: good legroom and solid amenities make it realistic for kids or car seats
Flexible third row access: you can walk through the captain’s chairs or slide them forward depending on what you need
Overall comfort for families: it just feels easy to live with day to day, especially with multiple kids

Car Mom Review

The Exterior

Big, Bold, and Feels Like a Luxury SUV

I really like how this Escalade looks—it feels big, it feels expensive, and it definitely stands out. It’s not trying to be subtle, and I think that works for this car.

Front End Feels Fresh but Still Very Escalade

The redesign cleaned things up without losing that classic Escalade look.

Strong hood lines: gives it a more sculpted, updated look
Signature grille and chrome: still very bold and recognizable
Slightly short nose: a little more compact-looking up front than you’d expect

Side Profile Is Huge and Easy to Use

From the side, this is a big SUV, and you feel that right away—but it actually works in your favor as a mom.

22-inch wheels: they’re big and make the whole car feel elevated
Running boards: make getting kids in and out much easier
Tall driving position: you sit high and can see everything around you

Details Make It Feel More Premium

There are a lot of little things that make this feel like a luxury SUV, not just a big one.

Chrome accents throughout: around the windows, rails, and trim
Clean badging: subtle but still feels elevated
Power features: hands-free trunk and keyless entry make everyday use easier

Back End Keeps It Clean and Functional

The rear is a little simpler, but it still looks put together.

Vertical tail lights: give it that signature Escalade look
Hidden rear wiper: keeps the back looking clean
Wide liftgate: easy to load strollers and gear

Overall, it’s a big, bold SUV that looks the part—and the size actually helps when you’re using it with kids day to day.

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First Row

Feels Like You’re Driving a $100K SUV (Because You Are!)

This first row really does feel like an experience. It’s super comfortable, everything is within reach, and you can tell it was designed with the driver in mind.

Massive Curved Screen That Still Feels Easy to Use

The screen setup is the first thing you notice, and it actually lives up to the hype.

Curved display across the dash: looks high-end and pulls everything together
Infotainment system: surprisingly easy to use and quick to navigate
Apple CarPlay + built-in navigation: both are simple to access
Extra control screen: gives you quick access to settings without digging through menus

Visibility Is Strong—But You’ll Use the Camera

You sit really high in this car, which I love, and the side visibility is great. The back is where things change a bit.

The third row headrests block your rear view more than I expected, but the camera rearview mirror completely fixes that and gives you a clear, wide view behind you.

Storage Is Functional with a Few Trade-Offs

There’s a lot of usable space up front, but it’s not perfect.

Cupholders: two standard plus a bonus third, which I actually love
Center console: good size, and some trims have a cool box
Wireless charger: hidden, which gives you more space but you can’t see your phone
Door storage: wide but not deep, so bottles can feel a little loose

Materials and Comfort Feel Very Elevated

Everything up here feels cohesive and well done.

The leather, chrome, and trim all work together, and the seats are exactly what you’d expect at this price point—really comfortable and easy to sit in for longer drives.

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Second Row

LATCH on Both Captain’s Chairs + Tether Anchors on All Second and Third Row Seats

Lower anchors: one full set on each second row captain’s chair
Top tether anchors: on both second row seats and all three third row seats
Spacing: seats are separated, so you’re not fighting for room between car seats
Install feel: straightforward and not cramped, especially for forward-facing setups

Wide Layout Makes Daily Use Easier

This is where the Escalade really shines—it just feels easy to use.

The aisle between the captain’s chairs is wide, which makes it easier to get in, help kids, or pass things back without climbing over seats.

Third Row Access Is Simple and Flexible

Getting to the third row is not complicated here, which I appreciate.

Walk-through access: you can easily pass between the captain’s chairs
Sliding seats: you can move them forward to open up more space if needed
Kid-friendly: older kids can manage this on their own

Screens Impact Car Seat Positioning

One thing to be aware of is how the rear entertainment setup affects space.

The screens take up room behind the front seats, so if you have rear-facing car seats or taller passengers up front, it can feel tighter than expected.

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Third Row

Three Seats Back Here with Full Tether Anchor Coverage

This third row is actually usable, and I like that you’re not limited when it comes to forward-facing seats.

Top tether anchors: all three third row seats have tether anchors
Flexibility: you can place forward-facing seats in any position back here

No LATCH in the Third Row

This is the main limitation to know.

Lower anchors: not available in the third row
Install method: you’ll be using seatbelt installs for any car seats back here

Space That Works for Kids and Growing Families

The third row doesn’t feel like an afterthought, which I appreciate.

There’s enough legroom for kids, and even some adults can fit comfortably. It feels like three true seats, not just two plus a middle spot.

Amenities Make It Comfortable for Kids

You’re not giving up comfort back here.

Vents: ceiling vents help keep airflow consistent
USB-C ports: easy charging for devices
Cupholders: built-in and easy to reach

Easy Exit Makes It More Kid-Friendly

Getting out of the third row is simple, which matters if you have older kids climbing back here.

There’s a button to release the seat in front, and it moves forward easily, so kids can get in and out without a lot of help.

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Trunk

Trunk Space Is Better Than I Expected

The trunk is actually a really decent size, especially considering this is the standard Escalade and not the extended ESV. I was pleasantly surprised that the UPPAbaby Vista fit back here with the third row up.

Power Controls Make It Easy to Reconfigure

One thing I love is that you can control both the second and third rows from the trunk. The buttons are quick, easy to use, and you don’t have to awkwardly reach across the cargo area to fold or raise seats.

Family Gear Fits Without Needing the ESV

For a full-size SUV, this gives you usable space even with all three rows in use. It’s not going to be as massive as the Escalade ESV, but for strollers, groceries, and everyday kid gear, it’s more functional than I expected.

Small Storage Is Limited

There is a little underfloor storage, but it’s shallow. You could fit a few small items, but it’s not a huge hidden storage area.

Safety

This Escalade has a lot of safety tech, but these are the ones that actually stand out and make a difference when you’re driving something this big.

Core Safety Features You’ll Use

Forward Collision Alert + Automatic Emergency Braking: helps prevent front-end collisions
Blind Zone Alert: really helpful with the size of this car
Rear Cross Traffic Alert: key for parking lots and backing out
HD Surround Vision: gives you a full 360 view, which makes this car way easier to park