“Rides well. Great finishes. Attractive exterior. I do not care for the control panel for radio/climate etc. It is swipe/touch screen and very sensitive and a huge distraction to do while driving.”
2017 Cadillac Escalade: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2017 Cadillac Escalade is standard automatic parking assist across the lineup. It is otherwise a modest tech-and-safety update rather than a redesign.
About the 2017 Cadillac Escalade
4th generation Escalade (2015-2020), third model year; minor tech and safety update before the 2018 transmission change.
Cadillac positions the Escalade as a bold, full-size luxury SUV that blends unmistakable road presence with real family and towing usefulness. The pitch centers on a quiet, richly trimmed cabin, strong V8 power, generous passenger and cargo space, and a long list of comfort and technology features. What separates it from many rivals is not subtlety; it is the Escalade’s dramatic styling, lounge-like interior feel, and ability to handle everyday hauling, road trips, and trailer duty in the same vehicle.
The base Escalade remains well equipped, with a 420-hp 6.2-liter V8, adaptive suspension, navigation, Bose audio and a digital driver display. Luxury adds more driver-assistance technology, while Premium Luxury emphasizes highway comfort and rear entertainment. Platinum tops the range with massage seats, richer cabin materials and dual rear entertainment screens.
What changed, by category
Technology
Automatic parking assist became standard across the lineup. Luxury, Premium Luxury and Platinum also received a digital rearview mirror that shows a camera view behind the SUV.
Safety
Luxury gained low-speed automatic braking and lane-change monitoring as part of its expanded driver-assistance package.
Powertrain
The 6.2-liter V8 and eight-speed automatic carried over, but flexible-fuel versions were dropped from the Luxury and Platinum trims.
2017 Cadillac Escalade specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8, 6.2 Liter | V8, 6.2 Liter | V8, 6.2 Liter | V8, 6.2 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto 8-Spd HdrMtc TapShft | Auto 8-Spd HdrMtc TapShft | Auto 8-Spd HdrMtc TapShft | Auto 8-Spd HdrMtc TapShft |
| Drivetrain | 2WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 15 mpg | 15 mpg | 15 mpg | 15 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 mpg |
| Horsepower | 420 hp | 420 hp | 420 hp | 420 hp |
| Torque | 460 lb-ft | 460 lb-ft | 460 lb-ft | 460 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 8100–8300 lb | 7900–8100 lb | 7900–8100 lb | 7900–8100 lb |
| Rear Legroom | 24.8–34.5 in | 24.8–34.5 in | 24.8–34.5 in | 24.8–34.5 in |
| Seats | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||
| Alarm System | ||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||
| Park Assist | ||||
| 360 Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| LED Headlights | ||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||
| Power Side Steps | ||||
| Roof Rails | ||||
| Front DVD Entertainment System | ||||
| Head-Up Display | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Rear DVD Entertainment System | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| Video Input | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| Cooled Seats | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Massage Front Seat | ||||
| Power Folding Rear Seat | ||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
| Third Row Seat | ||||
| Wood Interior Trim | ||||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2017 Cadillac Escalade redesigned?
No. The 2017 Escalade remained part of the fourth generation introduced for 2015, with the same overall styling, basic structure, 6.2-liter V8 and eight-speed automatic. Its updates focused on parking, camera and driver-assistance technology.
What is the main difference between the 2017 and 2016 Cadillac Escalade?
The main difference is that automatic parking assist became standard throughout the 2017 lineup. Upper trims also gained a digital rearview mirror, and Luxury received additional driver-assistance features.
Which 2017 Cadillac Escalade trims have the digital rearview mirror?
The digital rearview mirror is fitted to the 2017 Luxury, Premium Luxury and Platinum trims. It uses a rear-facing camera to provide a wider, less obstructed view behind the SUV.
Did the Cadillac Escalade trim lineup change for 2017?
Yes. Base joined the lineup while Standard was dropped, and Premium continued under the new Premium Luxury name. Luxury and Platinum remained in the range.
Did the 2017 Cadillac Escalade get a new engine or transmission?
No. The 2017 Escalade retained its 420-hp 6.2-liter V8 and eight-speed automatic transmission. The flexible-fuel powertrain option was dropped from Luxury and Platinum, but the core gas powertrain did not change.
2017 Cadillac Escalade Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2017 Cadillac Escalade.
4.3
2017 Cadillac Escalade
(144 reviews)
“Cadillac is a well made vehicle. I know I have a reliable car and am ready for a road trip whenever the time arises.”
“Buy the Chevrolet Tahoe and skip paying over $90,000 for the Tahoe with a different emblem! Biggest automotive purchase disappointment ever!”