The Cadillac Escalade has been on the market since 1999 as GM’s answer to the Range Rover and Lincoln Navigator. In 2003, the brand introduced a longer version, the extended-wheelbase Escalade ESV. This luxury SUV is available in various models and trims. The standard model starts at $80,795, and the 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV starts at $84,190. Let’s look at their differences and whether more space is worth the $3,000 upcharge.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV offers supercharged performance

Like the standard model, the 2023 Escalade ESV offers improved performance options. Cadillac has supercharged its V8 engine, producing over 680 hp. The new Escalade-V ESV combines the performance of the brand’s V-Series with this extended Escalade. All that power can push the 6,000-pound SUV to 60 mph in about 4.5 seconds, Cadillac claims.

Additionally, for 2023, the ESV added video recording to its front and rear cameras that can be used while driving or parked. This feature is similar to the Tesla Sentry mode.

How much extra storage is in the 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV?

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV is extended by 15 inches. That gives the front-row passengers extra room, the third-row passengers more legroom, and more cargo space.

The standard Escalade already provides plenty of cargo capacity. It has 25.5 cubic feet of space behind the third row, 72.9 cubic feet with the third row folded down, and 121 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded flat.

But the Escalade ESV boasts even more room. According to Cadillac, the long-wheelbase model has 41.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 94.1 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 142.8 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. 

That equates to over 20 cubic feet more space in the ESV, impressive for an already-large SUV. Now let’s look at the good and bad of that extra space.

Pros and cons of all that extra space

The elongated body comes with some caveats. That extra 15 inches can make the Escalade ESV more difficult to park. It can also make navigating city traffic and narrow roads more challenging. In addition, the extra weight lowers the fuel economy. 

The standard rear-wheel-drive 2023 Cadillac Escalade is EPA-rated for 15 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway. Opting for all-wheel drive drops each number by 1 mpg. On the other hand, the ESV gets 11 mpg in the city and 16 mpg on the highway. The difference can add up to hundreds of dollars in fuel costs over a short period. 

However, the ESV provides an impressive amount of extra room in an already spacious SUV. Plus, the ESV’s size is impressively imposing. So you’re sure to get attention with this beast’s commanding presence.

Ultimately, the starting MSRP difference between the standard Escalade at $80,795 and the ESV at $84,190 is a small upcharge for someone who needs the extra space.