2022 Cadillac Escalade Review

I’ve got what many moms view as their dream family car on deck today! The 2022 Cadillac Escalade is what some could call the king of the carpool lane, but does all this hype match its family-friendly features? Let’s talk about it.

If you’re new here - welcome! I’m Kelly the Car Mom and as a mom of almost four (if you missed the life update click here), CPST, and a huge car fan, I can’t wait to walk you through all the features of the 2024 Jeep Gladiator to help see if it’s right for your family.

Before you dive in and start car shopping, make sure you’re fully prepared to tackle today’s market with confidence. To learn everything from dealership prep to a complete negotiations strategy, check out my Car Buying Course!

Without any further introduction, let’s break down each row of the 2022 Cadillac Escalade to help you decide if it’s the right family car for you.

2022 Cadillac Escalade Exterior

This new body style of the Escalade came out in 2021 and I haven’t stopped checking her out since. She has 22 inch wheels that are completely chromed out, power running boards, and finally someone tucked in the back wiper. This car does not have a bad angle. This is the extended version of the Escalade (ESV) so it’s a bit longer and has more trunk space. It’s basically a chic school bus.

The Cadillac Escalade ESV comes in 5 trim levels, but even in the base model you’re going to get some serious luxury. But Cadillac adds and removes some interesting features depending on the trim you choose. The Luxury trim, which is the lowest trim level, does come standard with cruise control and automatic emergency braking, but doesn’t offer a panoramic power sunroof. So just make sure to check for the features that are important to you and your family. 

2022 Cadillac Escalade First Row

Just opening the front door we can see how luxurious this car is. There is beautiful two-toned leather, contrast stitching, and a cubby space big enough for a big water bottle on the door panel. The driver’s amenities and comforts create quite the VIP experience. I have ventilated seats, heated seats, and the option to just have a heated back. This is the pinnacle of luxury.

Infotainment System

The digital dash and digital infotainment system are integrated into the dash and wrapped in leather with contrast stitching. Under the touchscreen screen are a USB, USBC, two cup holders and a cubby space that works as a third cup holder. It has a great size center console with another USB, USBC and built-in light. This car has every bell and whistle you could want. We even have a rear view camera in the rear view mirror, speakers in the headrests, and maybe the biggest panoramic sunroof I’ve ever seen.

2022 Cadillac Escalade Second Row

While it’s clear I love this car, I do have to start with a major disappointment in the second row.  There are no sunshades. For $110,000 we need built-in sunshades, Cadillac. But looking on the bright side, the side cubbies in the door are big enough to fit water bottles. This particular car has captain chairs, but it does come with the option for a bench. Sitting back here I have great head and knee clearance and the driver’s seat is set for me and I’m about 6 feet tall. As for amenities, it has climate control, ceiling vents, heated seats, 2 USBCs, a 12 volt, and two cup holders.

2022 Cadillac Escalade Third Row

You have a few options to access the third row. With the captain chairs you can shimmy in between the seats or if you don’t have a car seat installed the seat flips all the way forward. With the bench seat your only option is flipping the seat forward so keep that in mind when installing car seats. This third row is so spacious though, and I have a feeling you would have no problem installing a car seat back here. We also have ceiling vents and cup holders on both sides. However, there is no headrest in the middle seat. 

Car Seat Set Up

In the second row there are lower anchors on both outboard seats, but no lower anchors in the third row. There are tether anchors for all 5 seats in the second and third row, giving us the potential to install 5 forward-facing car seats or rear-facing car seats using a combo of seat belts and lower anchors. 

2022 Cadillac Escalade Trunk

To open the trunk, press the logo or kick your foot under the car and the liftgate automatically opens. There is tons of space back here in this extended version Escalade even with the third row up. This car is huge. There is a little space in the floor for diapers or a change of clothes, and I can fold the second and third rows down from back here.

2022 Cadillac Escalade: Wrap Up

I love the Cadillac Escalade. It has tons of cargo room, plenty of room for car seats and has every bell and whistle a mom could want. I think it is the sexiest, most luxurious car on the road and would not be mad if Cadillac sent me one to demo. Wink wink, Cadillac.

What do you think of the Cadillac Escalade? Let me know in the comments! And to keep up with the latest family vehicles on the market, check out my recent reviews: