The 2023 Cadillac Escalade marks the third model year of the fifth-gen Escalade, for which it received a variety of small changes and updates. The biggest change was the addition of the high-performance Escalade-V to the lineup, but a few others are also worth noting, so here’s exactly what’s new and different about the 2023 Escalade.
Model Line
The 2023 Escalade continues to be offered as a full-size five-door SUV (Escalade) and an extended-length five-door SUV (Escalade ESV). The trim level structure carries over from the 2021 and 2022 model years, as follows:
- Luxury
- Premium Luxury
- Premium Luxury Platinum
- Sport
- Sport Platinum
- Escalade-V
However, the Escalade-V trim level is new for the 2023 model year. Offered on the regular-length Escalade as well as the Escalade ESV, the V-Series model includes the following equipment:
- Unique V-Series front and rear fascias
- Quad exhaust outlets
- Exclusive 6-Piston Brembo Performance front brakes in Edge Red with Color Matched Rear Calipers
- Unique 22-inch aluminum wheels
- V-Series badging on the driver and front passenger doors, liftgate, and steering wheel
- Selectable V-Mode, with driver-customizable performance driving settings, lowered suspension and a throaty V8 growl, controlled by active exhaust valves
- Platinum-trim interior featuring Zebra wood decor with semi-aniline leather on all three rows, heated/ventilated and massaging front seats
- Escalade’s signature 38-inch diagonal curved OLED display
- AKG Studio Reference 36-speaker audio system
- GM Super Cruise hands-free driver-assistance technology, including trailering and automatic lane change capabilities
- Standard Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 and Air Adaptive Ride, with uniquely tuned rear air springs and damper hardware, as well as V-Series specific software calibrations
Mechanical
On the mechanical front, the supercharged 6.2L V8 LT4 gasoline engine is added to the lineup exclusively for the Escalade-V and Escalade-V ESV. Rated at 682 horsepower (509 kilowatts) @ 6000 RPM and 653 pound-feet (885 newton meters) of torque @ 4400 RPM, the blown eight is mated to GM 10-speed automatic transmission (MHS) specifically calibrated for the Escalade-V. A full-time active all-wheel drive system with variable torque splitting and standard electronic limited-slip differential puts the power to the ground.
Beyond the LT4, the 2023 Cadillac Escalade gains a Brembo brake upgrade kit (RPO code 5JL) that adds six-piston brakes with Red calipers and a Cadillac script logo at the front, along with a set of red calipers at the rear; a set of color-matched rear calipers is also included. This LPO-level (dealer-installed) option is available on all trim levels except for Escalade-V and Escalade-V ESV, which already features these brakes as standard.
Exterior
On the exterior, the 2023 Cadillac Escalade replaces three existing colors with three new ones:
Deleted colors:
- Satin Steel Metallic (G9K)
- Wilder Metallic (GED)
- Infrared Tintcoat (GSK)
New colors (all extra charge):
- Dark Emerald Metallic (G6N)
- Radiant Red Tintcoat (GNT)
- Argent Silver Metallic (GXD)
Dark Emerald Metallic
Radiant Red Tintcoat
Argent Silver Metallic
Interior
Inside, the 2023 Cadillac Escalade gets one change, and it’s related to the SUV’s steering wheel.
Luxury, Premium Luxury and Sport trims get a man-made leather steering wheel (N57), while Premium Luxury Platinum, Sport Platinum as well as Escalade-V and Escalade-V ESV trims get a leather-wrapped wheel (NP5).
Safety & Security
On the safety and security front, the 2023 Escalade adds the Surround Vision Recorder feature (XVR) as standard on all trim levels.
Packages
The 2023 Escalade adds one package – the Onyx Package for the Escalade-V and Escalade-V ESV. The package includes:
- Monochrome Cadillac emblems, LPO (SFZ)
- Gloss Black Escalade nameplate, LPO (RIK)
- 22-inch Forged Multi-Spoke alloy wheels with Satin Graphite finish and Laser Etching, LPO (SQO)
Traditionally, the Onyx package has been offered on non-V-Series Cadillac models.
And that rounds out what’s new and different for the 2023 Cadillac Escalade.
A prototype of the 2024 Cadillac Escalade refresh undergoing testing in March 2023
Looking Ahead
After the 2023 model year, the 2024 Escalade will see minor changes. The big news will be the refreshed 2025 Cadillac Escalade, which is set to bring a slew of noteworthy updates such as a humongous pillar-to-pillar screen, as first reported by GM Authority, along with updates to the exterior and a new diesel engine. The 2024 model is set to go into production this coming November, as per another GM Authority exclusive. It’s worth noting that the refreshed model was initially expected for 2024, but was pushed back to 2025.
The updates and changes described here are specific to the U.S. market and may be different for other markets.
Comments
’23s have been out since Nov. Isn’t this article 8-9months late?
So the $43,000 CAD base trim CT4 has a leather-wrapped steering wheel, but I’d have to spend over $145,000 CAD to get something other than vinyl/pleather in my hands in an Escalade. Wow!
Let me guess…it’s justified by the fact that other ‘luxury’ brands make you pay more for real leather, too, on vehicles that start over $100K.
Sales are going swimmingly????? WTF does that mean? Down 47% in Q1 of 2023.