The 2026 Cadillac Escalade IQ debuts the all-electric luxury SUV’s second model year, bringing with it a selection of updates and changes. Among these is a revised trim level lineup, plus a few notable adjustments to the options list. Availability of the Smart Trailering Package has been reduced as well, as covered here.
The Smart Trailering Package is tagged with RPO code ZL6 and was previously offered for the Luxury 1 and Sport 1 trim levels in conjunction with the 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ, with pricing set at $2,740. Now, however, with the launch of the 2026 Cadillac Escalade IQ, package availability has changed.
For starters, GM has renamed the trim level lineup, with the Luxury 1 now called the Luxury, Sport 1 now called the Sport, Luxury 2 now called the Premium Luxury, and Sport 2 now called the Premium Sport. Although the equipment for each of these trims remains mostly unchanged following the 2026-model-year renaming, the Smart Trailering Package is no longer available for the base Luxury and Sport trims (previously Luxury 1 and Sport 1). Rather, the Smart Trailering Package is now exclusively offered as standard equipment for the Premium Luxury and Premium Sport trims (previously Luxury 2 and Sport 2).
For those readers who may be unaware, the Smart Trailering Package includes a suite of towing features and other upgrades (relevant RPO codes listed in parentheses):
- 19.2 kW charging module (K2O)
- Blind Zone Steering Assist with Trailering (UKW)
- Trailer View Camera (TRO)
- Trailering App (TRG)
- Smart Trailer Integration Indicator (UET)
- Integrated trailer brake controller (JL1)
This latest change also means that Luxury and Sport trims lose access to the 19.2 kW charging module, although these two trims retain the standard 11.5 kW charging module (RPO code K28). It’s also worth noting that Cadillac has made the integrated trailer brake controller (RPO code JL1) standard equipment across all trims.
Despite reduced availability for the Smart Trailering Package, the Escalade IQ continues to offer a maximum towing capacity of 8,000 pounds (3,629 kilograms) across all four trims.
As was the case for the 2025 model year, the 2026 Cadillac Escalade IQ rides on the GM BT1 platform, and is motivated by a 205 kWh battery pack and dual electric motors. Max output is rated at 750 horsepower and 785 pound-feet, while vehicle production takes place at the GM Factory Zero plant in Detroit.
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