Cadillac Escalade vs. Jeep Grand Wagoneer
Jeep has come out with a new three-row large SUV, the Grand Wagoneer. It dusts off a nameplate not used since the early 1990s and stands as the brand’s most expensive and luxurious model. Immense power, impressive technology and a premium cabin are the highlights rather than Jeep’s typical trail-busting capabilities.
Of course, there’s another American SUV that plies these same gilded halls: the Cadillac Escalade. Since its recent redesign, the Escalade has been Edmunds’ top-ranked large luxury SUV. Can the new Grand Wagoneer beat out the Cadillac Escalade? Edmunds’ experts compare these rivals to find out.
Power and fuel economy
The Grand Wagoneer offers two engine choices: the base 6.4-liter V8 engine that produces 471 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque and an optional turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder that pumps out 510 hp and 500 lb-ft. In Edmunds’ testing, the V8 was good enough to hustle the Grand Wagoneer from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.7 seconds.
That’s a full second quicker than the Escalade, which comes with a 6.2-liter V8 with 420 hp and 460 lb-ft. Cadillac doesn’t offer a more powerful engine upgrade, though there is an available turbocharged sixcylinder diesel that churns out 277 hp and 460 lb-ft.
This diesel is the fuel economy champ of the contest, earning an impressive EPA-estimated 23 mpg in combined city/highway driving. Otherwise, you’re looking at 15-17 mpg for the Grand Wagoneer or 16 mpg for the V8-powered Escalade.
The superior fuel economy of the Escalade’s available diesel engine is appealing, but buyers of big SUVs typically desire big-time power.
Winner: Grand Wagoneer
Features and value
The Grand Wagoneer is expensive. The upscale SUV starts at $89,995, including destination charge. But there’s a reason for that sky-high starting price. Besides packing standard four-wheel drive, the Grand Wagoneer comes loaded with standard features such as premium leather upholstery, two large center touchscreens, a 19-speaker McIntosh audio system, an adaptive air suspension, and a full suite of advanced driver aids. Optional features are just as impressive.
The Cadillac Escalade has a much lower starting price of $77,990, though it doesn’t include any of the above features as standard equipment besides a similar audio system. Comparable features, with the exception
of the dual center touchscreens, are available on higher trim levels. The starting prices of the Escalade’s highest trim levels, Premium Luxury Platinum and Sport Platinum, are only a few thousand less than the Grand Wagoneer’s highest Series III trim that offers more features.
Value is pretty even, but there’s one feature that tips the scales: Cadillac’s Super Cruise system. This is a trick hands-free driving system that can be used on many freeways to help to reduce the monotony of long drives. Jeep doesn’t currently offer a driver assist system comparable to Super Cruise.
Winner: Escalade
Edmunds says
Both models are impressive luxury SUVs, and picking one or the other isn’t an easy choice. But overall we think the Escalade is the better buy considering its more flexible pricing and exclusive hands-free driving system.