Five Surprising Features of Certified Pre-Owned Cadillac Escalades

June 9th, 2023 by

A white 2021 Cadillac Escalade is shown parked near a construction site.

Remember when Cadillacs were marketed toward an older demographic? Although older generations still enjoy getting behind the wheel of a classic Cadillac, the brand has pivoted toward a younger demographic—hence why newer models have been upgraded and updated to appeal to younger individuals wanting something spacious yet retaining a bold, powerful physique. If you’re in either of these demographics, you’ll want to check out a Cadillac Escalade.

If you’re in the market for a larger vehicle and are interested in getting the most bang for your buck, you’ll want to look at a Certified Pre-Owned Cadillac Escalade for sale, in particular. When you buy something that has been Certified Pre-Owned, that means it has undergone a rigorous inspection by the dealership, and any issues that arose or any repairs that were needed have been addressed. It’s like getting a clean bill of health for a vehicle, and doing so before you even lay eyes on it. Curious about what sort of features these CPO vehicles can offer you? Let’s take a look…

1) Packages & Special Editions

One of the biggest perks of buying a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle is that you have the opportunity to acquire a higher trim level for far less money than what was on its original price tag. Certain packages and special editions will have equipped your model with additional lavish, technical, or performance features, so when you look for a CPO vehicle, you could potentially be getting significantly more for your dollar than you typically would by buying a brand-new lower-trim model.

In 2020, Cadillac added a Sports Edition to the Escalade—an appearance package with one of three body colors: Black Rave, Red Passion, and Satin Steel. The Sports Edition package transforms the wheels, grille, and body-side molding into glistening black accents that make the Escalade’s paint color pop.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade was available with a Touring package for certain trim levels; if you’re looking for a few touches of luxury to make your long-distance driving less of a chore and more of an enjoyable experience, then this one’s for you. Along with the premium features of the higher trim levels, the Touring package brings atmosphere and subtle comfort in the form of soft-close doors, door sill protector plates with illumination (for those instances where passing cars swerve a little too close, or that parking space feels just a little too tight), and air suspension—a lightweight alternative to the typical coil spring system, providing a smoother, higher quality ride.

A white 2020 Cadillac Escalade is shown towing a boat.

2) Transmission & Suspension

Since 2018, the Cadillac Escalade has been equipped with a ten-speed automatic transmission. This latest transmission has a traction selection system so that, when you encounter asphalt, concrete, gravel, or other pavement options, the Escalade can tailor its performance to that specific type of terrain. This model is also equipped with an electronically controlled overdrive, which is an excellent tool for those whose daily commute takes them on the highway, as the overdrive not only reduces fuel use but lowers emissions.

In 2021, the Cadillac Escalade was retooled to include an independent rear suspension system—a boon to those drivers looking for more stability and control. A higher quality driving experience seems to be the end result, so if you’re a driver that lives in an area with occasional inclement weather or rough terrain, you may appreciate this aspect the most.

Whether you’re interested in better handling, more control, or extra stability, CPO Cadillac Escalades are equipped to give you the best driving experience possible without the hassle of having to add any extra features or go up in trim levels.

3) Engines & Body Length

The advent of hybrid and electric-only vehicles spelled certain doom for those automakers that couldn’t keep up with the trend, but there’s another side to it: along with a higher demand for eco-friendly vehicles, there’s a higher demand for alternative fuels in general, rather than having to rely on gasoline. In 2021, Cadillac began offering the Escalade with either a gasoline-powered engine or a diesel-fueled engine; since many larger vehicles rely on diesel, it made sense for Cadillac to begin offering this choice to drivers—and now you can opt for one or the other, depending on what all is available on the lot.

Not only did Cadillac begin exploring other fuel sources, but it also listened to its customer base regarding what else was needed: more space. It’s true that the Escalade has plenty of room, but what if you need more? The 2021 Escalade is available in two different sizes. The regular Escalade can hold seven occupants and still have 25.5 cu.ft. in the rear for groceries, luggage, sports equipment, fishing supplies, or mountain bikes. The larger Escalade—the Escalade ESV (Escalade Stretch Vehicle)—still seats seven people, but its readily available cargo space stretches to almost 43 cu.ft., a far bigger area for appliances, luggage, camper overflow, or the large family pet.

A popular Certified Pre-Owned Cadillac Escalade for sale, a silver 2018 Cadillac Escalade, is shown parked on a city street.

4) Hands-Free Liftgate

In 2019, Cadillac began offering a feature that would quickly become popular with vehicle owners: the hands-free liftgate. You’ve probably encountered issues with liftgates before, like groceries or gym bags falling out, fumbling to open the back while your hands are full, or trying to corral the kids while ensuring everything you’ve just bought gets taken inside. If a CPO 2019 Escalade you’re looking at comes with a hands-free liftgate, you won’t ever have to stress about emptying the trunk again.

Are your hands full? No problem: simply pass your foot under the sensor and the door will lift. If you have to go back out in the dark to grab a forgotten grocery bag or that present hidden beneath the beach blanket, the illuminated liftgate will light your way—no fumbling required.

The ease of its use cannot be overstated. Rain and snow will no longer make it difficult to load and unload. You won’t have to scramble for a flashlight to find the button or keyhole to open the trunk. Instead, you’ll breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that you can just give a little kick and, seconds later, the cargo area will be available to you.

5) Semi-Autonomous Driving

Looking for future-forward driving features? You don’t have to look far. Check out the 2022 Cadillac Escalade—particularly the Premium Luxury, Sport, and Platinum trim levels. These all come with the Super Cruise feature, which offers a semi-autonomous driving mode as well as automated braking for emergencies.

This is a particularly helpful feature for those drivers who spend long hours on the road on cross-country drives, in interstate travel, or whose occupations dictate that they be traveling for a large portion of the day. You don’t have to be the only one keeping an eye on the road. The Escalade provides a backup—one that won’t get tired and can’t fall asleep at the wheel. It can protect you and your passengers and cargo from merging accidents, highway rear-ends, and more. It’s a unique feature now, but it does appear as if this is the way of the future, so it would be a benefit to get your hands on it now before it becomes commonplace.

Take Home Your Own CPO Escalade!

Cadillac has taken great strides to stay current on what drivers want. With such offerings as the hands-free power liftgate, special editions and packages, semi-autonomous driving, upgraded drivetrains, and a variety of engine and length options, it looks as if Cadillac will continue to be a mainstay for the American public. Isn’t it about time you tried on an Escalade for size?

If you’re thinking about adding a Cadillac to your life, check out our Certified Pre-Owned Escalade models. Not only will you get the benefit of extra features and updates, but you’ll be doing so at a fraction of the cost; this is a vehicle that’s as good as new, with all the upkeep already addressed by your local dealership at no cost to you. Take a CPO Escalade for a test drive. We guarantee you’ll love it.