Page Loading

Cadillac Escalade vs. Ford Explorer

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Cadillac Escalade and Ford Explorer contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Cadillac Escalade and the Ford Explorer.

In comparing the Cadillac Escalade's and the Ford Explorer's specifications and ratings, the Cadillac Escalade has the advantage in the areas of reliability, interior volume and base engine power. The Ford Explorer has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, resale value and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the Cadillac Escalade's and the Ford Explorer's specifications and ratings, the two cars are fairly comparable.

Pricing: For a new model, the Cadillac Escalade's price is between $107,889 and $132,130, with the Ford Explorer priced between $42,737 and $63,305.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Cadillac Escalade loses 60.9 percent of its value and the Ford Explorer loses 52.9 percent of its value. This means the Ford Explorer retains 8 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Cadillac Escalade.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Cadillac Escalade is 7.3 out of 10 while the Ford Explorer's quality rating is 8.4 out of 10. This results in the Cadillac Escalade being ranked 7 out of 17 Best Luxury Large SUVs and the Ford Explorer being ranked 5 out of 34 Best SUVs with 3 Rows.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Cadillac Escalade is 7.7 out of 10. For the Ford Explorer the reliability rating is 7.5 out of 10. This gives the Cadillac Escalade a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Ford Explorer.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Cadillac Escalade’s base engine makes 420 horsepower, and the Ford Explorer base engine makes 300 horsepower.

Passenger Space Comparison: The Cadillac Escalade, a fullsize SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Ford Explorer, a crossover/midsize SUV, has the advantage in the area of rear head room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Ford Explorer has higher safety ratings than the Cadillac Escalade, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4 out of 5 Stars.

See More See Less
Model & Pricing
Cadillac Escalade
Ford Explorer

2026 Cadillac Escalade
Change Vehicle
Vehicle Image
Cadillac Escalade for Sale

2026 Ford Explorer
Change Vehicle
Vehicle Image
Ford Explorer for Sale

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

107889 - 132130

Starting MSRP:

91100

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Large SUVs)

96574

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Large SUVs)

46200 - 171000

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

42737 - 63305

Starting MSRP:

38330

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)

39270

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

32190 - 44750

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

Price Range:

-

Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Large SUVs)

73658

Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Large SUVs)

51935 - 95381

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

# Good or Great Deals:

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

Price Range:

-

Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)

51972

Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

50800 - 55009

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

# Good or Great Deals:

Cadillac Escalade Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

7.3 / 10

Reliability:

7.7 / 10

Retained Value:

7.1 / 10

Safety:

7.0 / 10

Ford Explorer Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

8.4 / 10

Reliability:

7.5 / 10

Retained Value:

7.6 / 10

Safety:

10.0 / 10



iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Cadillac Escalade

Remaining Life Expectancy (years):

11.6

Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Large SUVs)

11.1

Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Large SUVs)

8.2 - 12.1

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

0.176

iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Ford Explorer

Remaining Life Expectancy (years):

9.3

Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)

10.0

Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

8.8 - 11.3

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

0.153



Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

Typical Category Recalls:

N/A

Category Range for Recalls:

N/A

Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

Typical Category Recalls:

N/A

Category Range for Recalls:

N/A

Cadillac Escalade Rankings

Most Comfortable Luxury SUVs with 3 Rows

2 / 29

Most Comfortable Luxury Large SUVs

2 / 17

Best Luxury SUVs with 3 Rows for Tall People

3 / 29

Best Luxury Large SUVs for Tall People

3 / 17

Best Luxury SUVs with 3 Rows Under $100k

3 / 8

Best Luxury Large SUVs Under $100k

3 / 7

Luxury SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Cargo Space

4 / 29

Luxury SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Legroom

4 / 29

Luxury Large SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

4 / 17

Luxury Large SUVs with the Most Legroom

4 / 17

Best Luxury Large SUVs for Towing

5 / 17

Most Reliable Luxury Large SUVs

6 / 17

Best Luxury Large SUVs for the Money

6 / 16

Best Luxury Large SUVs

7 / 17

Most Affordable Luxury Large SUVs

7 / 16

Best Luxury SUVs with 3 Rows for Towing

8 / 29

Luxury Large SUVs with the Most Horsepower

10 / 17

Luxury SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Horsepower

12 / 29

Most Reliable Luxury SUVs with 3 Rows

12 / 29

Best Luxury SUVs with 3 Rows

14 / 29

Luxury Large SUVs with Best Resale Value

14 / 17

Most Affordable Luxury SUVs with 3 Rows

17 / 26

Luxury SUVs with 3 Rows with Best Resale Value

25 / 29

Ford Explorer Rankings

Best Family Crossover SUVs

2 / 67

Crossover SUVs with the Most Horsepower

2 / 67

Safest Crossover SUVs

2 / 67

Best Family SUVs with 3 Rows

2 / 34

Safest SUVs with 3 Rows

2 / 34

Best Family Midsize SUVs

2 / 32

Safest Midsize SUVs

2 / 32

Best SUVs with 3 Rows

5 / 34

Best Midsize SUVs

5 / 32

Crossover SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

6 / 67

Best Gas Mileage SUVs with 3 Rows

6 / 34

Best Gas Mileage Midsize SUVs

6 / 32

Midsize SUVs with the Most Horsepower

6 / 32

Midsize SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

7 / 32

Best Crossover SUVs

8 / 67

Best Crossover SUVs for Towing

8 / 67

Best Midsize SUVs for Towing

11 / 32

Most Comfortable Midsize SUVs

11 / 32

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for the Money

11 / 30

Most Comfortable Crossover SUVs

12 / 67

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Horsepower

13 / 34

Most Comfortable SUVs with 3 Rows

14 / 34

Most Reliable Midsize SUVs

14 / 32

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows

15 / 34

Most Affordable SUVs with 3 Rows

15 / 30

Best Midsize SUVs for the Money

15 / 28

Best Crossover SUVs for Tall People

16 / 67

Best Midsize SUVs for Tall People

16 / 32

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Cargo Space

18 / 34

Midsize SUVs with the Most Legroom

18 / 32

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Towing

19 / 34

Most Affordable Midsize SUVs

19 / 28

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Tall People

20 / 34

Best Off-road Midsize SUVs

21 / 32

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs

24 / 67

SUVs with 3 Rows with Best Resale Value

24 / 34

Best Off-road SUVs with 3 Rows

26 / 34

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Legroom

26 / 34

Midsize SUVs with Best Resale Value

26 / 32

Crossover SUVs with the Most Legroom

30 / 67

Best Off-road Crossover SUVs

31 / 67

Best Crossover SUVs for the Money

32 / 56

Best Gas Mileage Crossover SUVs

37 / 67

Most Affordable Crossover SUVs

49 / 56

Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value

62 / 67

Available Body Styles

SUV

Available Body Styles

SUV

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline

Cadillac Escalade Trim Levels

Base, Luxury, Platinum Luxury, Platinum Sport, Sport

Ford Explorer Trim Levels

Active, Platinum, Police Interceptor Utility, ST, ST-Line, Tremor

Warranty Information

Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:

4 years / 50000 miles

Warranty, Powertrain:

6 years / 70000 miles

Warranty, Roadside Assistance:

6 years / 70000 miles

Warranty Information

Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:

3 years / 36000 miles

Warranty, Powertrain:

5 years / 60000 miles

Warranty, Roadside Assistance:

5 years / 60000 miles

Safety Ratings

NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):

4 out of 5 Stars

2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:

Not yet available

2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

Not yet available

2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

Not yet available

2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

Not yet available

IIHS Safety Rating:

Not yet available

Safety Ratings

NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):

5 out of 5 Stars

2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:

Not yet available

2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

Not yet available

2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

Not yet available

2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

Not yet available

IIHS Safety Rating:

Not yet available

Base Drivetrain Specs

Horsepower:

420 hp @ 5600 rpm

Torque:

460 foot-lbs @ 4100 rpm

Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):

0.072 hp per pound

Towing capacity:

Not yet available

Base Drivetrain Specs

Horsepower:

300 hp @ 5500 rpm

Torque:

310 foot-lbs @ 3500 rpm

Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):

0.070 hp per pound

Towing capacity:

5000 lbs

Engine Specifications

Engine Size:

6.2 liters

Engine Configuration:

V

Number of Cylinders:

8

Transmission:

Automatic

Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:

RWD / 4X4

EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):


Not yet available

Range (city/hwy):

Not yet available

Recommended Fuel Type:

Not yet available

Engine Specifications

Engine Size:

2.3 liters

Engine Configuration:

Inline

Number of Cylinders:

4

Transmission:

Automatic

Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:

RWD / AWD

EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):


Not yet available

Range (city/hwy):

Not yet available

Recommended Fuel Type:

Not yet available

Standard/Optional Features

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Standard

Alloy wheels:

Standard

Android Auto:

Standard

Apple CarPlay:

Standard

Automatic Parking:

Standard

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Heated Seats

Standard

Heated Steering Wheel:

Standard

Internet Radio:

Standard

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Keyless Ignition:

Standard

Leather Upholstery:

Standard

Navigation System:

Standard

Parking Sensors:

Standard

Power Lift Gate:

Standard

Power outlet:

Standard

Quad Seats:

Standard

Roadside assistance:

Standard

Satellite radio:

Standard

Trailer Hitch:

Standard

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Wifi:

Standard

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

Standard

Air Suspension:

Available

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

Available

Massage Seats:

Available

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Captain's seat:

N/A

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Paddle Shifters:

N/A

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Roof Rack:

N/A

Standard/Optional Features

Adaptive Cruise Control:

N/A

Alloy wheels:

N/A

Android Auto:

N/A

Apple CarPlay:

N/A

Automatic Parking:

N/A

Bench Seats:

N/A

Bluetooth:

N/A

Heated Seats

N/A

Heated Steering Wheel:

N/A

Internet Radio:

N/A

Keyless Entry:

N/A

Keyless Ignition:

N/A

Leather Upholstery:

N/A

Navigation System:

N/A

Parking Sensors:

N/A

Power Lift Gate:

N/A

Power outlet:

N/A

Quad Seats:

N/A

Roadside assistance:

N/A

Satellite radio:

N/A

Trailer Hitch:

N/A

Voice Recognition:

N/A

Wifi:

N/A

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

N/A

Air Suspension:

N/A

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

N/A

Massage Seats:

N/A

Sunroof/Moonroof:

N/A

Captain's seat:

N/A

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Paddle Shifters:

N/A

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Roof Rack:

N/A

Safety Features

360-Degree Camera:

Standard

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Standard

Forward Collision Warning:

Standard

Lane Departure Warning:

Standard

Lane Keeping Assist:

Standard

Pedestrian Detection:

Standard

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

Standard

Rear Seat Reminder:

Standard

Backup camera:

N/A

Driver Attention Monitoring:

N/A

Safety Features

360-Degree Camera:

N/A

Blind Spot Monitoring:

N/A

Forward Collision Warning:

N/A

Lane Departure Warning:

N/A

Lane Keeping Assist:

N/A

Pedestrian Detection:

N/A

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

N/A

Rear Seat Reminder:

N/A

Backup camera:

N/A

Driver Attention Monitoring:

N/A

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room:

42.3 inches

Front Leg Room:

44.5 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

65.5 inches

Rear Head Room:

38.9 inches

Rear Leg Room:

41.7 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

64.2 inches

Cargo Space:

25.5 cubic feet

Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:

120.5 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

192.3 cubic feet

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room:

40.7 inches

Front Leg Room:

43 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

62.1 inches

Rear Head Room:

40.5 inches

Rear Leg Room:

39 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

61.9 inches

Cargo Space:

16.3 cubic feet

Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:

85.8 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

169.2 cubic feet

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

5860 lbs

Width:

81.1 inches

Height:

76.7 inches

Length:

211.9 inches

Wheelbase:

120.9 inches

Ground Clearance:

Not yet available

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

4303 lbs

Width:

89.3 inches

Height:

69.6 inches

Length:

198.7 inches

Wheelbase:

119.1 inches

Ground Clearance:

7.6 inches

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

22.0 x 9.0 inches

Wheel Type:

chrome aluminum alloy

Tire Size:

P275/50R22

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

Not yet available

Wheel Type:

Not yet available

Tire Size:

Not yet available

Exterior Colors

Black

Black Raven

Blue

Deep Sea Metallic

Gray

Galactic Gray Metallic

Green

Aegean Stone

Red

Radiant Red Tintcoat

Silver

Argent Silver Metallic

White

Vibrant White Tricoat

Exterior Colors

Black

Not available

Blue

Not available

Gray

Not available

Green

Not available

Red

Not available

Silver

Not available

White

Not available

Interior Colors

Black

Jet Black

Interior Colors

Black

Not available

Popular Escalade Model Year Comparisons

Popular Explorer Model Year Comparisons

Related Car Comparisons

Popular Escalade Trim Comparisons

Popular Explorer Trim Comparisons

Popular Car Comparisons