The 2018 Cadillac Escalade 2WD with the 6.2L V8 is rated at 17 MPG combined by the EPA. Let’s be clear: nobody buys an Escalade primarily for fuel efficiency. People buy it for its imposing presence, immense passenger and cargo capacity, and the status symbol of the Cadillac badge. This is a big, unapologetically American vehicle, and the fuel economy is part of the compromise.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates that the 17 MPG combined rating breaks down to 14 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the Escalade’s weight and the demands on the engine in stop-and-go traffic. The 23 MPG highway rating is more respectable, albeit not stellar. The 10-speed automatic transmission helps keep the engine in its most efficient operating range at cruising speeds. Hauling a vehicle of this size at high speed requires a significant amount of energy, so even that number reflects engineering compromises.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2018 Cadillac Escalade 2WD 6.2L 8-cyl at $3,400. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and national average fuel prices. Premium fuel is required, so factor in that higher cost when determining if the Escalade fits your budget. Your actual fuel expenses may vary depending on your driving habits and local fuel prices, since this calculation assumes a specific driving pattern.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a baseline, real-world fuel economy often differs, sometimes significantly. Many Escalade owners find that achieving the EPA’s 23 MPG highway rating is possible on long, flat stretches of road at consistent speeds. However, aggressive driving, hilly terrain, towing, or even just carrying extra weight in passengers and cargo can seriously decrease fuel economy. Expect to see numbers closer to the city rating, or even lower, during normal daily driving. Explore ESCALADE MPG across all years to see how model years compare.

How it compares

The 2018 Escalade’s fuel economy is near the bottom of its class. A similarly equipped Lincoln Navigator, for example, gets a slightly better 16 MPG city and 22 MPG highway, mostly because of its turbocharged engine. The Infiniti QX80, another large luxury SUV, gets around 14 MPG city and 20 MPG highway. These small differences are unlikely to sway a potential Escalade buyer, as the vehicle’s styling, features, and brand image typically outweigh fuel economy considerations. The Lexus LX570 comes in even lower, at 13 city and 18 highway, making the Escalade look nearly efficient.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While you can’t turn an Escalade into a Prius, you can improve your fuel economy. Drive smoothly and avoid hard acceleration. The 6.2L V8 is responsive, but it burns fuel quickly when pushed aggressively. Gentle acceleration and anticipating traffic flow will conserve fuel.

Keep your tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, which forces the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended levels, found on a sticker inside the driver’s side door jamb.

Minimize idling. Letting the engine idle for extended periods wastes fuel. If you’re going to be stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Modern starters are designed to handle frequent starts and stops without premature wear.

Use cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a consistent speed helps the engine operate more efficiently. Be mindful of hills and traffic, but cruise control can help maximize fuel economy on long road trips.

Consider carrying less weight. The Escalade is designed to haul people and cargo, but lighter loads mean slightly improved fuel efficiency. Remove any unnecessary items from the vehicle to reduce its overall weight. Owners wanting more information on other models can find all Cadillac fuel economy data on our website.