17 MPG combined won’t win any fuel efficiency awards, but it’s a figure that 2017 Cadillac Escalade 4WD 6.2L owners have already factored into their ownership experience. They aren’t shopping for Prius-level economy. This is a large, luxurious SUV with strong towing capability, road presence, and comfortable seating for seven. Fuel efficiency is less important than these priorities, but it’s important to understand the details of that 17 MPG.

city and highway performance

The EPA breaks down that combined rating into 15 MPG in the city and 20 MPG on the highway. City driving reduces the Escalade’s fuel efficiency. Frequent stops and starts, idling in traffic, and the sheer weight of the vehicle all contribute to the lower city figure. Highway driving, on the other hand, allows the 6.2L V8 to operate more efficiently. With less stop-and-go, and the smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission finding its optimal gear, fuel consumption decreases, bringing the economy closer to the 20 MPG mark. Remember that these EPA figures are based on standardized testing cycles, so your experience will vary. To see ESCALADE MPG across all years, and how it changes from year to year, you can find historical data on this site.

annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2017 Cadillac Escalade 4WD 6.2L at $2,600. This figure is calculated based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with fuel prices reflecting national averages when that estimate was generated. That number will change based on current fuel costs, how much you drive, and your driving style. If you drive significantly more than 15,000 miles annually, or if fuel prices in your area are higher than the national average, expect to spend more. If you do mostly highway driving, you may spend less, but very few Escalade owners will spend less than $2,600.

real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized benchmark, real-world MPG can change. The 2017 Escalade is often used for towing boats or trailers, or hauling payload, all of which will negatively impact fuel economy. Aggressive driving, short trips with cold engine starts, and even tire pressure can reduce observed mileage. Conversely, a driver who drives smoothly, anticipates traffic flow, and maintains their Escalade might get closer to the EPA estimates, provided they do mostly highway driving. The bottom line is that you shouldn’t be surprised if your real-world fuel economy differs somewhat from the EPA estimates.

how it compares

Compared to its competitors, the 2017 Cadillac Escalade has average fuel efficiency. The Lincoln Navigator, particularly models before the 2018 redesign, had similar fuel economy, around 16 MPG combined. The Lexus LX 570, another full-size luxury SUV, also has fuel efficiency in the low-to-mid teens, with an EPA rating of 15 MPG combined. Newer generations of the Navigator have better efficiency, closer to 18 MPG combined thanks to a turbocharged engine. If you’re looking for better fuel economy in a large SUV, you might consider something like the Acura MDX (around 22 MPG combined) or Infiniti QX60 (around 23 MPG combined). These, however, are smaller vehicles with less towing capacity. The Escalade buyer typically prioritizes capability, luxury, and size over ultimate fuel efficiency, but it’s helpful to see all Cadillac fuel economy data in one place.

tips to maximize efficiency

Smooth and steady acceleration is key. The Escalade’s 6.2L V8 produces ample torque, so there’s no need to aggressively stomp on the accelerator pedal. Accelerate gently and maintain a consistent speed whenever possible. This will help you avoid unnecessary fuel consumption and keep the engine operating in its most efficient range.

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

Minimize idling. Idling consumes fuel without covering any distance. If you’re going to be stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. The Escalade is equipped with modern starting systems that can handle frequent starts and stops without causing excessive wear and tear. Excessive idling when stationary uses a lot of fuel in a vehicle this large.

Consider using cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps maintain a consistent speed, which can improve fuel economy. It also helps you avoid unintentional speed fluctuations that can waste fuel.

Remove unnecessary cargo. The more weight you carry, the more fuel you’ll consume. Clear out any unnecessary items from the cargo area to reduce the load on the engine. This is especially relevant if you only occasionally use the third row; folding it flat frees up a lot of space to accumulate unnecessary cargo and weight over time.