Prices for cars are on the rise, but consumers are still out there. The MSRP can give you an idea of how much you should be spending, but don’t count on that being the price the dealership offers you. Many vehicles like the Cadillac Escalade, are priced far above the MSRP, and there may be better options out there for you.

Don’t count on the MSRP

Consumer Reports recently released an article detailing how many consumers are paying far more for their vehicles than they are actually worth. This has a lot to do with demand in many cases. The vehicles have become so popular that dealerships are increasing the price, and people are still paying for them. 

Another part of this equation is the lack of parts, which is making the few cars on lots even more available. This has caused the price of new cars to jump drastically, as some new vehicles cost $49,507 in December 2022. This is a price increase of $2,297 from just a mere year ago. Kia and Hyundai are prime examples of this.

Some of the vehicles which are drastically increasing in price include the Kia Sportage and Carnival which cost 20% over the MSRP. The Kia Telluride, Seltos, Rio, and Nissan Versa all cost 18% over the available price. Other vehicles which are well over the recommended MSRP include the Kia K5, Sorento Hybrid, Forte, and Nissan Leaf.

The Cadillac Escalade is also selling 15% over the MSRP.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade is selling over MSRP

The recommended MSRP for the 2023 Escalade MSRP is $79,295 – $152,195 according to Consumer Reports. Yet Cadillac has the price listed as $81,190 – $151,090. It’s slightly higher for the lower trim levels, especially if you’re opting for 4WD.

The specs are impressive, however. The lower trims come equipped with a 6.2L V8 engine which produces 420 hp and 460 lb/ft of torque. There is also a 6.2L Supercharged V8 DI engine available on higher trim levels. This is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. 

The gas mileage is nothing to brag about. The 2023 Escalade gets a mere 14 city and 18 hwy mpg. There is a max towing capacity of 8,000 lbs and a max payload capacity of 1,647 lbs.

The Escalade can seat up to seven passengers, and there is a decent amount of cargo space. It gets 25.5 cu.ft. with the seats up, and 121.0 cu.ft. with the seats down.

Should you skip the Cadillac Escalade?

Unless you are determined to drive home a Cadillac, there are several other worthy vehicles that would make a better choice than the 2023 Escalade. These include the Lincoln Navigator, Jeep Grand Wagoneer, and GMC Yukon.

The Lincoln Navigator is slightly cheaper than the Cadillac Escalade, with a starting price of $77,635. It tops out at $109,120. The Navigator comes equipped with a 3.5 L V6 engine which generates 440 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque. 

The Jeep Grand Wagoneer has a 5.7 L V8 engine that generates 392 hp and 404 lb-ft of torque. Even better is the fact that it is a hybrid. 

The max towing capacity is 10,000 lbs and the max payload is 1,510 lbs. There is plenty of room, as there is 27.4 cu.ft. with the seats up and 116.7 cu.ft with the seats down. The starting MSRP is $58,995.

The 2023 GMC Yukon has an MSRP of $59,295. It comes equipped with a V8 cylinder which produces 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. The max towing capacity is 8,400 lbs, and the max payload is 1,792 lbs.

The Escalade is not a bad vehicle by any means. But considering what Cadillac is offering for the increased price, consumers would be much better off spending their money into a cheaper vehicle.