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Cadillac Escalade Configurations

For almost 70 years, Rydell Cadillac has aimed to help others and provide the best possible service to our customers. Often that means helping people drive something special and memorable. Since 1999, nothing has arrived on the scene with more presence and impact than the Cadillac Escalade. GM created something magical when they combined luxury-car comfort with the tested durability and performance of their truck/SUV frames. The resulting vehicle became the quintessential transport for anyone with class, style, and VIP passengers.

We're always looking to improve, and so are the engineers at Cadillac. The brand-new, fifth-generation Escalade shares the same rock-solid GMT1XX platform as the Tahoe, Yukon, and Suburban. It's bigger than the 2020 version: 8 inches longer, over 2 inches taller, and with almost 5 more inches of wheelbase. With all the seats down, you can carry over 109 cubic feet of gear. Need more room? All versions can be built as a long-wheelbase ESV, which is 15 inches longer with extra third-row legroom and over 17 more cubic feet of luggage space.

Escalade's Trims

Image via Flickr by Mark Morgan Trinidad B via CC BY 2.0

The new Escalade comes in five trims with numerous options for power and extra features. Beginning with the Luxury trim, you have five ways to start building your dream Escalade. You can tell elegance and opulence come standard when "Luxury" is the starting point. Here are how the various trim levels differ:

  • Luxury: This base trim includes 22-inch alloy wheels, 12-way power front seats, a 19-speaker audio system, and an amazing 38-inch OLED dash display. Standard safety technology includes forward collision warning, lane-keep assist, and an HD surround-view system.
  • Premium Luxury: This trim features an upgrade to Mulan leather interior, ventilated front seats, a head-up display (HUD), and a panoramic sunroof.
  • Sport: This trim features a limited-slip differential, magnetic ride control, the Trailering Integration package, and custom gloss black details all over.
  • Premium Luxury Platinum: This trim adds semi-aniline leather upholstery, 16-way power massaging front seats, soft-close doors, adaptive cruise control, and a 36-speaker AKG sound system by RZA.
  • Sport Platinum: This trim provides maximum comfort and performance by adding an air-ride adaptive suspension, enhanced automatic emergency braking, and more leather to the already outstanding features of the Sport trim.

The dashboard display that comes standard in every model deserves further mention. It's an industry-first system of three curved OLED screens that display information related to navigation, communication, entertainment, speed, vehicle status, and more across 38 inches of dashboard. It's tall enough to glimpse with your eyes on the road and fully customizable.

Engine Options for the Escalade

All five trims have the same two engine choices. You may already be familiar with the 6.2-liter gas Ecotec3 L86 V-8 engine. Chevy's been perfecting its Ecotec formula in trucks and SUVs for decades. This version delivers 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. It will tow up to 7,700 pounds when properly equipped.

Truck people have known for a long time that a turbo-charged inline six-cylinder diesel engine is capable of tremendous power, smoothness and reliability. Many Duramax owners would never tow with anything else. Now you can get that type of power in a Cadillac. 

Available on all Escalade models is a new 3.0-liter Duramax turbo-six, providing 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. That's the same torque as the V-8, but the gas torque peaks at 4,100 rpm. The diesel's torque kicks in at 1,500 rpm for steadier, lower revving power. Hill climbing is so effortless that you'll forget you're pulling a trailer. Towing capacity increases to 8,200 pounds with this engine. 

Both engines come with a 10-speed transmission for smooth shifts and excellent low range.

Special Options

Once you've chosen a trim and an engine, you still have many packages and customization choices remaining. Do you want an even smarter and more capable Escalade? Do you want a head-turner no one's seen before? Cadillac has some ideas for you.

  • Heavy-Duty Trailering Package: With this package, the Escalade attains maximum towing capacity by adding an auxiliary trailer camera, a 2-speed electronic transfer case, a trailer tire pressure monitoring system, a high capacity cooling system, and more.
  • Performance Package: This package enhances safety and control with the addition of a trailer side blind-zone alert, limited-slip differential, integrated trailer brake controller, magnetic ride control, hitch guidance, and more.
  • Onyx Package: With this package, the Escalade goes dark with special monochrome Cadillac emblems, a gloss-black Escalade nameplate, custom puddle lamps, and exclusive 12-spoke gloss black wheels. Light up the street with Cadillac logos from the side mirrors. 
  • Radiant Package. Illuminates the scene with a bright sport mesh grille with Galvano surround, special Galvano interior touches, unique puddle lamps, and 12-spoke chrome alloy wheels.
  • Driver Assist Tech Package: This package increases safety and comfort by adding enhanced emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, an air ride adaptive suspension, soft close doors, and more.
  • Super Cruise: This package enables a true hands-free driving-assistance feature (for compatible roads) with over 7 million safe miles and counting. Experience the future of driving.
  • Performance Upgrade Package: This package punches up the power and makes the Escalade sing by adding a Cat-Back performance exhaust and a performance air intake system.
  • All-Weather Floor Liners: Keep your new Escalade safe from messy friends and family with heavy-duty, custom-fit, easy-to-remove, washable covers that protect every section of the carpet.
  • Hitch and Roof Carriers: Satisfy your need to haul skis, bikes, kayaks, and more with a variety of custom-built accessories for the back and top of your Escalade.

Come by Rydell Cadillac to learn about the many ways an Escalade can transport your family and friends. The 2021 version gives you a full spread of amenities, trims, and packages to make your machine just right —plus two great engines capable of hauling your gear and trailer anywhere in signature Cadillac style.

So come see what we have in stock! If your perfect match isn't here, we'll find it or build it. That's how Rydell has been exceeding the expectations of customers in Grand Forks, Jamestown, Steinbach, and all along the North Dakota and Minnesota border.

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Guide to Buying a Used Cadillac

Buying a used vehicle can be a time-consuming and confusing process. Used Cadillacs have earned a reputation for dependability, luxury, and safety. Let's check out the best ways to find a good used Cadillac and which model might be best for you. more What To Look For In A Used Cadillac When on the hunt for a used or certified pre-owned car, the best options available are almost always the more recent models. They have barely depreciated, and you'll save possibly thousands of dollars with every one or two model years you go back. Many different kinds of dealers sell used Cadillacs but licensed Cadillac dealerships are the best places to find them. Before used or certified pre-owned Cadillacs hit our lot at Rydell Cadillac of Grand Forks, they are subjected to a strenuous set of detailed checks to ensure that they operate properly in every respect. The small used vehicle dealers can't know our vehicles as well as we do. Our Cadillac bay crews know the specs and proper installation methods related to each and every part they handle. When they do replacement and repair work on a Cadillac, they do it like true professionals. The Cadillac CTS In recent years, the Cadillac CTS has become one of the most recognized midsize sedans in the Cadillac lineup. If you're going to get your hands on this one, think about choosing between the 2010 and 2019 models. The CTS has been discontinued, so it is likely to have a better tag price than sedans still in production. It is considered a muscle-luxury car, thanks to its incredible 6.2-liter V-8 engine, which pounds out 640 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque. This sedan has a futuristic and smooth exterior look with a cross-checkered grille bordered by chrome, tinted windows, daytime running lights on each side of the front bumper, and a specially raised hood vent for better air intake. Many CTS variants have leather upholstery, heated and cooled seating, heated steering wheels, and very quiet cabins. If you're lucky, you might find one with the 20-way power-adjustable front seats. Wi-fi hot spots, automatic multi-zone climate control, HD radio, powered sunroofs, and Bose sound systems are also available in many CTS sedans. The Cadillac XT4 If you're in the market for a used Cadillac compact crossover, look no further than the XT4, which was first produced for the 2019 model year. The Sport and Premium Luxury trims are particularly popular. Its engine is a supremely efficient 2.0-liter granting 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. That engine comes tied to a nine-speed automatic transmission. Most XT4s come with front-wheel drive, but keep an eye out for the more responsive all-wheel-drive versions. The XT4 has particularly impressive acceleration for a vehicle of its size, thanks to its turbocharged engine. The leg area in the rear seating zone is remarkably roomy for a compact vehicle. The safety features and options are also worth mentioning here: front and rear parking sensors with cross-traffic alert, safety alert seats, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning with lane-keeping assist, auto parking assist, and a full-surround parking camera system. The Cadillac Escalade The Cadillac Escalade is among the most recognizable and capable SUVs on the market. Finding a well-equipped and affordable Escalade is a simple matter. Choose one from the fourth generation, which started in the 1999 model year and runs through the present, for the most up-to-date feature and option setups. One of the best engine options for the fourth generation Escalades is a potent 6.2-liter V-8 engine generating 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. The most recent fourth-generation Escalades come with 10-speed automatic transmissions with wide 7.39 gear ratio spreads. This grand SUV seats seven on three rows of seats, so it is ideal for big family trips and group transport to and from work. Many of the more recent years have 18-way power-adjustable seats, second-row captain's chairs, the LATCH child securing system, and in some cases even power-retractable steps for easing Escalade entry and exit.  Other interior features include premium sound systems, parking cameras, and app mirroring capabilities. The Cadillac ATS If sporty, sleek, eye-catching coupes are more your style, look for the Cadillac ATS between the 2013 and 2019 model years. Two engine options are commonly available. The first is a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder granting 272 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The second is a more powerful 3.6-liter V-6 providing 335 horsepower and 285 pound-feet of torque. Interior features often include 12-, 14-, or 16-way power-adjustable seating, leather or suede leather upholstery, heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and Bose 12-speaker premium sound systems. If you want an ATS with maximum performance potential, search for the ATS-V. It comes with special launch controls, a limited-slip differential system, performance tires, a power tilting and telescoping steering wheel, and a performance suspension system. Even the most affordable trim levels come with luxury features like synthetic heat-resistant leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, Brembo brakes, satellite radio, sunroofs, and performance exhaust systems. The Cadillac XT6 The Cadillac XT6 is a larger crossover SUV. It is powered by a 3.6-liter V-6 engine that is mated to a nine-speed automatic and produces 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. The XT6 is usually available in either front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The active dampening performance suspension system on the Sport trim levels is particularly responsive, greatly reducing the impact of unpredictable road conditions on ride quality. The XT6 comes with a good range of safety features and options over its range of model years. They commonly include lane-keeping assistance, pedestrian detection, a rear-view camera, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, ventilated seats, and premium leather upholstery are also common finds in used XT6 SUVs. Contact us at Rydell Cadillac in Grand Forks, North Dakota, to get your hands on a great used vehicle. Our expert personnel will be happy to guide you through our expansive inventory to the used Cadillac of your dreams.

Cadillac xt series

Cadillac Lyriq vs. Cadillac XT4, XT5, XT6

Cadillac continues to push the luxury driving experience to new heights. The XT4, XT5, and XT6 offer drivers a choice in compact and midsize luxury SUVs. These models feature the sophisticated styling you've come to expect from Cadillac, as well as the capable powertrain and the latest technology to keep you safe and connected to the world around you. So how does a car company like Cadillac improve upon such quality? Enter the Cadillac Lyriq, an all-electric SUV that combines the luxury appointments you deserve with the cutting-edge electric power of the future. Let's look at how the Lyriq compares to the XT lineup from Cadillac. more Exterior Style The Cadillac Lyriq has soft, supple curves. Its low, wide stance gives the Lyriq and athletic posture. The Lyriq uses three-dimensional texturing to present a dramatic front fascia centered around the illuminated Cadillac shield, free from the need for a traditional front grille. In addition, the Lyriq's LED headlights stack, creating a thin, vertical headlamp in signature style. The same principle applied to the LED taillights adds dramatic fashion to the rear fascia. The gently sloping roof made entirely of glass offers exceptional views. A power sunshade adjusts the level of light you allow in. Lyriq rolls on standard 20-inch alloy wheels with diamond-cut Dark Android finish and Gloss Black aero inserts, or you can opt for the 22-inch dynamic split-spoke alloy wheels with polished Gloss Black finish. Cadillac wraps both wheels with low-profile, self-sealing tires. Cadillac's XT4 represents the smallest of the XT models yet still comes with the bold styling cues you expect from Cadillac. This compact SUV sits two-tenths of an inch taller than the Lyriq but has a much shorter width and length. In addition, the XT4's agile design was meant to conquer the tight quarters of city driving. With the XT5, you get a taller SUV, but still not as wide or long as the Lyriq. The midsize XT5 SUV shares many of the same design cues as the XT4, like the vertical daytime running lights and sweeping horizontal LED headlights. In addition, the XT4 and XT5 roll-on smaller yet still stylish 18-inch alloy wheels in various modern styles. Cadillac's XT6 also falls in the midsize SUV segment yet seats up to seven people. Again, the Lyriq sits lower, but the XT6 measures about the same width and is nearly six inches taller. The XT6 has an overall longer length than the Lyriq, but the Lyriq's wheelbase measures 10-inches more than the XT6's wheelbase. The difference in size results in the Lyriq's superior agility, and because the Lyriq has no engine/transmission tunnel, the interior cabin and cargo hold have more room. Performance Cadillac uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain delivers 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. In addition, available all-wheel-drive on each trim improves handling in those wintry conditions. The XT5 comes with the same powertrain standard. Or, you can upgrade to a 3.6-liter V-6 engine that puts out 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. Again, you can opt for all-wheel drive on every trim level. The larger XT6 offers the same two powertrain configurations, but because of its construction can tow up to 4,000 pounds. Economy ratings reach up to 30 mpg for the XT4. You get a slight drop to 29 mpg on the XT5 with the 2.0-liter engine and up to 26 mpg with the 3.6-liter engine. The larger XT6 modestly drops to 18 mpg and 25 mpg with the same powertrain configurations. Tapping into the power of electricity, the Lyriq achieves an impressive 340 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. The Lyriq has over 300 miles of driving range on a full charge. In addition, its fast-charging capability enables you to charge up to 76 miles of range in only ten minutes. The recommended 240-volt at-home charging station charges around 52 miles of range every hour. Cadillac's configuration of the twelve-module battery system allows for near-perfect weight distribution. The instantaneous power delivers a thrilling driving experience you won't find on the XT series combined with the five-link front and rear suspension systems. Technology Addition features on the Lyriq include Super Cruise, Cadillac's enhanced driver-assist cruise control system. Super Cruise enables virtually hands-free driving on over 200,000 roads in the United States. Your Lyriq can stay at a preset speed and distance while in traffic, change lanes without driver input, and even follow curves in the road and off-ramps. Currently, Cadillac doesn't offer Super Cruise on its XT lineup. However, they plan on introducing it in the 2022 model year. While the XT lineup includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, the Lyriq's built-in Google Assistant improves the technology suite on the Lyriq above the XT lineup. The Lyriq and XT lineup all use over-the-air updating systems. By updating over the air, your Cadillac remains operating at peak performance. In addition, your navigation and Super Cruise systems have the most current data to work with, making your drive more accurate. The driver-assist systems on the XT lineup and Lyriq use similar technology to the same impressive results. These driver-assist systems use radar and cameras to monitor your vehicle's surroundings, alerting you when they detect hazards. In addition, these systems can provide emergency braking and steering correction to help mitigate or avoid an accident in some instances. Every Cadillac model with driver-assist systems has a safety alert seat. This seat provides haptic feedback alerts, vibrating directionally toward the hazard. One significant technology advantage of the Lyriq is its 33-inch advanced LED display. Stretching across the dashboard, the screen curves slightly toward the driver and uses the same technology that produces motion pictures and video games, revolutionizing your driving experience. At Rydell Cadillac of Grand Forks, we know what luxury SUV drivers want. That's why we stock an expansive inventory of XT SUVs, all loaded with features you'll love and at prices that won't break your bank account. However, if you're ready to take your Grand Forks commute to the all-electric level, we can reserve a new Lyriq SUV at any time. We invite you to browse our inventory online or stop by for a more personalized experience. One of our friendly, professional staff will answer any questions, show you the available models, and reserve your new Cadillac.

Is Cadillac Going Electric?

Electric vehicles have come a long way in the last decade. What began as a green alternative lacking style and driving appeal has now morphed into a segment of fun-to-drive cars, trucks, and SUVs loaded with comfort and convenience features rivaling their gasoline counterparts'. While Cadillac doesn't currently have an electric vehicle in its lineup, the carmaker has a much grander plan in store. According to a 2019 announcement, Cadillac intends to go all-electric by 2030, ditching the internal combustion engine altogether. more Cadillac's EV Transition Timeline Cadillac will begin introducing all-electric vehicles with the 2023 model year. As it stands now, the 2023 Cadillac Lyriq will be their first all-electric vehicle and will battle it out in the crossover SUV segment. Following on its heels will be the Celestiq, an all-electric luxury sedan. In addition, the company has confirmed a second crossover SUV around the size of the XT4 will compete in the compact SUV category soon after the Celestiq. Not stopping there, Cadillac has plans for a three-row crossover SUV, larger than the Lyriq yet smaller than their future Escalade -inspired full-size electric SUV. Cadillac joins Bentley, Aston Martin, Volvo, Mini, and Jaguar as the automakers who plan to end the production of gas-powered cars by 2030. But there's some good news for those who still want a gasoline powertrain from Cadillac. The company will continue to produce the popular Escalade SUV and CT4 and CT5 sedans for the foreseeable future. That said, Cadillac has ceased designing any new concepts for internal combustion engine vehicles, effectively ending the company's 120-year run of building cars powered by gas engines. Ultium Battery Power GM has created the unique Ultium battery to power Cadillac electric vehicles and every EV in the GM family. The Ultium battery uses a large format with pouch-style cells, which allow engineers to stack the cells horizontally or vertically inside the battery. Now, designers can maximize energy storage within the battery while gaining the flexibility of different layouts needed across the varied vehicle designs. Ultium batteries come in sizes from 50 to 200 kilo-watt-hours. This spectrum could increase estimated vehicle ranges up to 400 miles or more on a single charge. Also, a Ultium battery boosts speeds, with cars outfitted with this component expected to go from 0-60 mph in as little as three seconds. GM's Ultium-powered cars come with Level 2 and DC fast-charging capability. Insiders confirm that 400-volt battery packs with 200 kW fast-charging capability will debut on the cars and SUVs while the GM truck platform will use an 800-volt battery pack with up to 350 kW fast-charging ability. GM has invested considerable time and money into developing its electric motors. These motors will support the company's front-wheel-drive, rear-wheel-drive, all-wheel drive, and performance all-wheel-drive vehicles. Can Cadillac Make It Work? With the capital of GM 100% behind Cadillac, auto industry experts believe Cadillac can and will make EVs work for several reasons. GM's modular approach produces economies of scale in several key areas. A partnership with LG Chem has driven down the cost of batteries, and the partnership expects continual advancements to reduce production costs further. The new global platform for EVs gives the company flexibility like never before. The electric motors and other vehicle systems were engineered to minimize parts and complexity over the entire lineup. For instance, GM has plans for 19 EV battery and drive system configurations compared to the over 500 internal combustion engine powertrain units currently available. Ultimately, the rising acceptance of EVs will propel Cadillac forward. Industry leaders have forecasted sales to more than double from 2025 to 2030, ending with around 3 million electric vehicles sold annually. That number could grow beyond that as the cost of ownership continues to fall and charging station availability increases. 2023 Cadillac Lyriq SUV The Lyriq SUV kicks off the all-electric movement for Cadillac, with the 2023 model year expected to hit the streets in the early part of 2022. Beginning in September 2021, drivers can reserve the first production models. Cadillac has designed the Lyriq superbly, giving it modern styling cues such as an all-glass roof. The aggressive front fascia features a Black Crystal grille that uses three-dimensional texture that emits depth and precision. LED headlights, taillights, and daytime running lights come in the signature vertical Cadillac style. The Lyriq's bulging hood and fenders combine with soft curves and lines for an athletic posture. Rolling on standard low-profile tires wrapped on 20-inch wheels designed to match the grille, the Lyriq projects a luxury experience. Slipping inside the cockpit, you immediately sense the future. Cadillac's Inteluxe seating material comes in Sky Cool Gray or Noir and blends with polished aluminum, natural textures, and unique jewel-like embellishments to deliver a premium look and feel. A 33-inch curved driver information display stretches before you, its touch screen capability within easy reach. The display can project over one billion colors for a magnificent driving experience. You'll enjoy Cadillac's Super Cruise technology, the first hands-free driving system. With over 200,000 miles of compatible roads in the U.S. and Canada, the Super Cruise driver-assist system will elevate your drive. The system will keep you centered within marked lanes, change lanes for you, and even adjust your speed according to traffic conditions. While the EPA hasn't tested the Lyriq's range, Cadillac estimates the Lyriq will achieve over 300 miles on a single charge. The Lyriq can add up to 76 miles of range in 10 minutes with the DC fast charging capability. Cadillac says the rear-wheel-drive Lyriq will put out an impressive 340 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. Since the average Cadillac driver travels under 50 miles in a day, the Lyriq has plenty of power available. At Rydell Cadillac of Grand Forks, we look forward to the future of electric vehicles with great anticipation. We know our customers want a viable electric vehicle option that keeps with the luxury heritage of the Cadillac brand. Cadillac's Lyriq offers us the first glimpse of what promises to be a bright future for Cadillac and electric vehicles. If you're interested in learning more about the Lyriq, we invite you to contact our sales department online or stop by for a more personal demonstration. One of our friendly, knowledgeable staff will answer all your questions and let you reserve one of the first Lyriq SUVs to come out.