2026 Cadillac Escalade IQ Expert Review
Reviewed by Bob Hernandez
The Escalade IQ is the largest electric SUV that Cadillac offers. New last year, the SUV gains an even bigger model for 2026, the stretched-out Escalade IQL. Electric luxury three-row SUV competitors include the Tesla Model X, Rivian R1S, and Mercedes-Benz EQS-Class SUV.
Looking for the gas version of Cadillac’s buffest SUV? Read all about the Escalade here.
What’s New
Cadillac adds a longer IQL variant to the Escalade IQ full-size electric SUV lineup. The brand now offers standard and stretched versions of both the gas and all-electric Escalades.
Range and Charging
Riding on GM’s Ultium electric vehicle platform, both Escalade IQ and IQL models are equipped with a 205-kWh battery that should allow driving range of up to 460 miles. Cadillac indicates it’ll take roughly 10 minutes to recover as much as 116 miles of range hooked up to a capable Level 3 DC fast charger. Level 2 charging should be able to recover about 36 miles of driving range per hour of charging.
How Quick Is the Escalade IQL? How Much Can it Tow?
As with the Escalade IQ, the IQL model features standard dual-motor all-wheel drive that makes a combined 680 hp and 615 lb-ft of torque. In Velocity Max mode, those numbers increase to 750 hp and 785 lb-ft of torque. That’s more than the 682 hp and 653 lb-ft from the combustion 2025 Escalade-V’s supercharged V-8.
With Velocity Max engaged, Cadillac says either electric SUV should be able to launch to 60 mph in about 4.7 seconds, matching the gas Escalade-V. Escalade IQ/IQL towing capacity is pegged at 7,500 pounds. For gas Escalades, towing maxes out at a notably higher 8,100 pounds.
Safety Features
Super Cruise hands-free driving is standard on every Escalade IQ and IQL. Also included are adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane keeping, a head-up display, and parking assist. Night Vision thermal imaging is optional.
Cargo Space and Interior Room
Both the Escalade IQ and IQL are configured with standard seating for seven, a power-folding fold-flat third row, and front trunk with 12.2 cubic feet of space. Both combustion versions of the Escalade feature more cargo space behind the third row than the EVs. There’s a touch more front legroom in the electric models and more third-row legroom in the IQL than any other Escalade.
Technology
Both the 2026 Escalade IQ and IQL feature a curved 55.0-inch display that stretches from A-pillar to A-pillar, and each comes with model-specific graphics. Voice control and navigation are also standard. Screens can be added to the rear seating area through the available Executive Second Row package, which comes with twin 12.6-inch displays, a rear command center, dual wireless phone chargers, and massaging, heating, and ventilated power seats, which also offer headrest speakers. Standard audio consists of a 21-speaker AKG Studio system and upgrades include 38- and 42-speaker setups.
Pricing and Availability
The 2026 Cadillac Escalade IQ and IQL are each available in four trims this year: Luxury, Sport, Premium Luxury, and Premium Sport. Look for Escalade IQ base model pricing to start around $130,500 while the top trim should sticker for close to $151,000. The Escalade IQL is set to start at around $132,500, with the top stretched model starting at roughly $153,000. Production of this year’s models is set to begin in mid-2025.
