Nov 19, 2025

At Huston Cadillac, we couldn’t be more thrilled to celebrate a huge moment for Cadillac. The 2026 Cadillac Escalade IQ has been crowned MotorTrend’s 2026 SUV of the Year, a prestigious honor that cements its place at the pinnacle of electric luxury SUVs. For drivers looking for elegance, innovation, and long-range capability, the Escalade IQ isn’t just a statement — it’s a game-changer.


Engineering Excellence & Performance

MotorTrend’s judges praised the Escalade IQ for its engineering excellence. Underneath its bold exterior lies a massive 205-kWh battery, configured in a way that optimizes both charging and performance.

  • The dual permanent-magnet motors (front + rear) produce up to 750 horsepower and 785 lb-ft of torque, delivering truly commanding power.
  • In real-world testing, the Escalade IQ achieved an impressive 415-mile road-trip range (70 mph test), proving it’s more than just luxury — it’s practical for long-distance journeys.
  • When it comes to charging, it’s equally impressive: MotorTrend recorded a 5–80% DC fast charge in just ~42 minutes, and in their test added 149 miles in just 15 minutes.

These numbers help alleviate “EV range anxiety” — especially in a three-row luxury SUV. According to MotorTrend, this combination of battery size and smart architecture allows the Escalade IQ to maximize charging efficiency.


Design That Stands Out

The Escalade IQ brings Cadillac’s signature presence into the EV era with modern, elegant touches:

  • Its exterior design blends classic Cadillac luxury cues (like the jewel-style lighting) with airflow-optimized styling — all while preserving that iconic, imposing Escalade silhouette.
  • Inside, the craftsmanship shines: rich, stitched materials, laser-etched wood accents, and high-quality finishes elevate the feel.
  • At the heart of the interior is a 55-inch curved display that spans pillar to pillar, integrating the instrument cluster, infotainment, and passenger screen in a seamless, elegant flow.

Comfort, Safety & Innovation

Luxury isn’t just about looks — the Escalade IQ delivers comfort and tech that reflect Cadillac’s peerless standards:

  • It features Magneride dampers and height-adjustable air springs, paired with four-wheel steering for excellent maneuverability and a refined ride.
  • There’s a clever “Arrival Mode” that lowers the suspension and turns the front and rear wheels in unison at low speeds — enabling the SUV to kind of “crab-walk” into tight spots.
  • For safety and hands-free driving, Super Cruise is standard — now capable of navigating both divided highways and mapped two-lane roads.
  • The entertainment setup is equally impressive: rear passengers get their own high-quality displays, and the front passenger can remotely drive their screen via a smartphone QR code.

Value & Why It Won MotorTrend’s SUV of the Year

MotorTrend’s assessment wasn’t just about flash — they evaluated the Escalade IQ on six key criteria: efficiency, advancement in design, value, engineering excellence, performance, and safety.

While the Escalade IQ is a premium vehicle — MotorTrend’s tested model came in around $154,315 — the value comes from its all-in-one capability: it’s not just a luxury EV, but a usable, long-range three-row SUV that doesn’t force trade-offs.


Cadillac’s Electrified Future

This award signals more than just a single model’s success — it underscores Cadillac’s commitment to a bold, electric future. According to GM, this recognition aligns with their broader EV vision, combining heritage luxury with modern performance.


Why You Should Visit Huston Cadillac

At Huston Cadillac, we’re proud to be part of this new chapter for Cadillac. Here’s why you should stop by or reach out today:

  1. See it in person: Experience the Escalade IQ’s stunning design, its massive 55″ screen, and luxurious interior first-hand. Contact us to make an appointment.
  2. Learn about EV charging: Whether at home or on the road, we can help you understand how to maximize its range and charging efficiency.
  3. Explore buying or leasing options: With a high-end EV like this, there are many paths to ownership — and we can guide you on incentives and financials.
  4. Test drive: Get behind the wheel and feel the power, comfort, and innovation that won the 2026 MotorTrend SUV of the Year. Click here to schedule.

Conclusion

The 2026 Cadillac Escalade IQ isn’t just another SUV. It’s a statement — that Cadillac can lead in luxury, design, and EV innovation all at once. Its MotorTrend SUV of the Year award reflects that achievement, and at Huston Cadillac, we’re excited to help you experience it for yourself.

Contact us today to schedule your visit, test-drive, or to learn more about the Escalade IQ and Cadillac’s all-electric future.

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