Cadillac Escalade vs Rivian R1S
The Rivian R1S is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 85 mpg combined versus 23 mpg for the Cadillac Escalade, a 62 mpg advantage and costs about $2,550 less per year to fuel.
Across 4 measured categories, the Rivian R1S leads in 4. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
2015–2026
Cadillac Escalade
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 46 configurations
2022–2027
Rivian R1S
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 94 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Cadillac Escalade | Rivian R1S |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 23 mpg | 85 mpg ✓ |
| Best city MPG | 21 mpg | 94 mpg ✓ |
| Best highway MPG | 27 mpg | 77 mpg ✓ |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $3,450 | $900 ✓ |
| Lowest CO2 output | 437 g/mi | Not available |
| Engines offered | SIDI, 3.0, SIDI; Stop-Start | Not available |
| Transmissions | Automatic (S10), Automatic 10-spd, Automatic 8-spd | Automatic (A1) |
| Drivetrains | 4-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive | 4-Wheel Drive, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Premium, Diesel, Regular | Electricity |
| EPA class | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
| Years covered | 2015–2026 | 2022–2027 |
| Configurations on record | 46 | 94 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
Escalade vs R1S: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Cadillac Escalade or the Rivian R1S?
The Rivian R1S is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 85 mpg combined versus 23 mpg for the Cadillac Escalade, a 62 mpg advantage and costs about $2,550 less per year to fuel.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Rivian R1S runs about $900 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $3,450 for the Cadillac Escalade — a difference of roughly $2,550 per year.
What engines do the Escalade and R1S offer?
Cadillac Escalade: SIDI, 3.0, SIDI; Stop-Start. Rivian R1S: no engine data on record.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the Cadillac Escalade and the Rivian R1S as Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, so they compete directly.
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Comparison id: cadillac-escalade-vs-rivian-r1s