Cadillac Escalade vs Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 36 mpg combined versus 23 mpg for the Cadillac Escalade, a 13 mpg advantage and costs about $1,750 less per year to fuel.
Across 5 measured categories, the Toyota Highlander leads in 5. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
2015–2026
Cadillac Escalade
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 46 configurations
2015–2026
Toyota Highlander
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 72 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Cadillac Escalade | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 23 mpg | 36 mpg ✓ |
| Best city MPG | 21 mpg | 36 mpg ✓ |
| Best highway MPG | 27 mpg | 35 mpg ✓ |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $3,450 | $1,700 ✓ |
| Lowest CO2 output | 437 g/mi | 245 g/mi ✓ |
| Engines offered | SIDI, 3.0, SIDI; Stop-Start | SIDI & PFI; Hybrid, SIDI & PFI, SIDI & PFI; with Stop-Start, SIDI & PFI; with Stop-start |
| Transmissions | Automatic (S10), Automatic 10-spd, Automatic 8-spd | Automatic (AV-S6), Automatic (S8), Automatic (S6) |
| Drivetrains | 4-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive | All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Premium, Diesel, Regular | Regular |
| EPA class | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
| Years covered | 2015–2026 | 2015–2026 |
| Configurations on record | 46 | 72 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
Escalade vs Highlander: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Cadillac Escalade or the Toyota Highlander?
The Toyota Highlander is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 36 mpg combined versus 23 mpg for the Cadillac Escalade, a 13 mpg advantage and costs about $1,750 less per year to fuel.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Toyota Highlander runs about $1,700 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $3,450 for the Cadillac Escalade — a difference of roughly $1,750 per year.
What engines do the Escalade and Highlander offer?
Cadillac Escalade: SIDI, 3.0, SIDI; Stop-Start. Toyota Highlander: SIDI & PFI; Hybrid, SIDI & PFI, SIDI & PFI; with Stop-Start, SIDI & PFI; with Stop-start.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the Cadillac Escalade and the Toyota Highlander as Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, so they compete directly.
More Escalade comparisons
Comparison id: cadillac-escalade-vs-toyota-highlander