5 of the Best Luxury SUVs for South Carolina Families

Cadillac is well-known for making some of the finest high-end vehicles around—there’s even a saying that goes “X is the Cadillac of Y” when you want to describe the best example of something. So, it’s no surprise that it’s the brand of choice for families who want to cruise in the lap of luxury. 

So, which Cadillac SUV is right for your family? If you’re shopping near Dentsville, Blythewood, or anywhere else around Columbia, SC, check out our list to discover which one might be the best choice. 

Most Affordable Luxury SUV: Cadillac XT5 

• Starting price: $44,800 

• Horsepower: Up to 310 hp 

• Fuel economy: Up to 22 mpg city / 29 mpg highway 

• Max seating capacity: 5 

• Max cargo volume: Up to 63.0 cu ft 

The XT5 is one of the longest-running nameplates on this list, and for luxury car shoppers with an eye for a deal, it also happens to be the least expensive, with a starting price well under $50k. And don’t let its modest sticker price fool you, because it’s packed with killer features, including a wealth of standard driver assistance systems and the 8-inch center touch screen with wireless Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, and Wi-Fi hotspot. Its affordable price also makes it easy to spring for upgraded features like the souped-up 3.6-liter V6 engine. To top it off, rumor has it that Cadillac will soon be releasing a refreshed version of the XT5, which is sure to come with even more bells and whistles.

Luxury SUV with the Most Space: Cadillac Escalade ESV 

• Starting price: $105,700 

• Horsepower: 420 hp 

• Max towing: 8,000 lbs 

• Max seating capacity: 8 

• Max cargo volume: Up to 142.2 cu ft 

The gold standard for full-size opulence for more than two and a half decades, the Escalade ESV is the long wheelbase version of the fan-favorite Escalade, with an extra 15 inches of length and over 20 cubic feet more cargo space than the standard model, making it a no-brainer for families in Columbia who want the biggest ride possible. Thanks to its recent redesign, it’s absolutely overflowing with creature comforts like the massive 55-inch Horizon Display™, and that’s just the beginning. Shoppers can also check out the available Dual-Pane Power Skyglass™ Roof, console refrigerator, and Executive Second Row, which comes with 10-point massaging seats, dual wireless phone chargers, and an AKG Studio Reference 42-speaker sound system. Go big or go home, right? 

Most Affordable Luxury EV: Cadillac OPTIQ 

• Starting price: $49,995 

• Horsepower: Up to 440 hp 

• Range: Up to 317 miles 

• Max seating capacity: 5 

• Max cargo volume: Up to 57.0 cu ft 

In a world of luxury electric SUVs with ludicrous price tags, the OPTIQ is an undeniable breath of fresh air. Like the LYRIQ before it, it benefits from current-gen tech like the 33-inch Horizon Display™, which includes media, navigation, driver assistance, and vehicle info in one intuitive screen. It’s also shockingly spacious—in spite of its compact dimensions, it has almost 60 cubic feet of storage capacity, and with well over 300 miles of max range, it’s the perfect road trip machine. If you’re still not sold on adopting an EV but you want to try one that isn’t going to break the bank, the OPTIQ checks all the boxes. 

Fastest Luxury EV: Cadillac LYRIQ 

• Starting price: $59,400 

• Horsepower: Up to 615 hp 

• Range: Up to 326 miles 

• Max seating capacity: 5 

• Max cargo volume: Up to 60.8 cu ft 

Cadillac’s original EV SUV, the LYRIQ continues to get better and better with each passing year. It already has significantly more max range than when it first released a few years ago, boasting over 325 miles when equipped with rear-wheel drive, and with available 190-kilowatt DC fast charging speeds, it can recoup up to 86 miles of range in just ten minutes, so you never have to worry about being stranded. Of course, shoppers with a need for speed can sacrifice a bit of range of the AWD version, or even opt for the almighty LYRIQ-V, which has a blindingly fast 0 to 60 time of just 3.3 seconds, making it the quickest Cadillac ever made. Throw in the fact that it has plenty of room inside and ample comfort features, and you have the quintessential luxury electric family vehicle, no matter which trim you choose. 

Luxury SUV with the Most Range: Cadillac Escalade IQ 

• Starting price: $127,405 

• Horsepower: Up to 750 hp 

• Range: Up to 465 miles 

• Max seating capacity: 7 

• Max cargo volume: Up to 131.3 cu ft (including eTrunk) 

When you want the absolute pinnacle of opulence, only the Escalade IQ will do. It perfectly marries the spaciousness and amenities of the gas-powered model with all-electric performance, giving it an insane amount of power and allowing it to do a 0 to 60 run in just 4.7 seconds when Velocity Max is engaged. Of course, if maximum thrills aren’t your thing, the Escalade IQ’s biggest perk is its class-topping range and charging speeds. Not only does it beat most SUVs by a massive margin, but it’s equipped to handle 350-kilowatt charging speeds, which means you can regain 117 miles in just 10 minutes with a DC fast charger. Of course, it also has many of the same features as the regular Escalade like the standard pillar-to-pillar touch screen display and available Executive Second Row 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Which Cadillac SUVs are gas-powered? 

The XT5, Escalade, and Escalade ESV all have internal combustion engines for shoppers who aren’t fully sold on EVs. 

Which Cadillac SUV has the highest towing capacity? 

The standard-length Escalade has the highest towing capacity of any Cadillac. When properly equipped, it can tow up to 8,100 pounds, while the longer Escalade ESV tows slightly less at 8,000 pounds. 

Which Cadillac SUV is the fastest? 

The Cadillac LYRIQ-V holds the distinction as the fastest Cadillac model. When Velocity Max is engaged, it can go from 0 to 60 in just 3.3 seconds. 

Which Cadillac SUV is the smallest? 

The OPTIQ is the most compact Cadillac model, making it car more maneuverable in tight city streets and parking lots. The XT5 is also quite compact for shoppers who prefer a standard gas engine. 

Which Cadillac SUVs have Super Cruise? 

The only Cadillac SUV that currently doesn’t have available hands-free highway driving is the XT5. All other models can be equipped with Super Cruise. 

Find the Perfect Cadillac SUV for Your Family in Columbia, SC 

Whether you want the most spacious SUV, the most affordable SUV, or simply the most ballistically fast SUV, at Jim Hudson Cadillac, we’ve got you covered with a wide range of Cadillac SUV models for sale. We also have a variety of special offers for qualifying shoppers, including Cadillac lease deals, low APR financing, and more. 

Ready to take a test drive? Call (803) 757-4503 or contact us online today.