​​Cadillac Escalade IQ Named 2026 MotorTrend SUV of the Year​ 

MotorTrend awards what it deems to be the best vehicles on the market annually since its inception in 1949. In fact, Cadillac was the first marque to win Motor Trend’s  “Car of the Year” award that very year. For 2026, that tradition continues as the Escalade IQ was named the magazine’s 2026 SUV of the Year. 

The road to earning this year’s SUV of the Year award starts with editors at MotorTrend gathering and evaluating the latest, greatest, and most significantly updated vehicles in three different market segments. These editors score each vehicle on the basis of Design Advancement, Engineering Excellence, Efficiency, Safety, Value, and Performance if Intended Function.  

The Escalade IQ sets the standard in terms of carving a new space in the luxury EV SUV segment. It follows the same idea of its Escalade sibling, yet it remixes everything by creating benchmarks for style, comfort, quality execution, and EV driving performance. 

The 2026 Escalade IQ and IQL make bold statements by simply standing still. The rooflines are distinctive – the dynamic look of the IQ, and the formal look of the IQL. Up front, the crest shape dominates with a front fascia, along with LED lighting signatures. 

Step inside, and the Escalade iQ’s immersive Horizon Display – a 55-inch screen that stretches from A-pillar to A-pillar – greets driver and passengers alike. There’s a screen space and function for seemingly everyone on board, all designed to inform, control, and entertain. While Escalade iQ’s infotainment system incorporates Google Built-In technology, it also incorporates a functional lower display for key vehicle controls. Meanwhile, second-row passengers can enjoy an available video system for their own entertainment. 

At its heart, the 2026 Escalade IQ and IQL also offers luxurious accommodations for three rows of passengers. An available Executive Second Row package elevates the passenger experience through premium seating, increased legroom, and immersive technologies. A selection of AKG audio systems will create a sonic atmosphere unlike any other.  

Importantly, the 2026 Escalade IQ and IQL are engineered specifically for electric propulsion. Fed by a 205-kilowatt-hour battery pack, they offer a range of up to 465 miles when fully charged, and up to 750 horsepower and 785 lb-ft of torque thanks to a high-performance dual motor powertrain arrangement. 

Recharging is performed through an 800-volt architecture, enabling recharge speeds of up to 350-kilowatts, meaning the 2026 Escalade IQ and IQL can recoup up to 117 miles of range in just 10 minutes.  

This is the first MotorTrend SUV of the Year award for Cadillac, after winning four previous times as Car of the Tear. The last win was for the 2008 Cadillac CTS.  

To take home an electrifying winner, contact us at Michael Hohl Cadillac for a personal tour of the amazing 2026 Escalade IQ and IQL.