🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Cadillac

Model:

Escalade

Year:

2012

Platform Code:

GMT900

Body Style Code:

ESV (Extended)

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The 2012 Cadillac Escalade is a full-size luxury SUV, positioned as a premium, high-end vehicle emphasizing comfort, technology, and bold styling. It competes in the segment against other luxury SUVs such as the Lincoln Navigator, Lexus LX, and Infiniti QX56.

Competitive Analysis:

The Escalade distinguishes itself with its distinctive Cadillac styling, powerful V8 engine, and luxurious interior appointments. Its strong presence and towing capabilities also appeal to buyers needing a robust yet refined full-size SUV.

Key Features:

Body-on-frame construction, powerful V8 engine, Magnetic Ride Control suspension, available all-wheel drive, luxurious interior materials, advanced infotainment system, spacious seating for up to eight passengers, significant towing capacity.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

All 2012 Cadillac Escalade models (Standard, ESV, Hybrid)

Page Count:

Approximately 500-600 pages (typical for this model year and vehicle type)

Manual Type:

Owner's Manual / Operator's Guide

Language:

English

Format:

Printed Paperback Book

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine operation, powertrain, chassis, braking system, steering, suspension, climate control, electrical system, lighting, infotainment, safety systems, interior features, exterior features, maintenance procedures, warning indicators, specifications

Procedures Included:

Starting and operating the vehicle, understanding dashboard indicators, climate control operation, audio system usage, navigation system (if equipped), power seat adjustments, safety belt usage, child seat installation, tire pressure monitoring, checking fluid levels, replacing wiper blades, changing a flat tire, jump starting, towing procedures, fuel filler information, locking/unlocking, keyless entry operation, remote start usage, accessing and adjusting mirrors, opening and closing doors/windows/tailgate, roof rack operation (if equipped), lighting controls, windshield wiper controls, electronic parking brake operation, cruise control usage, general maintenance checks

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive owner-level detail, focusing on safe operation, feature utilization, and basic user-level maintenance. Does not include in-depth diagnostic procedures, component-level repair instructions, or detailed wiring diagrams, which are typically found in a Service Manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

N/A (Printed)

Print Quality:

High-quality, durable paper with clear text and diagrams

Binding Type:

Perfect Bound (Glued Spine)

Paper Type:

Glossy or semi-gloss paper suitable for vehicle manuals

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine:

6.2L V8 SFI E85 FlexFuel (L94)

Horsepower:

403 hp @ 5700 rpm

Torque:

417 lb-ft @ 4300 rpm

Fuel System:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Engine Code:

L94

Displacement:

6162 cc (376 cu in)

Compression Ratio:

10.8:1

Fuel Type:

Regular Unleaded Gasoline (E85 compatible)

Emissions Control:

Catalytic Converter, On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

6-speed Automatic with Driver Shift Control (RPO: MYD)

Optional Transmission:

N/A (6L80 automatic is standard across all trims)

Transmission Features:

Electronically controlled, adaptive shift control, manual mode for driver selection, tow/haul mode

Transmission Fluid Type:

Dexron VI

📐 Dimensions

Overall Length Standard:

5115 mm (201.4 in)

Overall Length Esv:

5690 mm (224.0 in)

Overall Width:

2007 mm (79.0 in)

Overall Height:

1908 mm (75.1 in)

Wheelbase Standard:

3023 mm (119.0 in)

Wheelbase Esv:

3302 mm (130.0 in)

Front Track:

1732 mm (68.2 in)

Rear Track:

1722 mm (67.8 in)

Passenger Volume:

Approx. 3500 liters (123.0 cu ft)

Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:

Approx. 500-1000 liters (17.7-36.3 cu ft) depending on configuration and model length

Cargo Volume Max:

Approx. 2500-3000 liters (88.0-105.0 cu ft) depending on model length and seat configuration

Curb Weight:

Approx. 2500-2650 kg (5500-5850 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvw:

Approx. 3220-3350 kg (7100-7400 lbs)

Maximum Towing Capacity:

Approx. 3850 kg (8500 lbs)

Maximum Payload Capacity:

Approx. 650-700 kg (1430-1540 lbs)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Rating:

4 out of 5 stars (for applicable models)

IIHS Ratings:

Good in front, side, and rear crash tests for 2012 models.

Active Safety Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS), StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), Rearview Camera, Parking Assist (Rear Ultrasonic)

Passive Safety Features:

Frontal airbags (driver and passenger), front side-impact airbags, roof-mounted side-impact curtain airbags for all rows, active head restraints, three-point safety belts with pretensioners, LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Cadillac CUE (Cadillac User Experience) system, featuring a high-resolution touchscreen, voice recognition, Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, auxiliary audio input, and available navigation.

Audio System:

Bose® Premium Audio System (typically 10-speaker or 12-speaker configuration)

Driver Assistance Features:

Rear parking assist, rearview camera, available adaptive cruise control, available blind-spot monitoring (RPO: UD5, UD7, UHX)

Connectivity Options:

Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming, USB integration, auxiliary input, available OnStar system for emergency services and vehicle diagnostics.

Convenience Features:

Power liftgate, remote keyless entry, remote start, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats (optional), heated steering wheel (optional), power-adjustable pedals.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles or 6 months (under normal driving conditions), or when indicated by the Oil Life Monitoring System. Consult manual for severe driving conditions.

Tire Rotation Interval:

Every 7,500 miles

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Inspect every 7,500 miles, replace as needed or at recommended intervals (e.g., 45,000 miles).

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Inspect every 7,500 miles, replace as needed or at recommended intervals (e.g., 22,500 miles).

Spark Plug Replacement:

At approximately 100,000 miles (depending on specific plug type, refer to manual)

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 0W-30 Full Synthetic (API SN, GM dexos1™ specification)

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 6.0 L (6.5 US quarts)

Coolant Type:

GM DEX-COOL® Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant (Red)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Power Steering Fluid Type:

GM Power Steering Fluid or Dexron III/VI Automatic Transmission Fluid (refer to manual)

Common Issues:

While generally reliable, common reported issues for this generation can include: Magnetic Ride Control sensor failures, infotainment system glitches, transmission shifting issues, fuel pump failures, and potential for interior component wear. The manual provides guidance on understanding warning lights and basic troubleshooting for many of these.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Cadillac, a division of General Motors, has a long-standing reputation for producing luxury vehicles with advanced technology and opulent styling, dating back to its founding in 1902. It has consistently aimed to represent American luxury.

Model Evolution:

The Escalade, introduced in 1999, was Cadillac's first entry into the large luxury SUV market. The 2012 model represents the third generation (GMT900 platform), which debuted for the 2007 model year. This generation introduced significant styling updates, a more powerful engine, and advanced features like Magnetic Ride Control.

Production Location:

Arlington, Texas, USA

Production Years:

1999 - Present

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

The 2012 Cadillac Escalade was consistently recognized for its luxurious interior and powerful performance, often appearing on lists of top luxury SUVs. While specific awards vary year to year, it maintained a strong market presence and customer satisfaction.

Ratings:

Often rated highly by consumer publications for its comfort, features, and towing capability within the luxury SUV segment.

Certifications:

Meets all U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for the 2012 model year.

📄 Wheels Tires

Standard Wheel Size:

20-inch bright machined aluminum wheels

Optional Wheel Size:

22-inch chrome or bright aluminum wheels

Standard Tire Size:

P275/55R20 all-season

Optional Tire Size:

P285/45R22 all-season

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

6 x 139.7 mm (6 x 5.5 inches)

Wheel Center Bore:

78.1 mm (3.07 inches)