WHY I LOVE MY VEHICLE: 2022 Escalade ESV Sport 4x4

Cshandrika and Kirk Bryan live in Ajax with their three children and own The Genesis Group, an all-in-one brokerage firm that was named one of the best independents in the country by “Canadian Mortgage Professional” magazine in 2020.

While Kirk gets around in his pre-owned Lamborghini and Range Rover Sport, Cshandrika drove a used 2015 Cadillac Escalade Premium Luxury Platinum that they had nothing but issues with. “We spent way more than we thought we would just to keep the car on the road,” said Kirk

The Bryans had never purchased a new vehicle before. “We’ve never had the blessings or courage to buy brand new, because it takes a lot to shell out over a hundred grand for a car,” said Kirk. But after calculating the costs associated with maintaining a used vehicle – everything from repairs to car rentals for when it is being services – they decided buying new made more sense.

For their eight-year wedding anniversary, Kirk decided to surprise Cshandrika – who also goes by Cshandi – with a new car. Although they considered alternatives, including the Lincoln Navigator and the GMC Yukon or Denali, the couple found those models didn’t include some of the options and features Cshandrika was used to with her Escalade.

Despite the current semiconductor shortage effecting vehicle production, they were able to purchase a 2022 Cadillac Escalade ESV Sport from Ontario Motor Sales in Oshawa. The Bryans tell us why they love their vehicle.



“Cshandi wasn't expecting it, but it was something she deserved,” said Kirk. “There’s so much she does for the family business and because she’s in charge of the family. Our children are active in sports, cheer camp and everything else. We’re always on the road for competitions, taking my son to daycare or helping friends who might need us to pick up or drop off their kids. So, she needed something reliable in the winter or harsh elements.

“There’s a huge difference between the two vehicles. We got the extended cab, so we finally have enough room to do a Costco run. The technology is phenomenal – it’s ‘MacGyver’ level. Like (on the TV show) ‘Knight Rider’ this vehicle talks to you and could drive itself. The screens are huge, and the cameras have an aerial, rear, front and side view, so if anything runs out at you, you will be able to see it from every angle,” he said.

“It’s the mommy wagon,” said Cshandrika. “The body style is ‘large utility’ and it’s higher, wider and just as long as a pickup truck. I named it FLOTUS because it gives off this presidential stature.” Her former Escalade was nicknamed POTUS because of the presence it exuded.



“I was spoiled with the previous Cadillac. Besides the features, it was the comfort of having luxurious seats that you just sink into. Since I’m constantly behind the wheel driving everywhere, I want to be comfy on the road versus having a stiff neck or back.

“This was really an amazing surprise for our anniversary,” she said. “We were at our anniversary dinner, and Kirk handed me a file. It thought I was getting a land deal and was really excited about that. When I opened it, it said ‘Congratulations on your 2022 Cadillac Escalade ESV.’ I was like, ‘Oh, my gosh!’ After we left the restaurant and were sitting in this car, I was screaming my head off.”

A CLOSER LOOK: 2022 Escalade ESV Sport 4x4

Display features

“There’s three different modes on the dash,” said Cshandrika. “You can put it on driver gauge, switch it to on-screen map view or to the camera that lets you watch the road in real time like you’re seeing it through a window. I think the camera feature is really cool, especially while you're using the navigation system. You don't have to keep looking to the right of the vehicle, so your eyes are constantly focused on the road and surroundings versus always having to turn and look at something.”

Ample room

“Space is my thing, and this definitely delivers,” she said. “The back wheel well we had in our 2015 is gone in the 2022 model, so there’s more leg room. Another thing is the trunk space. I’m able to fit a stroller, groceries, the uniforms, shoes and all the stuff the girls need for competitive cheer. The kids are no longer stepping on things in the middle of the car. Because it is wider, we can fit two booster seats and a regular car seat without compromising. The kids are not crammed or squished and are comfortable.”

The added details

“The car has so many features. Because it’s big, there are blind spots, but the technology that they’ve included to help you with it is amazing. I like how the camera comes on automatically. One time it was dark, and I was reversing, and someone ran out behind me. The car just automatically stopped itself,” said Cshandrika. “I tell you, it’s no regrets,” said Kirk. “You feel safe that your significant other and your children are protected. And nothing is better than that new car smell.”

THE SPECS: 2022 Escalade ESV Sport 4x4

• BODY STYLE: SUV


• DRIVE METHOD: Four-wheel drive


• ENGINE: 6.2L V8, 420-hp; 460 lb.-ft. torque


• FUEL ECONOMY (CITY/HIGHWAY): 16.8/12.4 litres per 100 kms


• CARGO VOLUME: 3584.9 litres


• PRICE: From $111,768


• WEBSITE: cadillaccanada.ca

This article was edited for space and clarity. To be featured in Why I Love My Vehicle?, email us at wheels@thestar.ca. Renée S. Suen is a Toronto-based lifestyle writer and photographer. Follow her on Twitter: @rssuen.