Overview & Reviews

Although the Cadillac Escalade wasn't the first luxury SUV sold in the U.S. market, it was the first light truck in the history of the Cadillac brand. Early versions drew plenty of criticism, but in retrospect, the Escalade deserves much credit for being the vehicle that transformed Cadillac's image from traditional and geriatric to youthful and flamboyant.

Much of the Cadillac Escalade's appeal is rooted in its over-the-top attitude. Generously proportioned inside and out, this sport-utility vehicle has a bold and angular face, exaggerated wreath-and-crest badging and chrome trim everywhere you look. There's no subtlety under the hood either, as the current truck's 6.2-liter V8 delivers an imposing exhaust rumble. Although quicker than many competitors, the Escalade often falls behind in refinement, from its handling dynamics to its build and materials quality. Cadillac has taken steps to address these shortcomings on the third-generation model, but there's no question the Escalade is primarily for buyers who like their SUVs large, brash and unapologetically American.

Current Cadillac Escalade
The Cadillac Escalade is a full-size SUV that seats seven people with standard second-row captain's chairs and eight with the optional second-row bench. The extended-length Escalade ESV, the quasi-pickup truck Escalade EXT and gasoline-electric Escalade Hybrid are reviewed separately.

Every regular Escalade comes standard with a 6.2-liter V8 that delivers 403 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, providing relatively brisk acceleration in virtually any situation. A six-speed automatic transmission handles the gearchanges and even offers a manual-shift mode for those drivers willing to press a pair of buttons on the Escalade's old-fashioned column shifter. The transmission routes power to the rear wheels on two-wheel-drive models or all four on all-wheel-drive models.

Inside, the Escalade presents a much nicer environment than its mechanical near-twins from Chevrolet and GMC. There is an abundance of equipment even on the "base" model, with items like heated first- and second-row seats, navigation and a Bose surround-sound audio system included as standard. The Luxury, Premium and Platinum trims pile on the niceties even further, but most are styling and trim elements. Despite its features list, the aging Escalade doesn't have the same look and feel as other luxury SUVs. Construction and the materials used just aren't as nice, even if leather and wood trim is included.

In reviews, we've found that the Escalade certainly delivers the pomp and power one expects from this increasingly iconic nameplate. However, there are significant practical drawbacks. First of all, the third-row seat is cramped and uncomfortable for the middle passenger and must be physically removed should you need extra cargo space. The third-row seats of competing vehicles fold neatly into the floor. The Escalade is also unwieldy on tighter roads, suffers from lackluster brakes and is very thirsty. There's also its perennial placement atop the list of most-stolen vehicles. In light of all this, we'd consider one of the many other full-size luxury SUVs as well.

Used Cadillac Escalade Models
When the latest (third) generation of the Cadillac Escalade debuted for the 2007 model year, it was the most modern and luxurious version of this full-size SUV to date. A stiff, fully boxed frame and a coil-spring front suspension provide a smoother ride than in years past, and handling is more controlled and predictable. As with the previous generation, there's no option to get four-wheel drive with low-range gearing, as Cadillac has equipped the Escalade for duty in the urban jungle rather than the one with tigers. Unlike previous generations, the third-gen Escalade no longer feels like a hastily reupholstered Chevy Tahoe.

Since its introduction, changes have been light and related mostly to new standard and optional features. The following year saw the introduction of the plush Platinum Edition while 2009 brought E85 fuel capability and available high-tech features such as a blind-spot warning system, LED headlights, Bluetooth and a rearview camera. The '10 Escalade received cylinder-deactivation technology; those models produced earlier achieve 1 fewer mpg. That year also saw the addition of new front side-impact airbags, a strengthened door design and a new USB connection for portable audio devices.

The second-generation Escalade was sold from 2002-'06. This is the model that restored Cadillac's reputation with younger buyers, as it was the first application of the company's showy "Art and Science" design language. This Escalade had a 345-hp, 6.0-liter V8 that made it one of the most potent sport-utility vehicles on the road. It also handled better than one would typically expect of a vehicle this size. The cabin had a somewhat cut-rate feel, but between all the soft leather and wood appliqués, many buyers found this easy to overlook.

No Escalade was offered during the 2001 model year, but the original version was on sale for 1999 and 2000. This Escalade was a rush job, as Cadillac needed something to fend off Lincoln's Navigator while working on the 2002 model. Aside from its Cadillac badges, upgraded leather and Zebrano wood, there was nothing to distinguish the original Escalade from GM's lower-line SUVs. Acceleration, braking and handling are sub par on this model, and we'd advise you to avoid it.

User Reviews:

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  wow! - 2008 Cadillac Escalade
  By Damein - May 20 - 11:28 pm

  My ratings may look overboard, but I did not rate it against sports cars, but against other large, luxury suvs.

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  Beauty with No Brawn - 2008 Cadillac Escalade
  By Me Myself & I - May 7 - 7:49 pm

  I own a 2007 and a 2008 ESV - Both Black on Black with 24" non-stock rims. BEAUTY: I truly love the vehicles luxury, style, class, and SIZE, theres nothing better offered by any manufacturer. But here is what I find missing, or dont like. 1) No light in the glove box. 2) No auto-down windows, except drivers door. 3) Cheap battery. 4) No telescope steering wheel. 5) Small brakes. 6) No independent suspension. NO BRAWN: 7) The Escalade at 403HP is grossly underpowered. I am forced to switch the vehicle into tow-mode, to get higher revs out of each gear, in order for it to perform decently. Unfortunately, when in tow- mode, it down-shifts like a jake-brake!

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  I am on my 3rd Escalade - 2007 Cadillac Escalade
  By Andrea in NY - May 5 - 9:13 pm

  I just ordered my 3rd new Cadillac Escalade, (all 3 were black) I had the 04, 07, and my new 08 is in. I absolutely love them. I will keep on buying them too. I have never had one engine problem with them. I use OnStar often. I find that the "directions and connections" thru OnStar more useful than the nav. I also love the hands free phone. The stereo is fantastic too. I have a lead foot so I love the 400 hp. It comes in handy often. The factory 22s are worth every penny. I have friends that tried to put on aftermarket 22s and the cannot get rid of the vibration. I live in upstate NY and have left them on through the winter. As long as you clean them, they are fine.

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  Absolutely love it! - 2008 Cadillac Escalade
  By Len Cannarozzi - April 25 - 3:37 pm

  This Caddy (ESV) is an absolute dream. The sheer presence is impressive. Everyone that sees this thing loves it. When quickly accelerating the exhaust reminds of the race cars in "Days of Thunder". What a sound - almost better than my Vet. When you enter the car at night, the lighting, both inside and out, are unbelievable. Everything about this vehicle exudes luxury. I have read some complaints about the trans. But, I like the way it works. It tends to quickly go to the next gear. You have to go nearly 80 MPH to get to 2K PRM - an amazing engine. Still, if youre in hurry, you just need to punch it and it takes off. Like the TV ad says, if the Escalade had a bathroom, Id live in it.

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  2004 Model ESV was better - 2008 Cadillac Escalade
  By Norm - April 24 - 2:55 pm

  My previous model ESV 2004, had features that I felt made it a luxury vehicle. The 2008 seats are hard, do not hold you in position when cornering. The sun visor is poor. Previous model had more flexibility. Headrest ability to bend forward is now seriously lacking. I happened apparently to be one of the few people that used the disc changer system under random ALL. Since the addition of the backup camera this feature has been removed. This last item damed near stopped the purchase. I now wish that I had purchased a Mercedes GL 550. Which at this point in time will be my next purchase and most likely sooner than later. This is my 10th new Cadillac purchase in a row.

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  Best SUV - 2008 Cadillac Escalade
  By BUYUSA - April 18 - 6:42 pm

  I love the Truck, The most impressive thing is the power, it moves, drives very smooth , the NAV is great very easy to follow, I traded up from a Ford Expedition..there is no comparison, this CADI is unreal, I test drove every SUV , the Range Rover and all, testes the CADI last and was sold instantly, Just go drive one! Youll buy one, if you can afford it!!

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  First Escalade - 2007 Cadillac Escalade
  By Jack Houston - April 11 - 7:29 am

  Most impressive appearance. (white diamond) Average 13 in town and 18 on trips. Had 98 Tahoe which this replaced. Ride much better and brakes improved. Third row seat hard to remove when need to haul. When in cruise control, keeps down shifting. Remote key wont work 50% of time. Had to have AC valve replaced, as was giving heated air on drivers side.

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  first and last - 2008 Cadillac Escalade
  By first and last - April 6 - 1:35 am

  This is my first caddy and my last. Dont get me wrong, looks great tons of room but it drives like a mack truck and it feels like something is going to break when you go over a bump. I sure miss my range Rover. Thank god I never went off road

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  Exactly what I expected - 2008 Cadillac Escalade
  By BK - April 3 - 10:59 am

  I bought my first Cadillac in October of 07 and have been happy with the experience so far. Exterior style is pretty much the best aspect of the car. Its classy and has an edge. The ride is luxury car smooth for the most part. I dont feel tired most of the time I drive home from a long day at work. Fuel economy is average at best but I expected that. At $3.10/gal a fill up is $60, which lasts me about a week. Build quality is as good as other luxury cars. Lots of cheap plastic and panels that do squeak and come off. It looks good though. Nav system is great. Seats are comfy. And caddy dealers are willing to deal a little for the car. All in all Im very satisfied

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  This Car Is Awesome - 2004 Cadillac Escalade
  By sxychunkyrican4u - March 29 - 10:00 am

  this is one of those cars that youll love to drive anywhere its very comfortable classy its everything you want in a luxuary car and more i really would tell anyone looking to buy go for it you wont regret it.....CADILLAC IS ALWAYS THE BEST WAY TO GO