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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  I bought American with NO regrets !! - 2004 Cadillac Escalade
  By Musicwine - May 22 - 2:00 am

  An American SUV that blows away all the competition. The engine is smooth and powerful. Looks are incomparable and amenities are abundant. Great company, great service and great SUV. I am picky and still highly recommend this wonderful vehicle. Pricey but well worth the cost of admission !! I am so happy with Cadillac that I am turning in my Mercedes S430 for another Cadillac

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  Oh Yea - 2004 Cadillac Escalade
  By Mikla - May 22 - 2:00 am

  The 2004 Escalade is a pleasure to look at and drive. It offers comfort, ease of controls, safety, more than adequate hauling capacity both interior and exterior. It provides a commanding view of the roadway for the driver and is easily controlled given its size. The fuel consumption is around 12 mpg city, but what do you expect for a large SUV. The luxury and comfort and handling abilty are worth the cost.

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  07 Escalade - 2007 Cadillac Escalade
  By Brandon James - May 21 - 4:27 pm

  Had it for about 1 1/2 months. Drive it as often as I can. Always look forwad to getting into it. The ride is smooth, quite and comfortable.

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  Denali is a better buy - 2007 Cadillac Escalade
  By Tony - May 20 - 4:06 pm

  I love the interior and exterior. The transmission is jumpy/bangs at "traffic/lower speeds" (stop/go @ 10mph and less. Ive averaged about 11.5 mpg and have about 5500 miles on the vehicle so far. The wind noise on the drivers side is very pronounced. I dont buy the excuse that its the mirrors as its not 1/2 as loud on the passengers side. Overall I wish I had stuck with a new Denali XL or gone with the Benz GL.

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  Lux SUV - 2007 Cadillac Escalade
  By jack cosgrove - May 11 - 11:51 am

  The vehicle is nothing less than spectacular. I bought it for my wife who is totally enamored with the looks, ride and performance. I opted for the 20" wheels, which saved acouple of bucks, and were a little unique, a good mix for ride quality.

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  Best Truck For The Money - 2004 Cadillac Escalade
  By Lincohn Ho - February 25 - 2:00 am

  This car is awesome. The V8 engine is just great, very powerful.

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  I LOVE THIS MONSTER - 2004 Cadillac Escalade
  By MR M - February 25 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS MY 3RD ESCALADE AND THEY JUST KEEP GETTING BETTER

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  Verdicts Still Out - 2007 Cadillac Escalade
  By First Caddy Owner - January 30 - 10:56 pm

  I bought this vehicle in April 06. I loved the new style. The remote start and remote lift gate are great! Navigation and XM radio also great. I also love the climate-controlled front seats, heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats. GM still cant figure out flat folding 3rd seats though! And no auto up windows? Come on! Also, I hate that it has no telescoping steering wheel. My driver door had rattle since day one. I have been to dealer five times, and they cant stop it. Now I have a vibration in the front dash, too. And, the brakes squeak terribly in cool, damp weather! The dealer looked at them twice and says nothing can be done. This is my fourth GM vehicle, but first with squeaky brakes - and its a Caddy. Overall, I like the vehicle, but am not sure that Id get another one

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  Perfect Blend - 2007 Cadillac Escalade
  By great blend - January 28 - 10:50 am

  I have the 2007 AWD Escalade and if I had to sum it up the words would be "perfect blend." This SUV has more power than any other I have driven, so when I read that it is under powered by other reviews I dont know what their comparing it to? Maybe the Corvette. The improvements in the interior is one the main reasons I bought this vehicle. The nav system is very fast and full of information, while the Bose stereo system sounds incredible, the plasma screen DVD players in front and back are crystal clear. I have the optional 22" rims and to me this SUV still has a smooth ride and takes bumps well. So I say to people who consider this SUV compare apples to apples and you wont be disappointed.

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  Nice Drive - 2007 Cadillac Escalade
  By ike - January 24 - 8:49 pm

  I have had this vehicle for about six months, and I have to say that it is the best vehicle that I have ever owned. My last vehicle was an Expedition, and the motor, driving, interior, exterior of the Escalade are many times better. Great job in making me look so good while driving my vehicle. Just one thing bothers me, actually two. One is the fact that a vehicle like mine does not have a fuel button! I have to go outside:( and the engine key is so not "Cadillac", while other lesser vehicles have push button start ups, and all sort of nice keys, Cadillacs is disappointing. Besides that, this is the best large SUV on the freeway.