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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  Escalade is awsome - 2000 Cadillac Escalade
  By tammy - April 26 - 12:29 pm

  The Escalade is an awsome ride. The gas is better traveling then short distance and the back door windows you can see or no winshield wiper to clean window because it has two door. But, I love it. I like all the people staring and telling me everywhere I go that I have a nice ride. I had a Jeep and a Durango R/T model that I traded. The best on insurance because of its loaded features. Cheaper than my Durango on insurance.

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  My 05 Escalade - 2005 Cadillac Escalade
  By Zach - April 23 - 12:18 pm

  This is my 2nd Escalade . I owned an 02 ( it was a GM Certified vehicle) , and never had a problem with it , so I decided before GM changes the model I would get me a new one ( 2005 ) . Nothing like the smell of Cadillac Leather! The interior is nice, like the subtle changes, miss some they deleted on the newer models . But overall this is truly a Cadillac for car or truck nuts ( like me ) . And just knowing that there are 345 horses under the hood makes you feel like you can own the road if you feel like it !

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  Making them better for 2005 - 2005 Cadillac Escalade
  By nick - April 13 - 5:52 pm

  I purchased this vehicle two months ago and it has been a great experience. I currently have 14,000 miles on it and it runs great, and rides very smooth. The 2005 model seems to have a smoother transmission and an improved navigation unit, now touch screen. I originally purchased this vehicle because of its performance capabilities and and its all wheel drive for the part of the country I live in. I would recommend this SUV for anyone looking for a high performace smooth luxury SUV that actually looks good!

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  Best car i ever owned - 2005 Cadillac Escalade
  By joseph arongino - April 12 - 10:45 pm

  You feel safe in this vechile. The ride is a smooth luxury ride. The response is right there, it handles well if you worry about gas mileage you would never buy this car. On long trips we put all the grand kids in the back pop in a video and off you go, this is just a great car

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  excellent 10! - 2004 Cadillac Escalade
  By brittany7234 - April 8 - 10:00 am

  this, is a great vehicle!it is great with,gas,mileage,comfort, and everything more!i would definetly reccomened this suv to anyone!

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  Id rather be driving it..... - 2005 Cadillac Escalade
  By Bill Glynn - April 2 - 3:26 pm

  It is a very comfortable car with great head and leg room for everyone. The ride is as good as any car in the world and far better than most. It is eye candy to any fan of good quality and good design. The Cadillac Escalade is the best of all worlds.

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  2002 Cadillac Escalade - 2002 Cadillac Escalade
  By Steve Olsen - February 6 - 4:15 pm

  I had 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe which was great, but this Cadillac Escalade has so much more power, better handling and a really nice sounding stereo. I also love the on-board computer, higher qaulity leather seats, tilting 2nd row seats, and finally with this big boy sporting a big Cadillac emblem so no one will mistake this ride for just another SUV...

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  Cadillac Escalade - 2000 Cadillac Escalade
  By ealexb - February 4 - 7:23 pm

  The Cadillac Escalade is identical to a GMC Yukon Denali (the Cadillac of GMC). It has a suprisingly smooth ride & powerful 350 hp engine. The interesting thing is the 350 V8 engine seems to get unprecedented gas mileage - approximately 20+ mpg/highway & 16-17 city! This is pretty good for a 6,000 pound truck! The newer engines are even better on gas, they put the Ford Excursion to shame with its lousy 10 mpg!

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  Great truck, Great value - 2000 Cadillac Escalade
  By Corey - January 11 - 3:41 pm

  I just love my 2000 Cadillac Escalade. It has great style, comfort and is very functional.

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  Cadillac Escalade - 2004 Cadillac Escalade
  By EscaladeGrl - January 6 - 2:00 am

  The Escalade is a first-class car, but is also one of the most comfortable and user-friendly cars I have owned. In comparison, the seats are more like a lazy boy recliner than that of a car seat. The Escalade also offers separate radio and air conditioning controls for the rear of the car. (Which is great if you have kids!) The rear seats also recline!