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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  At first we were skeptical - 2005 Cadillac Escalade
  By Dean - January 6 - 12:25 am

  Having driven Japanese suvs for the last 6 years -- Acura, Lexus, etc. -- we were apprehensive about joining the big GMC SUV club. We are very happy thus far. So far we have put on around 500 miles. The truck drives like a car -- very little, if any, road noise, very easy to handle, great horse power and I have to admit, its easy to see why the "Cadillac" thing is for real. Im thinking my next car is going to be their new convertible. Very hot!

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  Worth the price - 2005 Cadillac Escalade
  By Charlie - January 5 - 8:36 pm

  Worth the money...could get better gas milage but the V8 power is worth it at the gas pump.

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  Nice but Not Refined compared to Euro SUV - 2016 Cadillac Escalade
  By GM-vs-Euro - December 31 - 9:45 pm

  The Escalade is a luxury truck in my opinion; even the huge column gear shifter reminds me of a Chevy Truck. Despite the plush seats and upscale interior, the ride has many jitters from road bumps, engine drones, and the transmission drones under acceleration. If you have ever owned a truck then you know what I mean. If you are transitioning from European vehicles you will not like this unrefined beast in many aspects. Despite the unrefined integration of all its bells and whistles, the Escalade makes a strong presence with its huge size, powerful engine, big LED taillights and headlights. Maneuvering into a normal parking spot can be a challenge, especially in an indoor garage. The front, rear, and top down view cameras do help with parking. I love the feature that vibrates your seat to warn you before you back into an obstacle. Road handling is its strength. This beast can handle every road condition because it is really a truck. But riding in a truck with plush seats and interiors still cant trick your senses into believing that you are not in a truck. The high pressure suspension doesnt have very good rebound damping. When the suspension jitters are triggered, it resonates throughout the car. It doesnt give you a muted and dampened ride that you get from an Audi Q7 or Mercedes GL. The GPS and radio has a nice big screen but it is tilted in a strange angle. The buttons are intuitive but again not refined like European or Japanese entertainment systems. Also, I wished the GPS map has a way of displaying on the large LCD dash display while the car is in motion. The Escalade only lets you see small arrows and turn instructions on the dash and on the minimalist HUD display. The audio system has clear sounds, and the interior is quiet enough even when blasting down the freeway at 80mph, as long as the road is smooth and you dont trigger the suspension jitter from poor road conditions. I also like the air vented and massaging seat. The lane departure control that vibrates your seat as a warning is a nice touch. Having owned a Z06 Vette, and now got a chance to experience the Escalade, my complaints about high-end GM products are the same, un-refined interior. Unless you need the SIZE of the Escalade, an European SUV is much nicer to live with.

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  2005 Cadillac Escalade AWD - 2005 Cadillac Escalade
  By KEC - December 29 - 1:51 pm

  I was surprised that my 2005 Cadillac Escalade vehicle did not have a power rear door to assist with opening and closing. Also, the low tire pressure warning lamp does not indicate which tire is low. I found this to be a neat feature on my previous vehichle, a 2002 Cadillac STS. I also think that additional interior colors should be made available.

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  2002 Cadillac Escalade AWD - 2002 Cadillac Escalade
  By Transporter - December 28 - 2:50 am

  I gave up my BMW 740is which is a great car, but my 2002 Cadillac Escalade AWD is a blast to drive, powerful, rugged, safe, and has great road vision. Im impressed with the fuel mileage. Dont get me wrong, this is no Honda, but to think I can haul 7-8 people at 17-18 MPG on the freeway, which is not to bad.

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  Great vehicle - 2005 Cadillac Escalade
  By John Godo - December 9 - 11:28 pm

  After all of the vehicles that I have owned this is the best.

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  MY PHATTY CADDY - 2005 Cadillac Escalade
  By RANDY - December 3 - 2:17 am

  all around hot truck, many parts are lower end gm parts..

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  Escalade - 2005 Cadillac Escalade
  By TMK!^() - November 23 - 8:26 pm

  Real good driving, smooth and good 4 wheel drive i really go heavy off road

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  Excellent Escalade - 2004 Cadillac Escalade
  By Hot Stuff - November 19 - 2:00 am

  This is one excellent vehicle! Puts all others to shame in every catagory. Its a "10" in all aspects and a "20" easily, on the head turning scale. This is a keeper for a long time to come. It handles magnificently, extremely responsive, comfort is unbeleivable. Bose radio, yum! Comfort for all passengers, plenty of cargo space. Beautiful styling inside and out.

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  My 04 Escalade - 2005 Cadillac Escalade
  By Zach1206 - November 17 - 7:01 pm

  This is a big truck and I love every inch of it ! Cadillac nailed it when they came up with this body style . Once inside the cabin you are treated to the Cadillac comfort that I remember as a kid . It definitely rules the road , and knowing that it is the "most powerful SUV on the planet " only adds to the experience . I only hope when GM changes the truck in 06 or 07 , it doesnt ruin the appeal this one has .