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 - 2004 Cadillac Escalade
  By cbi - August 9 - 2:00 am

  Great power. Very comfortable.

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  Great vehicle - 2004 Cadillac Escalade
  By Chris - August 9 - 2:00 am

  Excellent vehicle, very roomy and luxurious, fun to drive, handles great, great acceleration. This is my 2nd one and as long as the changes for 07 arent drastic it will definitely be my third.

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  Living Up To The Hype - 2004 Cadillac Escalade
  By TheDebutante - August 8 - 2:00 am

  The Cadillac Escalade lives up to its hype! I am now enjoying my second Escalade and I could not be happier. From the comfort of the ride to the security I feel with OnStar, the Escalade is for me!

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  Kudos to Designer of the Escalade! - 2003 Cadillac Escalade
  By Michele736 - August 5 - 2:00 am

  Really like this truck. Is comfortable, has great visibility, like the interior for the most part. Exterior looks great! That counts for something~right! Very easy to park, brake & back up. Like the reverse chimes, they are not annoying(like in the Jag). Would prefer that the fake wood was real (very very cheap~who dropped the ball on that detail? Demote him!) The interior is definitely more cheaply stylized than it should be. It is still a Cadillac after all. Way too noisy for my taste. But the soundproofing is very good. Just hate slinking through neighborhoods like a redneck. Exhaust is too loud, this thing should purr or at least make it an option.

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  Wonderful - 2005 Cadillac Escalade
  By Skip1000 - July 30 - 2:00 am

  I put 7500 miles on it this summer when we took a drive from California to Pennsylvania. It is a wonderful vehicle to travel in. I also tow a jeep wrangler with the Escalade, its easy to forget you are towing anything. If you are looking for an SUV and want the very best, by an Escalade.

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  cadillac - 2004 Cadillac Escalade
  By mr h - July 26 - 2:00 am

  Good SUV. I was surprised at the comfort and the ride it had to be a big vehicle. Gas mileage could be better

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  style, ride, and plenty of room - 2004 Cadillac Escalade
  By dandan - July 23 - 2:00 am

  The Cadillac Escalade never fails to impress me. Its ability to satisfy any number of demanding tasks to me makes it those most versitle vehicle made. Of course it uses a lot of fuel, but that cannot be avoided as it exceptional power allows total freedom to do anything. The ride is astonishly smooth and the control is amazing for such a large vehicle. Top it all off with style, what esle could anyone want? Nice job Cadillac!

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  I love my Escalade - 2004 Cadillac Escalade
  By Lorie - July 13 - 2:00 am

  I cant see another suv that I would be happy with. Ive looked at different suvs and still I love my Escalade!

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  ESV is outstanding - 2004 Cadillac Escalade
  By mikes truck - July 13 - 2:00 am

  Outstanding vehicle for a long drive. Very comfortable and user friendly. Good nav, great sound system, quality build.

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  my dream car - 2004 Cadillac Escalade
  By runnerjo - July 10 - 2:00 am

  This is the nicest riding vehicle I have had, and I have had 3 lexuss before this Escalade. The car handles very smoothly and is so much fun to drive I dont mind taking long car trips anymore. I have also wanted an SUV that didnt drive like a truck. After one test drive I knew I had to have this vehicle. It has great pickup and speed and all the safety features I would want to cart around my 5 grandchildren.