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:

• 

  excellent - 2002 Cadillac Escalade
  By joeyg - March 9 - 8:08 pm

  i like it

• 

  The good car - 2002 Cadillac Escalade
  By Lauren Harward - March 5 - 12:46 pm

  This was a good car

• 

  Escalades are Great - 2002 Cadillac Escalade
  By SS - March 5 - 12:50 am

  My Escalade is a great overall improvement over previous SUVs. AWD, 345 HP, much better Stereo, agile handling in snow & rain, very good storage space, and in summary a world-class SUV that I plan to drive for at least five years. SS

• 

  The Corvette of SUVs - 2002 Cadillac Escalade
  By titanjack - February 2 - 4:38 am

  I have owned several SUVs...I always came back to driving my vette I just traded my Expedition for the AWD Escalade I think I have found close to what I really have in mind it was real fun to drive, but this could be a real hit if GM does it right I will say if your other car is a vette this is the perfect family car for you......and if your single and you drive it around you will probably have a family shortly!

• 

  Presence like no other SUV! - 2016 Cadillac Escalade
  By S.Alexander - January 12 - 9:44 am

  I owned a previous generation Escalade and the new model is a huge improvement over the old one. Interior is very luxurious, and looks way better than GLS or Q7. Old model was Rear or AWD only, and now you can get 4WD, and use it in rear wheel drive mode (or automatic or permanent 4WD) for everyday driving. No need to use 4WD for summer driving and waste gas. As a result fuel economy improved substantially, I get 16 mpg in the city and up to 26 mpg highway. Apple CarPlay adds a nice touch and all electronics and navigation look/work perfectly fine. My complaints would be lack of a sunroof in the base trim ($76K), and even if you get a model with a sunroof, its a small one. Panoramic roof is not available. Magnetic ride is awesome and very smooth, however, once you hit a rough pavement, the ride becomes very jittery. Handling is very confident and acceleration is very good, but, try to change lanes quickly at highway speeds, and you will be quickly reminded that you drive a huge truck. Overall driving feeling is very confident, you wont be bothered by snow, heavy rain or any other nonsense. In the end, I decided to get this car for its unique look and presence. Park it next to Audi Q7 or MB GLS and see for yourself. Q7 looks like a station wagon/minivan from the side, and GLS looks very unassuming and small next to the Escalades huge grill and glowing vertical LED lights. Euro competition may offer better ride and some technical advances, but Escalade brings such unique and unrivaled presence - it is still the king of SUVs.

• 

  Great Cadillac - 2004 Cadillac Escalade
  By Jeffery - July 30 - 10:00 am

  on second one and never been back to the dealer, no problems

• 

  luxurious caddy - 2005 Cadillac Escalade
  By franklin busby - January 27 - 6:25 am

  the ride is very comfortable. has all the bells and whistles inside! Can pull boat or trailer with ease! Only con is gas mileage!!!!

• 

  King Escalade - 2004 Cadillac Escalade
  By tom0565 - December 23 - 10:00 am

  I purchased a Black escalade april of 2003, the vehicle is by far the best of the best. we test drove every veh in this class...Navigator,lexus,etc, there is no comparison. The escalade is extremely comfortable,more powerful than any others on the market.The navigator is very sluggish,clumsy,and severely underpowered. The ride cannot compare to the king...Escalade.It is the best of the best. Lexus ride was inadequate and underpowered. Sequoia when you grow up you may play in the same field. The king is here to stay

• 

  2004 Escalade - 2004 Cadillac Escalade
  By Escey - September 22 - 2:00 am

  I love the Escalade.I bought a 2004 in August . It had just arrived on the lot and it was the first Navy one I had every seen.(still have never seen another one on the road) Not only does it feel so smooth when you drive, it has the most comfortable seats to sit in. As far as the gas...well...it is not so good but then again I down scaled from a suburban so my fill up time has decreased. I now only have time to read 1/2 of a book instead of the whole book waiting for my tank to fill up.I would recommend this car to everyone. I drove all the comparble Suvs on the road and not one compared to the feel of my Escey.

• 

  Escalade - 2004 Cadillac Escalade
  By jrmd - January 4 - 2:00 am

  Looks & feels good. Lots of power. Commanding performance.