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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wife should have gotten another Expediti - 2007 Cadillac Escalade
By RJ - May 27 - 7:19 pmFirst of all, still no fold flat third row seats, primitive!!! fill er up every 4 to 5 days small gas tank, and premium fuel. good power, seems smaller than 04 expedition which rode and handled better, went a week and half on full tank. seems to shake. oh yeah ladies with two rows of captains chairs never go shopping with more than 4 people. No room behind the third seat. Stuck now should have went with a nav L.
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My First and Probably my Last Escalade - 2016 Cadillac Escalade
By K. Dowling - May 1 - 10:42 pmI traded in a 2008 Lincoln Navigator for the 2016 Escalade. I love the styling and the technology, but that is about it. Comparing the 2016 Escalade and an 8 year old Navigator, the ride in the Navigator was superior. In addition I think the drivers seat in the Escalade is probably the most uncomfortable car seat I have ever sat in. For almost $90,000 I was expecting a lot more comfort.
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Love it, but please change DVD/audio sys - 2007 Cadillac Escalade
By love it, but - May 1 - 1:58 amAbsolutely the best SUV and has lived up to all of our greatest expectations over last 2 years. Definitely recommend it. I was 9 months pregnant during the test drives - it had the only comfortable seats (many A+ compliments to GM)! Love the growl/purr of the engine, great looks, sporty handling & acceleration. Only 1 gripe - hate the lawyers version of the DVD/NAV/AUDIO. Its ridiculous that you have to come to a complete stop to use many features (scroll XM stations, calls, destination, etc) when there is a passenger to do it without causing distraction for the driver. Could utilize the front on/off airbag switch to "unfreeze" the features while in motion. Hate that on the highway!
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lovin the truck - 2004 Cadillac Escalade
By johnntownsend - April 17 - 2:00 amLots of room, lots of power(345 horses), lots of features XM, cd and cassette players, phone via GPS, Onstar, well tailored interior and an INFRARED exterior a great looker all around and a little pricey but worth it!
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Looking for Resolution - 2004 Cadillac Escalade
By Debbie - April 8 - 10:02 amI received my 2004 Escalade as a Christmas gift from my husband in 2003. I fell in love at first site. I have had very little problems until recently. Nothing major, the speedometer went out. I brought it in to be fixed. Wasnt cheap. My husband also bought an Escalade EXT as a result of mine. He purchased his a year later. His speedometer just went out too. We were told to call Cadillac that there is a Campaign that we should be reimbursed for the part. I am currently fighting with them as they are telling me that I didnt have this "Special Policy". I have talked to many GM owners who have had to replace speedometers. Other than that, I LOVE my caddy.
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good car - 2004 Cadillac Escalade
By Robert Mandel - March 11 - 10:00 amThe car is very powerfull. and has good looks.
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Love my new SUV! - 2007 Cadillac Escalade
By rgarrisonsea - February 26 - 11:57 pmWe were debating a new family car and actually drove some mini vans and were leaning that direction. I had been driving a 2005 Acura MDX which I liked but with another kid on the way needed something bigger. We found a great deal on a used Escalade and bought it on the spot. It has every feature you could imagine and drives like a dream in the snow. Very quiet ride and comfortable for every passenger. I would highly recommend the auto running boards and heat/cool seats, and the nav with back up camera as it would be hard to see behind you without it! This is a great SUV and my only wish is that it had a better console and of course better gas mileage.
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Save Dollars Buy a Denali - 2007 Cadillac Escalade
By GOBOILERS1 - February 2 - 9:06 pmTraded my04Denali for this and have been disappointed.Took major downgrade in bells and whistles which is just wrong for the price. Wifes 02 Trailblazer has more! Seats are hard, small and uncomfortable. Traded because Denali seats had no support and Escalade is like sitting on a box. GMs "new improved" rain sensing wipers are terrible.Watch the car in front - you will hit it before it wipes! Wind noise is pathetic! I know it is a big box but come on! My friends Expedition is soooo much quieter. The third row seats weigh a ton! Majir pain to take in and out. When out the big plastic strips that seats ride on are in the way. GM saved a few bucks with no light in glovebox or under hood
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SIMPLY AMAZING!!! - 2009 Cadillac Escalade
By Aviad - January 31 - 11:23 pmtraded my ugly lexus lx 430 for this and cant be happier. FIRST OFF i cant stand when people like the guy below me complain about GAS this is a 403 hp beast of a car u know its not an econobox when u buy it so dont complain about GAS! i love this car their is nothing that compares to it its my 3rd escalade and truly the best the ride and handling are amazing and its so fastt!! i love it do yourself a favor and test drive it you wont be dissapointed and best of all its AMERICAN!
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Great truck - 2005 Cadillac Escalade
By great truck - January 17 - 8:48 pmWe have a 2005 Escalade that we love and have never had any trouble with. We travel a lot and always take the Escalade. We also have a Range Rover sport and the comfort is nothing compared to the Caddy. Never any trouble with the Caddy, but feel the 2008 are getting terrible reviews and we dont know what to buy next. Looking at the Mercedes GL450. If you have an older Escalade, they were made much nicer than the new ones.
