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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  My Caddy - 2007 Cadillac Escalade
  By tja - January 2 - 1:08 am

  Love this vehicle, awesome looks and power.drives and handles like a car. Heated and cooled seats are nice has all the bells and whistles but had to take back for service for auto opener for rear door and remote start not working, electrical problems

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  My American Car Buying Days Are Over - 2007 Cadillac Escalade
  By macnamara532 - December 24 - 9:44 am

  I have tried to support the American car manufacturer, but I cant anymore. I have had everything from havng to replace the console, because it was rattling so much, too the cheap plastic Door handles that cut my wifes hand. The molding around the windows is falling apart. Then the recalls, the last one because the unit that heated the windshield wiper fluid had heated up while not in use, and apparently had started fires. These are just the proverbial tip of the iceberg, many other things have gone wrong, but I am getting depressed even more by continuing on. Needless to say, I love General Motors, but until they improve quality, I will no longer be a loyal buyer.

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  EXT - 2004 Cadillac Escalade
  By TCIGAR - December 15 - 10:00 am

  GREAT VEHICLE FUN TO DRIVE ON THE OPEN ROAD

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  Best SUV out there - 2008 Cadillac Escalade
  By frank s - November 12 - 10:29 pm

  I also own a 2007 Range Rover HSE with luxury package, and its a great truck, but Escalade platinum is unbelievable. Everything is covered in soft great smelling leather, including dash and doors and entire seats. Power is spot on and most of all ride has better control and smoothness than regular Escalade and Range Rover because of magna ride. Same suspension as Ferrari 599 and Chevy Corvette ZR1 and new Caddy CTS-V . Must drive on highway. Its an absolute dream. Lets buy American again, because GM is finaly making a perfect car and Americas future is in our hands to keep American companies alive for a better future.

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  Riptide Rush - 2005 Cadillac Escalade
  By Bus Covert - November 3 - 11:39 am

  This SUV is fun to drive. This is hands down better than my 2000 Navigator. The new features are striking. The factory Nav unit is awesome. The new color Riptide, Blue Green Crystal is a great color. I get some many compliments on it.

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  *All Season Road beast* - 2005 Cadillac Escalade
  By Mr. SUPERMAN GIllESPIE - November 2 - 3:03 pm

  I have had countless cars ever since 16yrs old.. I am now 43 and finally feel that Ive landed my feet into the vehicle I had aspired to, all these years. If I knew that All WHEEL DRIVE would be sooo convient and give me great road control.. Id bought one years sooner.. I While I have NEVER had brand new I am just as satified with my 2005 Black Escalade AWD.. my only problems are that of the Cluster Board, blanked out face to radio, front end suspension, and falsely presented rear climate control. That rear climate control neither gets hot or cold.. just a fan to circulate.. dial description showshot and cold adjustments but it changes nothing.. its just designed to circulate air pulled from the front.. smh.. POOR JOB G.M!!.. when you spend money like that you exspect maximum comfort on spell!!.. Heated seats dont stay on long... Ive only had my truck for 3 months but with our crazy weather in Saint Louis, Missouri I dont miss a beat.. I laugh when its rainy and every one else is fish tailing when light turns green.. lol.. Gas is not nearly as bad as most bloggers give off.. Best spark plugs, pure purple senthetic oil, K&N Oil & Air filter.. cant go wrong.. #LearnYourCar.................. MrSupaman Gillespie

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  2008 cadillac escalade 4WD - 2008 Cadillac Escalade
  By doug delano - October 24 - 10:36 am

  Not sure where to begin, this is my 2nd slade and the best. GM does need to give this monster motor multi-displacement and possibly engine off at idle, but appreciate its ability to run on mid grade nicely and regular in a pinch with no problems. 3rd seat layout is a joke and it went in my mini storage the 2nd day. Exhaust note at idle and low rpm is absolutely beautiful! And at freeway speeds muffler tech. makes the hearty growl disappear (Huh, howd they do that ?) Ive got 6600 miles on this brute and oil life is still projected at 38% left. Pretty cool with factory oil, and it hasnt used a drop.So much more to praise ride/sound/build/comfort/Power/etc qualities. Platinum model next

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  Dont drink the Cadillac koolaid! - 2008 Cadillac Escalade
  By bobby - October 14 - 10:18 pm

  This may be the nicest looking large SUV, however the trade off for reliability, build quality/materials, and lack of basic amenities leave this owner regretting every drive. I only have 7 thousand miles and the things spends more time at the dealer than my garage. GM clearly rushed this vehicle to market before it was done. The interior materials are cheap and not color matched. The metal is different colors and burns your hands. My door panels are turning purple from black. Only 2 windows auto down. the third seat is a pain to store. The onstar drops calls in the city, god forbid I need it out of town. Buy something else!

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  Esdcalade is the Best Car on the Road - 2007 Cadillac Escalade
  By Tia Darrole - September 22 - 11:10 pm

  America makes the best car on the road. I love it. My kids love it. Guests love it. It just plain has every feature and true luxury. And all the features work well. This car is a pleasure. Much better than my old Lexus and Mercedes.

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  Dont waste your money - 2008 Cadillac Escalade
  By R.Shoe. - September 22 - 8:45 am

  It is nice to drive and looks sharp. That is about it. Engineers must have been high when the interior was planned. The rear pass. windows dont roll down all the way. Was told GM makes these doors to small around the wheel well hence window rolls down 1/2 way - no its not a safety thing. There are no pockets in the back side doors. No Storage. All of the seats are SO uncomfortable. They are like sitting on concrete. The third row seats have no place to put anything. For the third row both cup holders are on the left side of the car. There is a water leak in sun roof. Too many problems to list. No wonder GM is having financial problems.