Cadillac Escalade Review

2009 Cadillac Escalade SUV

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. Now in its third generation, the Escalade is still the best-selling full-size luxury SUV.

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. It's a popular choice among buyers who want to customize their vehicle, and Escalades with oversized aftermarket wheels are commonplace.

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

Redesigned for the 2007 model year, the third-generation Cadillac Escalade is the most modern and luxurious version 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. In addition, a rack and pinion steering system makes it easier to manage in tight spaces. However, with a curb weight of over 5,700 pounds, it's still a stretch to call the Escalade nimble.

It's not a stretch to call it quick, though, as its all-aluminum 6.2-liter V8 delivers 403 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, providing 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. 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 jungle jungle.

Inside, the Escalade no longer feels like a hastily reupholstered Chevy Tahoe. The wood trim isn't real this time around, but it tastefully accents a sleek dash trimmed in solid-quality vinyl. Blue-needled electroluminescent gauges are unique to the Escalade, and they match the graphics on the large center screen that handles audio, navigation and rear back-up monitor functions. Escalades have supple leather upholstery as standard and can be configured to seat six, seven or eight passengers. A power-folding second-row seat option eases access to the third row. The Escalade also boasts considerable cargo capacity, though there's still no fold-flat third-row seat.

Past Cadillac Escalade Models

If you're interested in buying a used Cadillac Escalade, you'll want to look at the second-generation model sold from 2002 to 2006. This is the Escalade 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 is 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.

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* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.