Cadillac Escalade AWD

Reviewed by: Jeff Fortson of JeffCars.com
Date: May 2007

Arrival Date:

In the spring of 2006, the third generation Cadillac Escalade arrived in showrooms.

Target audience:

This vehicle is targeted toward consumers seeking to make a subtle or bold statement, while hauling kids, friends, co-workers, or a boat.

Replaced:

It replaced the dated-designed second generation Escalade.

What�s new:

The entire vehicle has been reworked, meeting the needs of consumers who like to be pampered.

Body type:

The Escalade is available as either a short-wheel-base or long-wheel-base full-size sports utility.

Seating:

Depending on if you opt for the bucket or bench second row seats, the Escalade is capable of seating six to eight occupants. Unless you�re riding in the Escalade ESV, the extended-base version, the third row seats may not be comfortable on long hauls.

Popular Standard Features:

-6.2 Liter 8-cylinder Engine Produces 493 Horsepower

-14-Way Power Front Heated Seats

-Tri-Zone Automatic Climate Control

-6-disc CD Changer/DVD Player

-3 rd Row Seating

-Remote Vehicle Starter

-Heated Washer Fluid

Safety Features/Awards:

-NHTSA ( National Highway Traffic Safety Administration):

*Five out of Five Stars: Frontal Impact Rating

*Five out of Five Stars: Side Front and Rear Seats

*Three out of Five Stars: Rollover

-ABS Brakes

-Air Bags (driver and front passenger side airbags, front and rear head curtains)

-Daytime Running Lamps

-All-Wheel-Drive (standard on test vehicle)

-Tire Pressure Monitor System

-OnStar System (included free for 1-year) Includes Automatic Notification of Air Bag Deployment, Stolen Vehicle Location Assistance, Emergency Services, Roadside Assistance, Remote Door Unlock, OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics, Hands-Free Calling, Accident Assist and Turn-by-turn trip routing

-Stabiltrak-Stability Control (standard on test vehicle)

-Rear Window Defroster (standard on test vehicle)

-Power Tailgate

-Remote Vehicle Start (standard on vehicle)

-Fog lamps (standard on test vehicle)

-Remote Keyless Feature

-Rearview Auto Dimming Mirror w/Directional Compass (standard on test vehicle)

-Power Adjustable Pedals (option on test vehicle)

-Steering Wheel Mounted Audio Controls (included as standard feature on test vehicle)

-Review View Back-up Camera (optional)

-Power Retractable Assist Step Rails (optional)

Warranty:

Basic warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles (whichever comes first)

Powertrain warranty: 5 years or 100,000 miles (whichever comes first)

Maintenance Included: No

Towing Included: Yes

Engine/Gas Mileage:

6.2L V-8, 403-horsepower, 13 city/19 highway (featured on test car)

Fuel efficiency:

If you have enough money to buy an Escalade, fuel efficiency isn�t probably high on your priority list. It is rumored Cadillac is working on a hybrid. If this is true, expect this big hauler to save you on fuel.

(interior photo of Escalade)

Looking forward:

The optional power retractable assist steps, also known as side steps, were a welcomed option when they worked. The engineers should consider retesting our vehicle, ensuring the electronic steps work as designed. And it wouldn�t hurt if Cadillac considers redesigning the third row seats in the short-wheel-base Escalade, accommodating average-sized adults for road trips to the summer house or country side.

What�s so special:

Not since the Sevilles and Eldoraldos of the seventies and eighties has their been a Cadillac, which truly evoked the flair and styling the brand was once known for. To reignite the �Cadillac mystique,� the marketing gurus of the angularly designed Escalade enlisted feedback from its core audience -entertainers and athletes- before bringing the Escalade to the market. As a result of the celebrity focus groups, it is obvious there is a strong urban influence in the design of the all-new Escalade - 22-inch chrome wheels, cashmere seats, a rear-seat DVD system and a heated steering wheel. The only thing missing in the new Escalade is a personal chauffeur for the well-healed.

How much:

Our Cadillac Escalade topped out at $67,375. With such high-end luxury options as heated and cooled front seats, a heated steering-wheel, 22-inch chrome wheels, a rear view back up camera and a power sunroof, an extra $9,700 was added to the sticker price. The only major option missing from our test vehicle was a power second row folding seats. Seeing that the Escalade is available in a variety of trim levels - non-all-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, short-wheelbase, long wheel base - it shouldn�t be difficult to find the perfect one to meet your needs.