2007 Cadillac Escalade AWD
08/31/2007
Shahed Hussain
Cadillac's latest Escalade is the best one yet, with more power, style, and luxury than ever. A rumbling V-8 and shiny 22-inch chrome wheels ensure that the Escalade turns heads everywhere. In the luxury SUV segment, the Escalade goes head-to-head with the equally glitzy Lincoln Navigator; and to a lesser extent, the Lexus LX570, Mercedes-Benz GL450, and Infiniti QX56. Even so, no foreign rival matches this imposing Cadillac for sheer macho character.
As with other GM full size SUVs, the Escalade is available with 2WD and AWD drivetrains; both models powered by a 6.2L V-8 mated to a 6-speed automatic. Our tested 2007 Escalade AWD (MSRP $57,055) was painted in an attractive metallic dark blue (Blue Chip) with a beige (Cashmere) leather interior. Options included 22-inch Chrome Aluminum Wheels ($2995), Information Package ($2,695), Rear Seat Entertainment System ($1,295), Power Retractable Assist Steps ($1,095), Power Sliding Sunroof ($995), and Climate Package ($625). With $9,700 in options and the $900 destination charge, the grand total was $67,655. The 2008 Escalade AWD MSRP rises to $58,330, an increase of $1,275 over the 2007 model we reviewed.
To justify its place at the top of the GM SUV lineup, the Escalade has significant interior upgrades over the GMC Yukon Denali, which is positioned just below the Cadillac. A different dashboard with soft touch plastics, LED-backlit gauges, and brushed metallic trim separate the Escalade from the other GM full size SUVs. The Escalade's manually adjustable leather and wood-rimmed steering wheel, shared with the Yukon Denali, has audio and cruise control buttons between the spokes. However, the Escalade gets a unique gauge cluster with a 6,000 RPM tachometer and 160-MPH speedometer; in between are smaller fuel and coolant temperature gauges. Cadillac includes a stylish dashboard-mounted analog clock, but it is almost unusable at telling time. A high resolution touchscreen display (which includes a legible digital clock) does double duty for the navigation system and Bose(R) 5.1-channel audio system; the Bose head unit includes a 6-CD changer, plus DVD and MP3 playback capability. Sound quality from the audio system is superb, with clear treble and thumping bass. We also found the navigation system interface to be intuitive and usable, requiring no consultation of the owner's manual.
The Escalade's interior, trimmed in soft leather and simulated burled wood trim, reinforces the impression of understated luxury; although we expected Cadillac to specify genuine wood instead of the plastic facsimile. Owners will appreciate the standard power folding mirrors and optional retractable running boards (a.k.a. Power Retractable Assist Steps). The running boards extend when any door opens, and retract neatly into the body once the door closes. A center console switch can turn off the automatic running boards if desired. An added convenience is the power rear hatch that operates via the remote control key fob.
No SUV would be complete without a full complement of cupholders; the Escalade provides ten beverage holders for its occupants. Dual cupholders in the center console are supplemented by a cupholder in each front door pocket. Cupholders behind the center console are included for 2nd row passengers. Even the rearmost passengers get a total of four cupholders distributed between the center console and the left wheel well. Storage options include a large bin between the front seats for CDs or a small purse, and the small glove box. Passengers in the 3rd row get small bins between the seats to stash small objects; 2nd row occupants have no stowage space unless they use the aisle between the seats.
The Escalade's perforated seats are upholstered in plush "Nuance" leather; but the flat cushions supply minimal lateral support, so it's difficult to stay properly situated on curving roads, even at moderate speeds. Both front seats have 14-way power controls, including lumbar support, so finding a comfortable position is an easy task. Heated and cooled seats, as well as a heated steering wheel are part of the optional Climate Package. We found the cooled seats extremely effective in the August heat; making this inexpensive option an excellent value. To accommodate a wide range of drivers, the Escalade includes standard power adjustable pedals. The front passenger isn't so fortunate, as an oddly-shaped black plastic housing below the glove box impinges into the footwell.
Second-row passengers benefit from individual reclining seats, separated by an aisle that enables access to the 3rd row seats. Separate HVAC controls allow rear passengers to set the temperature to their preference. For entertainment, rear passengers can watch DVDs via a flip-down LCD screen, or listen to CDs or the radio via the included wireless headphones. Occupants in the third row must contend with a shallow footwell that seriously reduces legroom; forcing an uncomfortable knees-up seating position. These seats are best suited for small children, as adults will find them untenable for extended trips. Room behind the 3rd row seats is limited; a few grocery bags or some soft luggage will fit, but not much else. For vacations, most families will probably remove these heavy and unwieldy seats to free up usable cargo room.
Cadillac equipped the Escalade with the most powerful engine in its class: a 403-bhp/417 lb.-ft. 6.2L V-8. This OHV powerplant features variable valve timing and idles like a 1960s muscle car. Throttle response is immediate: mash the gas pedal, and the 5,665 lbs. Escalade accelerates rapidly to well above legal speeds. Cadillac claims a 0-60 MPH time of only 6.8 seconds, which is impressive for such a hefty SUV. Even though the torque peaks at 4,300 RPM, the big V-8 has ample thrust throughout the rev range; maximum horsepower arrives at 5,700 RPM, just shy of the 6,000 RPM redline. The Hydramatic 6L80 6-speed automatic shifts nearly seamlessly: even full throttle shifts are accomplished with no jerkiness. A rocker switch on the steering column shifter allows full manual control; in this mode, the 6L80 will rev to redline, but with sluggish upshifts. We found it best to let the transmission handle shifting duties without our intervention. With its gutsy V-8 and the heavy duty transmission, the Escalade can tow up to 7,100 lbs. Even with an overdrive 0.667:1 sixth gear ratio, the Cadillac is EPA rated at 13/19 MPG city/highway. We achieved 13.5 MPG in city driving, but never exceeded 17 MPG cruising at 70 MPH. Realistically, a heavy V-8 powered SUV such as the Escalade will never achieve reasonable fuel economy without a diesel or hybrid powertrain.
As with other large SUVs, the Escalade has 4-wheel disc brakes: 13.0-inch diameter (front)/13.5-inch diameter (rear); ABS and StabiliTrak stability control with roll mitigation are standard. The brake pedal feels spongy at first, but firms up through its travel. Stopping power is above average for a full size SUV; nonetheless the nearly 3-ton Escalade requires considerable distance to slow down from freeway speeds.
The Escalade rides on conservative underpinnings: independent front suspension with a rear 5-link solid axle. Stabilizer bars at both ends (36 mm diameter front/28 mm diameter rear) reduce body roll, but overall chassis tuning is biased towards ride comfort. Even with the optional low profile P285/45R22 Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza tires, and the adaptive damping system (Road Sensing Suspension), the Escalade is out of its element above 75 MPH. The overboosted, numb steering has an on-center dead spot that prevents accurate tracking, requiring constant minor steering corrections. In all fairness, the Escalade handles on par with most other full-size SUVs at highway speeds.
While the driving experience may leave something to be desired, the Escalade is a superb SUV for passengers. At 75 MPH, the interior is quiet and serene, with minimal tire, engine, or road noise penetrating the cabin. Ride comfort is about the best one can expect from an SUV with a solid rear axle; but despite the best efforts of the chassis engineers, axle hop and shudder are noticeable over bumpy surfaces. The Escalade's 52/48 front/rear weight distribution helps minimize understeer at normal speeds, but we didn't really push the handling limits on public roads.
The Escalade continues to be a popular SUV in Cadillac's lineup, and the newest iteration is easily the best one yet. While the Escalade's overall refinement, power and luxury compare favorably with its domestic and foreign competition, some may wonder how Cadillac can justify the considerable premium over the similar GMC Yukon Denali, which lists for almost $10K less. Having driven both vehicles, we think that the Escalade's unique interior, attractive styling and extensive option list distinguish it from its lesser sibling. We're not so sure that the Escalade is worth the extra money over the Yukon Denali, but we recognize that for the luxury SUV buyer, relative value is only part of the purchase decision. After all, only the Escalade is a Cadillac.
