In both performance and accommodations, the Escalade mirrored the closely related GMC Denali. Cadillac claimed that its SUV could accelerate to 60 mph in 10.5 seconds, which puts it around the midpoint in luxury models. Like GMC's Denali, though, the 5500-pound Escalade feels sluggish--especially when attempting to pass on the highway. Excess weight also hurts gas mileage. Our test Escalade averaged only 11.2 mpg. Neither the Escalade nor the Denali is as quiet or comfortable as a luxury sedan--or as refined as the Chevrolet Tahoe/GMC Yukon, which were redesigned for 2000. Ride and handling are subpar by any measure, with mediocre suppression of harsh impacts and a ponderous feel through turns. Stopping power is satisfactory, but the brake pedal feels mushy. Cadillac-grade leather upholstery imparts an impressively rich sensation, but front bucket seats are too soft and flat for optimum comfort. Lack of a powered backrest recliner and automatic climate control (on 1999 models) are telltale omissions for a vehicle in this price category. The front cabin is spacious, with enough room in back for three adults without crowding. Lincoln's Navigator, on the other hand--and the 2000 Tahoe/Yukon duo--can seat as many as eight. Tall interior step-in and surprisingly narrow rear-door bottoms make getting in and out of the back seat a problem. Cargo space is generous, even with the rear seatback in use. Plenty of storage bins and cubbyholes give space for miscellaneous items. Still, an abundance of hard plastic interior panels and parts-bin switchgear give the Escalade's cabin an ambiance that's closer to a GM truck than a luxury automobile.

Value for the Money
Escalades came with plenty of standard features and conveniences, but on the whole this sport-utility vehicle feels more like a dashed-together collection of "luxury" SUV cues than an intelligent, cohesive design. For that reason alone, it does not rate a spot on our secondhand shopping list.