2002 Cadillac Escalade: Road Test
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2002 Cadillac Escalade ▼
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- MSRP: $48,735 -$52,230
- Invoice: $44,593 -$47,790
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Our road test for the 2002 Cadillac Escalade includes a full evaluation of the 2002 Cadillac Escalade from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2002 Cadillac Escalade, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2002 Cadillac Escalade help you decide if a 2002 Cadillac Escalade is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| EXT | Escalade AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4.4 |
Ample punch despite occasional transmission indecision in full-throttle downshifts. Cadillac says 6.0-liter Escalade SUV does 0-60 mph in 8.6 sec, 2WD 5.3-liter version in 9.5. EXT weighs only slightly less, shares acceleration feel.
FUEL ECONOMY
| EXT | Escalade AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 2 |
Test AWD SUVs averaged 14.3-15.6 mpg in city/highway driving, just 12.6 in all-city use. Similarly, test EXT averaged 15.7 mpg in primarily highway work, 11.2 in city. Cadillac recommends regular-grade fuel for the SUV, regardless of engine, but premium for the EXT.
RIDE QUALITY
| EXT | Escalade AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4.9 |
Mostly absorbent, though wallowy at times and always obviously trucklike. Ride quality improves as weight is added. Standard rear-leveling suspension a benefit.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| EXT | Escalade AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 2.8 |
Ponderous in all but gentle cornering, and slow to respond to steering inputs. Steering itself light and vague, demands fatiguing attention on highway. Brakes have adequate stopping power.
QUIETNESS
| EXT | Escalade AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.1 |
Fine isolation from wind, road, engine noise. Removing EXT's rear window or dropping midgate increases noise levels, but not unduly so.
CONTROLS
| EXT | Escalade AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 4.6 |
Well-arranged dashboard shares layout with Chevy/GMC versions, but Cadillacs get classier-looking instrumentation. Interior decor plushest of any GM SUV, but plastic trim, generic controls keep it well below LX 470 level.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| EXT | Escalade AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 7.4 |
Plenty of head and leg room, vast shoulder width. Helpful audio/visual rear-obstacle system warns of unseen objects when backing up.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| EXT | Escalade AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 6.9 |
Ample room for three adults in 2nd row on comfortable, heated seats. SUV's 3rd row is for preteens, and shockingly narrow doorway bottoms hamper egress. Lofty step-in on all models.
CARGO ROOM
| EXT | Escalade AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 9 | 7.7 |
SUV has little space behind 3rd row, though seat folds for extra room and removes fairly easily to open up vast cargo area--especially with 2nd-row seat folded. EXT hauls what most big pickups can, though rear seat sacrificed to bulky or long loads. Folding midgate no major chore, though quicker with two people.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| EXT | Escalade AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 4 | 3 |
Interior detail execution and steering feel aren't up to the $50,000 price, but Escalade and Escalade EXT have plenty of power, no-fuss AWD, and styling that exudes attitude. EXT's midgate design can be versatile, but it's advantages are available for less money in the Avalanche.
Total Score
| EXT | Escalade AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 54 | 57 | 48.8 |
Total Score: 56
Scores for all Premium Large Sport-utility Vehicles
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