2002-2006 Cadillac Escalade: Full Review

Escalades deliver ample punch when accelerating, despite occasional transmission indecision in full-throttle downshifts. Cadillac said the 6.0-liter Escalade SUVs could accelerate to 60 mph in about 8.5 seconds. The rear-drive 5.3-liter version takes 9.5 seconds. An EXT weighs only slightly less, and shares the 6.0-liter's acceleration feel. Fuel economy is less appealing. Test regular-length AWD SUVs have averaged 13.7 to 15.6 mpg, in city/highway driving, but a meager 12.6 mpg in all-city use. Similarly, a test EXT averaged 15.7 mpg in primarily highway work, 11.2 in the city. An ESV managed 14.9 mpg overall. Cadillac recommends regular-grade fuel for the 5.3-liter engine and premium for the 6.0. Although the ride is mostly absorbent, an Escalade becomes wallowy at times and is always obviously trucklike. Ride quality improves as weight is added, and is better with the longer ESV. Standard rear-leveling suspension is a benefit. Steering/handling is ponderous in all but gentle cornering, and an Escalade responds slowly to steering inputs. Steering itself is light and vague, demanding fatiguing attention on the highway. Brakes feel spongy but have adequate power, though don't expect quick, short stops. Quietness is a virtue, with fine isolation from wind, road and engine noise. Removing the EXT's rear window or dropping the midgate increases noise levels, but not enough to be troublesome. Instruments/controls are well arranged on a dashboard that shares its layout with Chevrolet/GMC versions, but Cadillacs get classier-looking instrumentation. Interior decor is the plushest of any GM SUV, but plastic trim, generic controls, and fit and finish keep it well below import-brand levels. Front occupants get plenty of front head and leg room, plus vast shoulder width. Plush seats have fold-down armrests. Although the Escalade delivers a commanding road view, small nearby objects are hidden. The helpful audio/visual rear-obstacle system warns of unseen objects when backing up. There's ample room for three adults in the second row on comfortable, heated seats. In regular-length SUVs, the third row is for pre-teens, and shockingly narrow doorway bottoms hamper egress. The ESV back seat is roomy, but no easier to access. All models suffer a lofty step-in to the rear areas. Unlike the ESV, the standard Escalade has little space behind the third row. However, the seat folds for extra room and removes fairly easily to open up a vast cargo area--especially with the second-row seat folded. An EXT hauls what most big pickups can, though the rear bench seat is sacrificed to bulky or long loads. Folding the midgate is no major chore, though quicker with two people.

Value for the Money
Interior detail execution and steering feel aren't up to the Escalade's price level, but both the regular model and the EXT have plenty of power and, if so equipped, no-fuss all-wheel drive. Styling exudes serious "attitude," which can be either a bonus or an obstacle, depending on your personal tastes. The EXT's midgate design can be versatile, but its advantages are available for less money in the Avalanche. An ESV provides more for the money, and feels more refined than Lincoln's comparably-sized Navigator.