2003 Cadillac Escalade: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Cadillac's luxury SUV gets an extended-length wagon for 2003. Joining the Chevrolet Tahoe-size Escalade is the longer, Chevy Suburban-length Escalade ESV. Escalade EXT, meanwhile, is a gilded version of the Chevrolet Avalanche SUV/pickup truck. New for all Escalades are standard power-adjustable gas and brake pedals and optional XM satellite radio and navigation system. New for the wagons are 2nd-row bucket seats.

Escalade's SUVs share a platform with GM's other full-size SUVs, including the GMC Yukon and Denali, but have more power and unique appointments. Standard are front side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, traction control, Cadillac's automatic-adjusting road-sensing suspension, 17-inch alloy wheels, and rear-obstacle-warning and OnStar assistance systems.

The ESV adds 22 inches to the regular-length Escalade, primarily as cargo space. Two 2nd-row buckets are standard on ESV and optional on the regular Escalade for 7-passenger capacity. Both seat eight when equipped with the 2nd-row bench. The regular Escalade offers rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive without low-range gearing. ESV is AWD only. AWD Escalades have a 6.0-liter V8 and tow up to 7800 lb, 2WD models have a 5.3 V8 and tow 7300 lb. EXT is a 4-dr crew cab pickup with a "midgate" wall between cab and cargo bed. The rear window removes and the midgate folds with the rear seat to extend the bed from 5.3 ft to 8.1. It seats five, but just two with the midgate folded. EXT comes only with AWD and the 6.0 V8; towing capacity is 7400 lb. All Escalades have antiskid control. The power-adjustable pedals work with the standard seat-memory system.

COMPETITION

Luxury SUVs vary in size and type, including former members of both the Full-size and Midsize SUV classes, along with a few all-new models. All offer higher standards of workmanship, comfort, refinement, and pricing than other SUVs.

Our Best Buys are Acura MDX and Toyota Land Cruiser. Both are extremely capable on-road and offer roomy interiors that feature quality workmanship and materials. MDX gets slightly better fuel economy and is more reasonably priced. Land Cruiser offers a V8 engine, rugged body-on-frame chassis, and true off-road ability.

Though rugged and trucky, the Recommended Mercedes-Benz M-Class is spacious, offers a variety of model and engine choices, and numerous safety features. If you don't venture too far off-road, take a look at the car-based Lexus RX 300. Recommended based on price, refinement, and luxury appointments.