2004 Cadillac Escalade Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our road test for the 2004 Cadillac Escalade includes a full evaluation of the 2004 Cadillac Escalade from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2004 Cadillac Escalade, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2004 Cadillac Escalade help you decide if a 2004 Cadillac Escalade is right for you.

2004 Cadillac Escalade Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration	Steering feel

Quietness	Fuel economy

Passenger and cargo room	Entry/exit

Trailer-towing capability

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

AWD Base	ESV	EXT	Class Average
5	5	5	4.6

Ample, despite occasional transmission indecision in full-throttle downshifts. Cadillac pegs 6.0-liter Escalade SUVs at about 8.5 sec 0-60 mph, the 2WD 5.3-liter version at 9.5. EXT weighs only slightly less, shares 6.0-liter acceleration feel. Towing capacities are 7400 lb for base Escalade, 8100 for ESV, 7700 for EXT.

Fuel Economy

AWD Base	ESV	EXT	Class Average
2	2	2	2

Test regular-length AWD base Escalade averaged 13.7-15.6 mpg in city/highway driving, just 12.6 in all-city use. Similarly, test ESV averaged 14.9 overall, 12.9 in city. Test EXT averaged 15.7 mpg in primarily highway work, 11.2 city. Cadillac recommends regular-grade fuel for 5.3 V8, premium for 6.0.

Ride Quality

AWD Base	ESV	EXT	Class Average
5	6	5	5.4

Mostly absorbent, though wallowy at times and always obviously trucklike. Ride quality better in longer ESV. Standard rear-leveling suspension a benefit. We have not yet tested Platinum Edition with 20-inch wheels.

Steering/Handling/Braking

AWD Base	ESV	EXT	Class Average
3	3	3	3.3

Ponderous in all but gentle cornering, and slow to respond to steering inputs. Steering itself light and vague, demands fatiguing attention on highway. Brakes feel spongy but have adequate power, though don't expect quick, short stops.

Quietness

AWD Base	ESV	EXT	Class Average
6	6	6	5.3

Fine isolation from wind, road, engine noise. Removing EXT's rear window or dropping midgate increases noise levels, but not unduly so.

Controls

AWD Base	ESV	EXT	Class Average
6	6	6	5

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, and fit and finish keep it well below that of import-brand competitors.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

AWD Base	ESV	EXT	Class Average
9	9	9	7.6

Plenty of head and leg room, vast shoulder width. Plush seats with fold-down armrests. Commanding road view, but small nearby objects are hidden. Helpful audio/visual rear-obstacle system warns of the unseen when backing up.

Room/Comfort (rear)

AWD Base	ESV	EXT	Class Average
8	8	8	6.4

Ample space for adults in 2nd row on comfortable, heated seats--bench or bucket--SUV or EXT. Third-row seat roomy in ESV, sized for preteens in regular-length Escalade, not easy to access in either. Narrow doorway bottoms hamper egress. Lofty step-in on all models.

Cargo Room

AWD Base	ESV	EXT	Class Average
9	9	6	7.4

Unlike ESV, regular Escalade SUV has little space behind 3rd row. On both, 3rd row 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 bench seat sacrificed to bulky or long loads. Folding midgate no major chore, though quicker with two people.

Value within Class

AWD Base	ESV	EXT	Class Average
3	4	2	3.4

Interior detail execution and steering feel aren't up to the $50,000 price, but Escalades have plenty of power, no-fuss AWD, and--for better or worse--styling that exudes attitude. The ESV gives you more for your money than the regular Escalade, and it feels more refined than Lincoln's Navigator. The EXT's assets are available for less money in the Avalanche.

Total Score