2005 Cadillac Escalade: Road Test
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2005 Cadillac Escalade ▼
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- MSRP: $53,335 -$70,175
- Invoice: $48,802 -$64,210
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Our road test for the 2005 Cadillac Escalade includes a full evaluation of the 2005 Cadillac Escalade from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2005 Cadillac Escalade, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2005 Cadillac Escalade help you decide if a 2005 Cadillac Escalade is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| AWD Base | EXT | ESV | ESV Platinum Edition | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.1 |
Ample, despite occasional transmission delays in full-throttle downshifts. Test drives support Cadillac's claims of around 8.5 sec 0-60 mph. Towing capacities are 7400 lb for base Escalade, 8100 for ESV, 7700 for EXT.
FUEL ECONOMY
| AWD Base | EXT | ESV | ESV Platinum Edition | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Test AWD regular-length Escalade averaged 13.7-15.6 mpg in city/highway driving, just 12.6 in all-city use. Test ESV averaged 14.9 overall, 12.9 in city only. Test EXT averaged 15.7 mpg in mainly highway work, 11.2 city. Cadillac recommends regular-grade fuel for all.
RIDE QUALITY
| AWD Base | EXT | ESV | ESV Platinum Edition | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 5.8 |
Wallowy at times and always obviously trucklike. Longer wheelbase of ESV models helps them feel smoother on rough roads. Models with 17-inch tires easily absorb bumps that register more sharply in Platinum Edition with its 20-inch tires. Some testers find Platinum Edition less prone to wallow, however.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| AWD Base | EXT | ESV | ESV Platinum Edition | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3.4 |
Generally ponderous, with slow response to steering inputs. Steering itself light and vague, demands tiresome attention on highway. Rear-leveling suspension is standard, improves control with a heavy load. Brakes feel spongy but have adequate power, though don't expect quick, short stops.
QUIETNESS
| AWD Base | EXT | ESV | ESV Platinum Edition | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
Fine isolation from wind, road, engine ruckus. Removing EXT's rear window and/or dropping midgate increases noise levels, but not unduly so.
CONTROLS
| AWD Base | EXT | ESV | ESV Platinum Edition | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.6 |
Well-arranged dashboard shares layout with Chevy/GMC versions, but Cadillacs get classier gauges. Interior decor the plushest of any GM SUV, but plastic trim, generic controls, and fit/finish keep it well below that of most import-brand competitors.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| AWD Base | EXT | ESV | ESV Platinum Edition | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8.1 |
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-detection system warns of the unseen when backing up.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| AWD Base | EXT | ESV | ESV Platinum Edition | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 6.7 |
All models boast ample 2nd-row adult space. Wagons feature comfortable, heated seats--bench or buckets. EXT rear bench just OK for comfort. Third-row seat roomy in ESV, preteen size in shorter base wagon, not easy to access in either. Narrow door bottoms and lofty step-in hamper entry/exit in all models.
CARGO ROOM
| AWD Base | EXT | ESV | ESV Platinum Edition | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 6 | 9 | 9 | 7.8 |
Little space behind 3rd row in base wagon, useful room in ESV. On both, 3rd-row seat folds for extra volume and removes fairly easily for vast cargo volume--especially with 2nd-row seat folded. EXT hauls what most big pickups can, but rear seating must be sacrificed for bulky or long loads. Folding midgate no major chore, though quicker with two people.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| AWD Base | EXT | ESV | ESV Platinum Edition | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 4 | 9 | 6 | 4.6 |
Interior execution and steering feel aren't up to the premium prices, but Escalades have plenty of power, no-fuss AWD, and--for better or worse--styling that exudes attitude. In reality, the premium large SUV class is largely about attitude and prestige. There are no true bargains here, since most of these vehicles' tangible assets are available for less money in our large SUV category. However, within this rarefied realm, Escalade's base and ESV versions are good values and therefore earn our Recommended stamp. The Platinum Edition isn't worth its $11,000 tariff, and the Chevy Avalanche delivers most of the EXT's goods at lower cost.
Total Score
| AWD Base | EXT | ESV | ESV Platinum Edition | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 64 | 55 | 64 | 60 | 55.1 |
Total Score: 61
Scores for all Premium Large Sport-utility Vehicles
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