2006 Cadillac Escalade: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Cadillac's truck-based SUVs are unchanged for 2006, and are due to be replaced during the model year by redesigned 2007 versions. Escalade is a luxury spinoff of the large Chevrolet/GMC SUVs. It comes in three versions. The base Escalade and longer Escalade ESV are SUV wagons with three rows of seats. They have 7-passenger capacity with 2nd-row buckets, eight with an optional 2nd-row bench. Escalade EXT is a 4-dr crew-cab pickup truck. Like the similar Chevrolet Avalanche, it has a "midgate" wall between the cab and cargo bed; removing its rear window allows dropping the midgate to extend the bed from 5.3 ft to 8.1. EXT seats five, but just two with the midgate folded. All Escalades offer all-wheel drive and a 6.0-liter V8. The base wagon also comes as a 2WD model. AWD Escalades lack low-range gearing. All models have automatic transmission, front side airbags, ABS, antiskid/traction control, tire-pressure monitor, and Cadillac's automatic-adjusting Road Sensing Suspension. Also standard: trailering package, power-adjustable gas and brake pedals, rear obstacle detection, and OnStar assistance. The ESV Platinum Edition includes navigation system, rear DVD entertainment, specific appearance touches, and 20-inch chrome alloy wheels in place of Escalade's standard 17-inch alloys.

COMPETITION

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Based on mainstream Large SUVs, Premium Large SUVs are really super-sized luxury liners. All are powerful, pricey, and extremely thirsty at the pump.

Our Best Buys is Toyota Land Cruiser. Our Recommended pick is Cadillac Escalade.