2007 Cadillac Escalade: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Cadillac's truck-type SUV is redesigned for 2007 with more power, fresh styling, and new features. Escalade wagons are basically premium editions of General Motors' Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon, while the Escalade EXT crew-cab pickup is a gilded version of the Chevrolet Avalanche. The wagons come in regular length and longer ESV editions. EXT features a folding midgate separating cab from cargo bed. All these vehicles are about the same overall size as the 1999-2006 generation they replace.

Regular length or ESV, Escalade wagons seat seven in a 2-2-3 layout, or eight with an optional three-person 2nd-row bench. EXT seats five. Escalade wagons are available with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive that lacks low-range gearing. EXT and ESV are AWD only. The only engine is a 403-hp 6.2-liter V8; it replaces a 345-hp 6.0 V8. A 6-speed automatic supplants a 4-speed as the sole transmission and has a shift-lever button for manual operation. ABS, traction/antiskid control with rollover sensors, and automatic-adjusting shock absorbers are standard; 22-inch wheels are optional. Among new standard features are curtain side airbags that cover all seating rows and include rollover deployment. Leather upholstery and power-adjustable pedals also are standard. As in GM's other large SUV wagons, a spring release option flips the 2nd-row seats to provide 3rd-row access. Newly standard on wagons is a power liftgate with opening glass, plus heated 1st- and 2nd-row seats. New options include front-seat cooling, a navigation system with rearview camera, and power-retractable running boards.

COMPETITION

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Typically based on mainstream Large SUVs, Premium Large SUVs are super-sized luxury liners. All are powerful, pricey, and extremely thirsty at the pump.

Our Best Buy is the Cadillac Escalade. Our Recommended picks are the Audi Q7 and Mercedes-Benz GL-Class.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Audi Q7, Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator, and Mercedes-Benz GL-Class.