2007-2008 Cadillac Escalade: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Cadillac's truck-type sport-utility vehicle was redesigned for 2007 with more power, fresh styling, and new features. Escalade wagons were basically premium editions of General Motors' full-size Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon, while the Escalade EXT crew-cab pickup was a gilded variant of the Chevrolet Avalanche. Wagons came in regular length and longer-wheelbase ESV editions, competing against such models as the Audi Q7, Lincoln Navigator, and Mercedes-Benz GL-Class. The EXT pickup featured a folding midgate separating the cab from the cargo bed. All of these vehicles were about the same overall size as the 1999-2006 generation they replaced. Regular length or ESV, Escalade wagons seated seven in a 2-2-3 layout, or eight with an optional three-person second-row bench. The EXT pickup seated five. Escalade wagons were available with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, which lacked low-range gearing. EXT and ESV models were AWD-only. Sole engine was a 403-horsepower, 6.2-liter V8, which replaced a 345-hp, 6.0 V8. A six-speed automatic supplanted a four-speed as the lone transmission, fitted with a shift-lever button for manual operation. Antilock braking, traction/antiskid control with rollover sensors, and automatic-adjusting shock absorbers were standard; 22-inch wheels were optional. Among new standard features, curtain side airbags covered all seating rows and included rollover deployment. Leather upholstery and power-adjustable pedals also were standard. As in GM's other large SUV wagons, a spring-release option flipped the second-row seats to provide third-row access. Newly standard on wagons was a power liftgate with opening glass, plus heated first- and second-row seats. New options included front-seat cooling, a navigation system with rearview camera, and power-retractable running boards.