2008 Cadillac Escalade Exterior Review [ 2007 ]
Based on analysis of 68 Escalade reviews and test drives.
Exterior - What the Auto Press Says
While the Escalade is known for its over-the-top styling, many writers believe the Escalade's 2007 redesign takes the SUV into more elegant territory. But it's still an Escalade, and as the test driver at the Kansas City Star put it, has "so much chrome that it was hard for me not to blush while I was driving it." However, Cars.com says that the bling can be toned down, recommending that bashful drivers "Get a subtle color like this blue" on their test Escalade, adding "it's easy to see why people are attracted to this Escalade."
The Escalade has three exterior styles: The Escalade, which is a four-door SUV, and Escalade ESV, which is an extended wheelbase model, and the Escalade EXT, which offers a small truck bed instead of an enclosed cargo area.
Subtle changes bring the exterior styling of the 2008 Escalade into the realm of an automotive icon. "Even acquaintances who consider big-as-a-house SUVs sinful conceded that the tested Escalade was a magnificent-looking piece of automotive engineering," says the Sacramento Bee. MSN says, "Evolutionary styling makes this new Cadillac immediately recognizable as an Escalade. But it features a larger chrome grille and looks more elegant."
Several exterior options are available to dress up the Escalade's exterior. A reviewer's favorites are the 22-inch chrome wheels. The New York Times says "adding the 22-inch chrome wheels and oversized tires can really make a visual statement." The chrome wheels are the largest factory wheels ever offered and are a good value for Escalade buyers. The Car Connection notes, "Caddy has priced them at $2295, a heck of a deal considering dealers typically get as much as $6000 for aftermarket wheels of this size."
Exterior Trims
Escalade Base Model
The Cadillac Escalade is a five-door SUV. It comes standard with a chrome grille, 18-inch chrome wheels, chrome brake vents and chrome door handles.
Escalade ESV
The Cadillac Escalade ESV is an extended version of the regular Escalade. It has a 130-inch wheelbase and an overall length of 22.4 inches, compared to the regular Escalade's wheel base of 116 inches and length of 202.5 inches.
Escalade EXT
The Cadillac Escalade EXT has the same wheelbase and length as the regular Escalade, but instead of a third row and enclosed cargo area, has a short truck bed. The truck bed can be extended by removing a barrier behind the second row of seats and folding the seats down, but this leaves the back of the passenger cabin open.
