2010 Cadillac Escalade
- 2009 Cadillac Escalade
- Used Cadillac Escalade
Based on analysis of 77 Escalade reviews and test drives.
Cadillac Escalade - What the Auto Press Says
The 2010 Cadillac Escalade ranks 1 out of 11 Luxury Large SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 77 published reviews and test drives of the Cadillac Escalade, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The Cadillac Escalade roars into 2010 with look-at-me styling, an impressive cabin, and good performance for its size. While some competitors drive smaller, the Escalade impresses with its luxurious cabin and old-school SUV capabilities.
The 2010 Escalade makes sense for buyers who need to haul a lot of people, tow heavy loads, and want to do both in style. Edmunds says the Escalade is "one of the best full-size luxury SUVs on the market." Recently, that market has become extremely competitive. Car makers are competing for a shrinking pool of buyers -- that's good news for consumers. If you truly need the outsized luxury and capability a luxury large SUV provides, you should be in a good bargaining position. And reviewers say that if it's a luxurious and powerful SUV you want, the Cadillac Escalade is a great choice.
The Escalade can seat up to eight people and comes in four models: the Escalade, Escalade ESV (an extended wheelbase version), the Escalade EXT (which trades the third row seat and enclosed cargo area for a short truck bed) and the Escalade Hybrid.
The Escalade's size and power give it a thirst for fuel, though for 2010, that thirst has been tempered a little. The Escalade's 6.2 liter V8 engine now comes with cylinder deactivation, a system that shuts down four of the engines cylinders when they're not needed, saving fuel. If you want to save even more gas, check out the Escalade Hybrid -- but keep in mind that the Escalade hybrid starts at about $10,000 more than the conventional Escalade, and no large SUV is going to be particularly miserly in its fuel consumption.
In addition to cylinder deactivation, the Cadillac Escalade also adds a USB port for portable music devices and side airbags for the front seats for 2010. If you can live without these niceties, you should consider shopping the 2009 Escalade as well as the 2010 model. Dealers need to clear the 2009 models from their lots, meaning that you could get a pretty good deal on one. In fact, for much of the summer and fall, Cadillac has been offering zero-percent financing on 2009 Escalades for up to five years. Not having to pay interest on a loan adds up to significant savings over the long term.
As good as the deals on the Escalade have been recently, it competes in a very competitive class, and most manufacturers have been offering discounts. The Escalade is a solid performer, but others in the class, like the Toyota Land Cruiser, are easier to live with day-to-day and have better off-road capabilities. The Land Cruiser and the Escalade cost about the same, so it's worth a look. While the Escalade has one of the nicest interiors in the class, it loses points for its third row seat. While that's typical for the class, if you need a comfortable third row that can handle adults, check out the Lincoln Navigator. It has a lower base price than the Escalade and is one of the few SUVs that actually gets praise for its third row.
- "Cadillac's full-size luxury sport-utility continues to impress with its strong V-8, extroverted appearance, and posh interior. This old-fashioned body-on-frame SUV is very capable and can tow up to 8300 pounds, but the trade-off is ride quality that can get quite sloppy." -- Car and Driver
- "Escalade wagons are basically GMC Yukon Denalis with Cadillac looks, and add a pinch more power, extra standard features, and higher prices. All of GM's large SUVs are solid choices in their market segments, and although Escalade wagons may not be worth every penny of their extra cost over the Denali, they are Recommended picks in the premium large SUV class." -- Consumer Guide
- "The full-size Cadillac Escalade SUV has appealed to celebrities and affluent 20-somethings since its 2001 debut. In the spirit of excess, the Escalade boasts available 22-inch wheels and a 6.2-liter V-8 with more than 400 horsepower. It can be configured to seat eight people and is available with two- or all-wheel drive." -- Cars.com
Escalade Performance - 8.6 (Very Good)
Though some buyers may find its size daunting, some reviewers say that the Escalade has handling and power that are easy to live with. Motor Week says the Escalade offers a "driving experience that's as close to a premium luxury sedan as any SUV we've ever tried." Still, the Escalade is a truck-based SUV, which means that some competitors offer smoother rides and better handling. Read More
Escalade Exterior - 9.1 (Excellent)
For many reviews (and buyers) the Escalade's appear is in its bejeweled exterior, which is now available with 22-inch wheels from the factory. "For many buyers, the Escalade's unmistakable look will be enough to clinch the deal. Edgy and intimidating, this is hands-down the best-looking Escalade ever," says Edmunds Read More
Escalade Interior - 8.7 (Very Good)
With the seating for up to eight people and a host of luxury features standard, the Escalade can transport a crowd in comfort and style. While reviewers are impressed with the interior, they also complain about the Escalade's third row seat, which they say is cramped. However, complaints about the third row are typical for the class. Read More
Escalade Safety - NA
The 2010 Cadillac Escalade does very well in federal government crash tests. It also offers safety features similar to others in its class. Read More
Escalade Reliability - NA
The Escalade comes with GM's 10-year/100,000-mile transferable powertrain warranty, which matches the warranty of many imports and lasts longer than those of the typical luxury cars. Read More
