CADILLAC ESCALADE 4X4 REVIEW

Performance

3 out of 5 stars

The Escalade is offered with just one engine – a mammoth 6.2-litre V8 petrol that churns out 403bhp. This is more than strong enough to haul the car’s bulk, providing brisk acceleration. However, the standard six-speed automatic gearbox is overly keen to kickdown, making progress rather jerky in the ebb and flow of traffic.
Ride & Handling

2 out of 5 stars

The Escalade has a soft suspension set-up that isolates occupants from most bumps, but it feels unsettled on patchy surfaces and body movements are poorly controlled. The steering also disappoints because it’s imprecise and offers no feedback, while the sheer size of the car makes narrow country roads and built-up areas hard work.
Refinement

3 out of 5 stars

That big engine is hushed at a steady motorway cruise and emits a lovely V8 burble under acceleration. Road noise isn’t a big problem either, but the Escalade is about as aerodynamic as a tower block so wind noise intrudes into the cabin at the national limit.

Buying & Owning

1 out of 5 stars

The Escalade’s bling looks have attracted the attention of several Premiership footballers, but you’ll need their wages to run one because it averages just 17.4mpg. The high price-tag and top 35% company car tax rating are comparable with other big V8 off-roaders, but it’s unlikely to hold its value well.
Quality & Reliability

1 out of 5 stars

Perceived quality is a big weakness for the Escalade. The dash plastics and wood trim look cheap, some of the interior fittings feel flimsy and you can hear lots of rattles and creaks when driving over battered Tarmac. Reliability information is limited, but we’ve no reason to doubt the durability of its mechanicals.
Safety & Security

4 out of 5 stars

Every Escalade gets twin front airbags, and it’s good to see combined side and curtain ’bags covering all three rows. A stability control system that helps to keep you on the road and prevent a rollover accident is also standard across the range. Meanwhile, deadlocks and an alarm mean security is competitive.

Behind The Wheel

2 out of 5 stars

You sit high in the Escalade, so get a good view of the road ahead. However, it’s only available in left-hand drive and over-the-shoulder vision is terrible. To help you get settled the pedals are electrically adjustable, but a steering wheel that only moves for angle means comfort could be better. The heater controls are fiddly, too.
Space & Practicality

3 out of 5 stars

The Escalade has seating for up to eight laid out in a 2-3-3 formation, but you won’t get three adults in the third row because shoulder room is tight. Boot space is also limited with all the seats in place, and it’s disappointing that the heavy third row seats have to be removed instead of folding under the floor. A separately opening boot window comes in handy in tight parking spots.
Equipment

4 out of 5 stars

Two trims are available, with entry Elegance cars getting heated, electrically adjustable seats, leather upholstery, tri-zone climate control, a six-disc CD multichanger, parking sensors and cruise control. The more expensive Sport Luxury model adds cooling to the front seats, a heated steering wheel, satellite-navigation and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system.