The full-size Cadillac Escalade SUV has appealed to celebrities and affluent 20-somethings since 2001, when a flashier version debuted. Its competitors include the Lincoln Navigator, Lexus LX 570, Infiniti QX56 and other luxury SUVs. 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 up to eight people and is available with rear- or all-wheel drive.
New for 2011 Cadillac now includes standard scheduled oil changes, tire rotations, replacement of engine and cabin air filters and multipoint vehicle inspection for four years or 50,000 miles. There’s more noise reduction material, including laminated windshield and side glass and a new rearview mirror.
Exterior Three-tier headlights and a large crisscrossed grille define the Escalade’s styling, while chrome applications throughout emphasize the vehicle’s luxury status. Exterior features include:
LED headlights optional
Side mirrors with integrated turn signals
18-inch wheels are standard; 22-inch wheels are optional
Power liftgate standard
Interior Two rows of captain’s chairs and a three-seat bench in back are standard. An optional second-row bench ups seating capacity to eight. The center stack flows into the floor console rather than being a separate unit. Interior features include:
LED-backlit instrument panel
Standard tri-zone automatic climate control
Leather seats with power adjustments in front and seat heaters in the first two rows
Navigation system
Power-tilting steering wheel
Optional air-conditioned seats
Optional heated steering wheel and rear-seat entertainment system
Under the Hood An all-aluminum 6.2-liter V-8 makes 403 hp and 417 pounds-feet of torque. It works with a six-speed automatic transmission and can tow up to 8,300 (RWD) or 8,100 pounds (AWD) when properly equipped. Mechanical features include:
Available permanent all-wheel drive
Optional Magnetic Ride Control replaces mechanical shock absorbers with electronically controlled shock absorbers that GM says react to the road more quickly
Safety Safety equipment includes:
Standard four-wheel-disc antilock brakes
Standard electronic stability system
Standard side curtain airbags for all three rows of seats
