2007 Cadillac Escalade ESV Review

These aren't friendly times for large SUVS such as the Cadillac Escalade -- except for those who want a large, plush SUV. Everyone wouldn't be happy with a Toyota Prius.

The redesigned 2007 Escalade gets brassier styling, major league power, extra features and a more uptown interior. It has additional "bling" -- a word first reportedly used by New Orleans rap group Cash Money Millionaires in a 1990s album to describe flashy elements of personal style, such as jewelry.

I drove the much-improved new Escalade a year ago when it arrived as an early 2007 model, but didn't spend as much time in it as I would have liked. So I recently grabbed another one because there are few changes to the 2008 model and a next-generation Escalade isn't scheduled to arrive until the 2012 model year.

Some might have expected 2007 Escalade sales to plummet since it arrived, with routine $3-plus gasoline prices, great emphasis on global warming and a big switch to smaller vehicles.

But, no. Sales of regular Escalades fell only 735 vehicles to 29,050 units through July this year, compared with the same 2006 period. Sales of the more specialized Escalade EXT all-wheel-drive combination SUV/pickup truck actually jumped from 2,683 to 4,701 units.

That partly shows that the new generation 2007 Escalade has lots more going for it -- and that this is a big country with a big appetite for big vehicles.

The latest Escalade has a larger grille, more imposing headlights, front fender "vent ports" and lots of chrome accents. And check out those huge 22-inch chrome aluminum wheels, which will set buyers back $2,995. They enhance handling, although goodness knows that the standard 18-inch wheels are plenty large, and you can get them in chrome for an extra $795.

The new Escalade has a new General Motors full-size SUV and truck platform, which has far more torsional rigidity for better handling, ride and general feel. It comes in regular-length base and longer ESV trim levels and has a firmer suspension, wider track, new coil-spring front suspension, revised all-wheel-drive system and improved brake system.

The 2007 Escalade goes, steers, handles, stops and rides better, although the ride gets a little bouncy on moderately rough pavement. Giving such a big vehicle almost carlike ride, handling and maneuverability once would have been impossible.

A smooth 6.2-liter V-8 with a whopping 403 horsepower replaces a 6-liter V-8 with 345 horsepower. The engine gives this 5,717-pound Cadillac amazing acceleration for a big, heavy guy: 0-60 mph in 6.3 seconds and 0-100 mph in 16.3 seconds.

Importantly, a new six-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift feature replaces an old-fashioned four-speed automatic.

Estimated fuel economy with all that weight and power won't knock anyone out, but it is comparatively reasonable at 13 mpg in the city and 19-20 on highways.

Escalade list prices range from $54,670 to $59,640, with the EXT at $54,145. The base Escalade comes with rear- or all-wheel drive and the ESV model has standard all-wheel drive. I tested the $57,255 base version with all-wheel drive.

The Escalade's handsome, improved interior is loaded with comfort, convenience and safety features -- as many as can be found in many costly luxury cars.

New standard features include curtain side air bags with rollover deployment for all seating rows.

There's room for seven or eight tall adults, depending on if you want two separate seats in the second row or a three-person bench seat there. The third-row seat is roomy enough for two adults and is fairly easy to reach, although it's not as comfortable as seats in the first two rows.

The backlit gauges are easy to read and have stylish blue pointers, but there are an awful lot of control buttons on the dashboard.

There is only grocery bag room with the third seat's backs in an upright position. But cargo space is greatly increased when that seat is flipped forward or removed, and the second-row seats also can be flipped forward for even more cargo room. Optional for the second-row seat is a $425 power fold-and-tumble feature.

The cargo opening is low and wide, and a power tailgate is standard, although some might feel it operates too slowly.

Big outside chromed door handles and large inside ones assist entry to and exit from the quiet interior. Highly recommended to reach seats in all rows of this high (73.3-inch) vehicle are nifty power retractable running boards, which cost $1,095 and are worth their weight in gold, especially for shorter folks.

Other attractive options include a $2,695 Information Package, which contains a navigation system and rearview camera, $1,295 rear entertainment system, $995 power sunroof and $625 Climate Package with heated/cooled front seats.

Power adjustable pedals are standard, but there's only a manual-tilt (not powered or telescopic) steering wheel. All cupholders are easily reached, and the front ones have a cover. Front doors, but not the rear ones, have storage pockets and bottle holders. Also, rear windows roll only halfway down.

The new-generation Escalade nicely combines flash and function for those who want or need a full-size luxury SUV. It shows that Cadillac continues to be aggressive in bringing out more desirable new vehicles.

2007 CADILLAC ESCALADE

PRICE: $54,670-$59,640.

LIKES: Major league power. Brassier styling. Easy to drive. Optional retractable running boards.

DISLIKES: Little cargo room with upright third-row seatbacks. No fuel miser.