2007 Cadillac Escalade Review

Cadillac dominated the luxury car market for decades after World War II. Even in its best years, though, it never offered cars with as many features as possessed by its totally redesigned Escalade SUV.

The early 2007 Escalade has received plenty of star-studded exposure on such outlets as MTV since its arrival in 1999, and the revamped 2007 model is considerably improved.

Does that mean the new version will do better than its predecessors with its fresh styling, added power, more features and hugely improved interior?

The answer is probably "yes" in certain money-no-object celebrity circles, although this Cadillac has more competition from premium SUVs such as the Range Rover and Mercedes-Benz GL450. In fact, with far more going for it, the Escalade should have broader appeal.

Stiff gasoline prices and a move to smaller SUVs and crossover (car/truck) vehicles in the mass market might hurt the Escalade -- at least in the long run. Through June, its sales were holding up despite all its adversity.

After all, most Escalades are bought by folks who want this truck's roominess and towing abilities, besides its prestige. You can only sell so many Escalades to image-conscious rappers, athletes, rockers, film stars and jet-setters.

The Escalade comes in a Base trim level with rear-wheel or a four-wheel-drive system that's fairly competent off road -- and as the higher line EXT and ESV versions with only all-wheel drive. (The EXT is a four-door upscale pickup truck.) List prices range from $53,850 to $58,805.

The amount of standard comfort, convenience and safety equipment is seemingly endless. There aren't a large number of options, but a navigation and rearview camera costs an extra $2,495, a giant flip-down rear-seat DVD entertainment system is $1,295, and a power sunroof will set you back $995. A $625 Climate package has heated/cooled front seats with a heated steering wheel.

Standard safety items include curtain side air bags with rollover deployment and an anti-skid system.

The Base and ESV have three rows of seats and accommodate seven adults -- or eight with an optional second-row bench seat. Even the third-row seat, which is too low and flat to be as comfortable as the first two rows of seats, can handle two to three adults. However, although cargo room behind the third-row seat has been improved, there still isn't a lot of it unless you flip the seat forward or remove it.

When entering the tall Escalade, it helps if you're athletic. There's no entry assist handle for the driver, but the big chrome door handles and the running boards are helpful -- if rather narrow. Reaching the third-row seat is fairly easy if the Escalade has second-row twin bucket seats because they have a wide aisle between them. Otherwise, the second-row split-folding bench seat, available for $425 with power assist, can easily be tumbled entirely forward for third-row access.

I drove the $56,405 four-wheel-drive version of the Base model, which came with optional 22-inch chrome wheels. They cost (gasp!) $2,995 and are the largest on any test vehicle I've ever driven. Eighteen-inch wheels are standard.

The bigger the wheels, the better for style reasons with today's SUVs -- and also with many cars. Cadillac knew that if it didn't provide flashy 22-inch wheels, plenty of aftermarket suppliers would be happy to do so. So Caddy is staying right with the curve here, so to speak.

This new Cadillac is immediately recognizable as an Escalade because it has evolutionary styling. But it features such items as a larger chrome grille and looks more elegant. It's about 4 inches longer and just a bit wider and taller, with a wider track and better body panel fittings. The much-improved, leather-upholstered interior is far more opulent than the old one.

A 6.2-liter V-8 replaces a 345-horsepower V-8 and wallops out 380 horsepower with rear-drive and fully 403 horsepower in the slightly heavier four-wheel-drive versions. The Escalade weighs fully 5,818 pounds, but 403 horsepower and 417 pound-feet of torque make it remarkably smooth and fast (0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds).

The price paid for all that power and weight is estimated fuel economy of 13 mpg in the city and 19 on highways, although just a tad under 20 mpg on the highway is pretty good for a big, powerful SUV. (The old Escalade got 13 city and 17 highway.)

The Escalade V-8 has new variable-valve timing for better response and works with a slick new six-speed heavy-duty automatic transmission that's a considerable improvement over the old four-speed automatic.

The frame is nearly 50 percent stiffer, and there's a new front suspension and reworked rear suspension. Brakes also have been enlarged and have a linear pedal action for smooth stops.

Steering is vastly improved, and the new Escalade provides a very smooth ride with its sophisticated Road Sensing Suspension, although the best ride is without the 22-inch wheels.

Maneuverability in traffic and general handling also are quite good. This SUV is remarkably easy to handle, although a first-time driver of it might be intimidated by its size before settling behind the wheel. There, he'll find power adjustable pedals and a manual tilt (not powered or telescopic) steering wheel for a comfortable driving position.

The backlit gauges can be easily read, but their blue needles seem more stylish than functional. The quiet interior has soft-touch, low-gloss materials, along with aluminum, leather and woodlike materials.

Some controls are rather low, and the big, comfortable front bucket seats should provide more side support. Also, there are no express-up power windows. Fairly large objects can be put in the covered console bin, and front door pockets are roomy.

A power two-piece tailgate facilitates loading and has a long pull-down strap if you're in a hurry and want to beat the power assist feature when closing it.

The Escalade should remain a solid impact player, with its improved styling, added power, better build and sophistication. Not to mention its additional glitz. 

2007 CADILLAC ESCALADE 

PRICE: $53,850-$58,805

LIKES: Roomy. Powerful. Comfortable. Easy to drive. Prestigious.

DISLIKES: Little cargo room with third seat in place. Front seats need more side support. Fuel economy.