2007 Cadillac Escalade Review

Specifications

If Youve Got It, Flaunt It

Theres few cars on the face of the earth as recognizable to North Americans as the Cadillac Escalade. Everyone from pimple-face teens to retired ranchers know what the thing looks like, with its huge chrome wheels and dazzling grille. The star of various rap videos and the chosen steed of plenty of geriatrics, its reasonable performance, large size, and high level of comfort have made it a popular choice among those that live by the term, “If youve got it, flaunt it.”

And dont think that fact is lost on GM. The semi-struggling automaker knows a hit when it sees one, and it knows that the Escalade is more than just a hit; its a bona fide pop culture icon. So when it came time to redesign the Tahoe, Suburban, and Avalanche-based behemoth, they knew not to mess with a good thing. Bearing a striking resemblance to the current Escalade, the new 2007 model strikes the same tall and imposing figure as the original, only without the outgoing models cheap-looking tacked on Transformers-meets-stealth-fighter bodywork. The result is a more upscale and elegant SUV that is sure to be a hit with owners of the current version.

Starting at the front, the headlights are larger and even more prominent (the HID high-beams shield even has the Cadillac logo etched into them), and the grille is still an expanse of chrome the likes of which is equaled only by its sole American competitor; the Navigator. The fenders still sport healthy, robust flares, although the new models are made of actual metal instead of plastic fairings. Behind those flares are Cadillac Sixteen-inspired vents that GMs luxury division says “are sure to become signature hallmarks, like the vertical headlamps and prominent wreath-and-crest grille emblem.” Well see what Range Rover has to say about that.

Out back, a recessed license plate holder mounted in the tailgate is adorned by yet another Cadillac logo, and the whole shebang is flanked by a set of LED taillights carrying on the vertical lighting theme began by the tall headlights. Of course, in grand baller fashion, Cadillac threw the whole thing up on some of the largest wheels they could conjure up; the Escalade sports the largest optional wheels of any full size SUV on the planet at 22 inches.

With the overall design finished, GM then took their luxury SUV and threw it in a wind tunnel. Gaps were tightened, and holes in the front end were plugged, all with the goal of increasing the aerodynamic efficiency of the barn-door shaped truck. Finally, further wind tunnel engineering made sure that all the seals kept wind noise to a minimum; a real challenge with something this big. The doors received completely new seals that use multiple interior chambers (as opposed to traditional weather strippings single chamber) to seal more securely against wind pressure, while areas subjected to excessive airflow were treated to a secondary seal made of a combination of soft and stiff rubber to prevent movement when driving. The result is, reportedly, an incredibly quite ride.

Inside, the Escalade is every bit its fathers son. With huge cushy seats that totally deserve the name “Captains Chairs” divided by a center console that aspires to picnic table-dom, the Escalade is not one of those vehicles that shrinks around you when you get in. Its got big doors, big seats, a big steering wheel, a big dash, a big windshield, and, obviously, big space. After all, the thing does measure 202 inches long. With two available color combinations an Escalade buyer doesnt exactly get to be choosy, and it doesnt help that the combinations are “Ebony and Ebony” and “Cocoa and Cashmere,” or “black and black” and “brown and white.”

But as gaudy as the interior will seem to Cadillacs more conservative buyers, it isnt badly kitted out, with standard heated front and second row seats with available heated and cooled front row seats that sport perforated leather to better transfer the cold air from the seat to your derriere. Also available is a heated steering wheel, and even power fold and tumble second-row seats that ease access to the third row seats. Once youve loaded all the kiddies up for a trip to the park, you wont have to endure excessive screaming or being pelted in the back of the head by stuffed animals thanks to the rear seat DVD entertainment system, while you try and find your way there via the touch screen navigation system. Of course, should one of the children misbehave, you could always stuff them in either the massive (0.6 cu-ft large!) center console or the 25 percent larger glovebox. If you chose the glovebox you wouldnt even have to worry about them falling out when you release them thanks to the much-needed dampened opening feature!

Which brings us to the drivetrain. In a vehicle this large not just any motor will do, so Cadillac fitted the new Escalade with a positively massive all-aluminum 6.2L V8. Known as a Gen IV small block, the Vortec-headed monster is in the same family as the new LS2 found under the hood of the Corvette, and thanks to the boost in displacement, makes similar power; 403 horsepower to be exact. The oversquare engine benefits from variable valve timing, a truly tricky proposition given the Gen IV small block still uses the traditional cam-in-block/pushrod style valvetrain. As such, the motor is hampered by the use of only two valves per cylinder in an era where its dual overhead cam-equipped competitors benefit from the use of as many as four valves per cylinder, increasing flow and therefore specific output. As a result, while the motor makes impressive horsepower and torque, the fuel economy figures leave something to be desired; 13 miles per gallon in the city is, to be blunt, horrid. On the freeway a double overdrive six-speed automatic helps things a little, where the aerodynamically tuned Escalade turns a slightly better 19 miles per gallon. The only saving grace is that the big motor isnt particularly high-strung, so while premium is recommended, it isnt required.

But the real hallmark of a Cadillac has always been the ride. Uncompromisingly comfortable, Caddys are known for floating over roads that have lesser cars shaking in their boots. And this new Escalades reportedly no different. With a fully boxed perimeter-style chassis thats stiffer than the outgoing models, and a new rack and pinion steering system, this new Escalade uses GMs hydroforming technology to mold the framerails into shape. The aforementioned rack and pinion steering out front is complemented with coil over shocks that have been specially tuned with variable rate springs to offer a supple ride, even with the huge optional 22-inch wheels fitted, although we hazard to guess that the beast still rides better with the standard taller-sidewall 18-inch wheels. Add in four-wheel disc brakes with mammoth rotors (ever try and stop a vehicle with small brakes and 22-inch wheels?), ABS, and StabiliTrac electronic stability control complete with a rollover mitigation program, and youve got an Escalade that is well equipped to handle the worst Rodeo Drive can throw at it. Wayward Gucci bag? A mere pebble underfoot for this not-so-gentle giant.

But will the new Escalade succeed? Well, first off, it does look significantly better now; some might even use the word gorgeous in the same sentence as Escalade. But our first impression of the interior wasnt so good. Settling into an 07 at a recent event wasnt exactly a confidence inspiring moment; with everything from the door trim to the massive center console lid giving way ever-so-slightly to our touch. Sure, the seats were comfortable, the view excellent, and the interior spacious, but with the Europeans only recently entering the full-size market, such grievances as floppy lids and wiggly trim pieces are simply unacceptable. And given that the excellent Audi Q7 and established BMW X5 are both cheaper in the Canadian market than Cadillacs largest vehicle, plus much more refined, its hard to imagine a lot of people choosing to purchase the more expensive Caddy.

All this said, though, there is simply no way to put a value on the Escalades reputation, and those looking to emulate their favorite rap star or simply be noticed will be drawn in droves to the biggest, flashiest SUV around. And with a capable powerplant that is admittedly more powerful than the Europeans, and what should be an exceedingly comfortable ride, the new Escalade will no doubt continue the tradition set forth by its predecessors.