6
0
Premium large SUV; Built in USA, Mexico
  • 4-door wagon
  • 4-door wagon
  • 4-door wagon
  • longitudinal front-engine/rear- or all-wheel drive
Good condition price range: $18,900 – $63,100*


2007 Cadillac Escalade


2007 Cadillac Escalade


2008 Cadillac Escalade


2008 Cadillac Escalade

Pros:
  • Acceleration
  • Cargo room
  • Control layout
  • Interior materials
  • Quietness
  • Ride
  • Seat comfort
Cons:
  • Fuel economy
  • Steering/handling

Escalade wagons are basically GMC Yukon Denalis with Cadillac looks, a pinch more power, extra standard features-and higher prices when new. All of GM’s redesigned-for-2007 large SUVs are strong competitors in their market segments. Although Escalade wagons may not be worth every penny of their extra cost over GMC’s Denali, they represent good value compared with other premium large SUVs.

Overview

Cadillac’s truck-type sport-utility vehicle was redesigned for 2007 with more power, fresh styling, and new features. Escalade wagons were basically premium editions of General Motors’ full-size Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon, while the Escalade EXT crew-cab pickup was a gilded variant of the Chevrolet Avalanche. Wagons came in regular length and longer-wheelbase ESV editions, competing against such models as the Audi Q7, Lincoln Navigator, and Mercedes-Benz GL-Class. The EXT pickup featured a folding midgate separating the cab from the cargo bed.

All of these vehicles were about the same overall size as the 1999-2006 generation they replaced. Regular length or ESV, Escalade wagons seated seven in a 2-2-3 layout, or eight with an optional three-person second-row bench. The EXT pickup seated five. Escalade wagons were available with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, which lacked low-range gearing. EXT and ESV models were AWD-only.

Sole engine was a 403-horsepower, 6.2-liter V8, which replaced a 345-hp, 6.0 V8. A six-speed automatic supplanted a four-speed as the lone transmission, fitted with a shift-lever button for manual operation. Antilock braking, traction/antiskid control with rollover sensors, and automatic-adjusting shock absorbers were standard; 22-inch wheels were optional. Among new standard features, curtain side airbags covered all seating rows and included rollover deployment.

Leather upholstery and power-adjustable pedals also were standard. As in GM’s other large SUV wagons, a spring-release option flipped the second-row seats to provide third-row access. Newly standard on wagons was a power liftgate with opening glass, plus heated first- and second-row seats. New options included front-seat cooling, a navigation system with rearview camera, and power-retractable running boards.

Yearly Updates

2008 Escalade
Changes were minor for the 2008 model year, though for the first time, the ESV wagon was offered with rear-drive as well as AWD. Arriving late in the year was a costly Escalade Platinum Edition with unique trim.
2009 Escalade
Escalade gained a few new features and a gas/electric hybrid model for 2009. Newly available were blind-spot alert and a power-tilt steering column. The 6.2-liter V8 standard in all Escalades except the Hybrid was now able to run on E85 ethanol-blended fuel. The Hybrid came only as a standard-length wagon with rear- or all-wheel drive. Power came from a 6.0-liter V8 pared with GM’s 2-Mode electric hybrid system, which could run at low speeds on electric power only and didn’t require plug-in charging.
2010 Escalade
The 2010 Cadillac Escalade’s 6.2-liter V8 gained GM’s Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation. Otherwise, this premium-large SUV is largely unchanged.
2011 Escalade
The 2011 Cadillac Escalade is largely unchanged.
2012 Escalade
There were no changes of note to the 2012 Cadillac Escalade.
2013 Escalade
Aside from new colors and a slight change to the braking system, nothing was new on Escalade for 2013.
2014 Escalade
The 2014 Escalade was unchanged pending a redesign for 2015.

Engines

longitudinal front-engine/rear- or all-wheel drive

Sole powertrain in Escalades has been a 6.2-liter V8 engine that generates 403 horsepower, working with a six-speed automatic transmission and either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. In 2010, Escalade’s 6.2-liter V8 gained GM’s Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation.

ohv V81
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 6.2/378
Engine HP 403
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 417
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
6-speed automatic

 12/18

 15.3

1. EPA Note: Figures shown are for 2008 models with AWD. The Environmental Protection Agency changed its procedure for 2008 to yield more realistic estimates. Therefore, estimated mileage is lower than for prior years.

Road Test

Acceleration is a strong point. All Escalades have ample power for any situation. The transmission changes gears smoothly, though some testers have cited an occasional reluctance to downshift for passing. Towing capacity with the base wagon is 7400 pounds; EXT, 7600 pounds; and ESV, 7800.

Fuel economy, as expected in this league, is a drawback. Test regular-length Escalades have averaged 15.0 to 15.6 mpg-but only 12.7 mpg in mostly urban driving.. Both an ESV and an EXT pickup averaged 13.8 mpg. Cadillac recommends premium-grade gasoline.

Escalades sometimes betray their truck-type design with minor structural shudder on rough pavement. Otherwise, the ride is comfortably absorbent, even with available 22-inch tires. The ESV/EXT’s longer wheelbase contributes to a smoother ride.

Though large, Escalades are stable and confident in changes of direction at low to moderate speeds. Faster cornering triggers obvious body lean and, with 18-inch tires, a fair amount of noseplow. Optional 22-inch tires show little impact on steering and handling. Test-drives have been divided on steering; some laud its feel and response, while others say it’s vague and overassisted. Strong brakes have a reassuringly firm pedal, but fast stops trigger lots of nosedive.

Quiet enough overall, the Escalade ranks only at midpack for the premium large SUV class. Subdued at highway speeds, the V8 roars loudly during rapid acceleration, and its exhaust note is nearly always prominent. Wind rush is noticed from large door mirrors and around front doors, from 65 mph on up. Moderate coarse-surface tire thrum is evident with 22-inch tires.

Gauges are large, but their blue pointers can be hard to see under some conditions. All major controls are within easy reach. Cadillac’s navigation system has a large, easy-to-read touch screen, which absorbs but does not complicate audio functions. The cabin exhibits impressive assembly quality and mostly top-notch materials, though some cabin plastics disappoint at Escalade’s prices.

Front riders can savor big-rig space on wide, comfortable seats, though the tallest drivers may want still more head- and legroom. Folding the midgate on the EXT pickup requires moving front seats forward slightly, reducing legroom. Standard power-adjustable pedals can be helpful, but absence of a telescoping or power-adjustable steering column is surprising at this price level. Visibility is impeded astern and to the right-rear by roof design, but the standard rear-obstacle detection and available rearview camera compensate. This is a tall truck, so some climbing is needed to get inside.

Rear-seat occupants face another rather high step to the second row, where comfortable seats furnish good head- and legroom. In either wagon body length, the thinly padded third-row bench will scrunch those over 5-foot-6, and accessing it demands a low crouch while clearing flipped second-row seats. If the spring-release option is installed, those second-row seats fold/tumble readily at the push of a release button (for buckets) or lever (for bench); but the seat must be manually returned to the upright position.

In standard-length wagons, only grocery-bag space is available behind the third-row bench, but the cargo area expands considerably with those seatbacks flopped down. Space is generous behind the ESV’s third row. In both wagons, the third-row seat is split into 50/50 sections that don’t fold flush with the floor. Those sections also are heavy and cumbersome to remove or install. Like that of Chevrolet’s Avalanche, the EXT’s versatile cargo bed has locking storage compartments outside plus washable plastic walls and a rubber floormat. The hard tonneau and locking tailgate make it essentially a deep trunk. Removing the three-piece hard tonneau is a chore, best left to the nimble. Lowering the midgate also is a several-step process. The bed hosts handy fold-out tie-down hooks. Good cabin storage includes a large bi-level console bin.

Ratings

Model Tested: 2008 Escalade w/AWD

Ratings values are on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best. With the exception of Value, these numbers reflect how the vehicle compares against the universe of vehicles, not just against rivals in its class.

Performance

Acceleration - 6
60%
Fuel Economy - 3
30%
Ride Quality - 7
70%
Steering/Handling - 4
40%
Quietness - 7
70%

Accommodations

Controls/Materials - 8
80%
Room/Comfort Front - 9
90%
Room/Comfort Rear - 8
80%
Cargo Room - 10
100%

Other

Value - 9
90%

Total: 71

Specifications

4-door wagon
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
116.0 202.5 79.0 74.3
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
109.8 26.0 8.0
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
40.3 38.5 41.3 39.0
4-door wagon
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
130.0 222.9 79.1 75.5
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
137.4 31.0 8.0
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
41.1 38.5 41.3 39.5
4-door wagon
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
130.0 222.0 79.1 74.5
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
31.0 5.0
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
41.1 38.1 41.3 39.1
Safety Ratings

Model Tested: 2008 Escalade 4-door wagon

NHTSA

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Impact Test

Driver Injury - 5
100%
Front Passenger Injury - 5
100%

Side Impact Test

Driver Injury - 5
100%
Rear Passenger Injury - 5
100%

HLDI

(A score of 100 is average. Lower is better)

Collision N/A
Injury N/A
Theft N/A

Trouble Spots

Coolant leak
Description: Coolant (antifreeze and water) may leak from near the rear of the vehicle due to a clip in the coolant line connector breaking. (2005-07)
Coolant leak
Description: A drive belt pulley may rub a hole in the radiator vent hose resulting in a coolant leak and possible overheating. (2007)
Oil leak
Description: An oil leak at the oil pressure sensor may cause the low oil light to come on and oil level to become low. (2006-07)
Audio system
Description: When using a portable music player (e.g. iPod) there may be noise in the car’s speakers whenever the vehicle’s power adapter is used and a ground loop isolator (from Radio Shack) is required between the device and the power outlet to prevent the noise. (2007-08)
Seat
Description: The third row seats may be difficult to fold down due to excessive slack in their release cable. (2007-08)
Steering problems
Description: A clunk in the steering column that is both felt and heard on rough roads or off-road can be eliminated with an improved upper-intermediate shaft. (2000-06)
Steering problems
Description: Power steering fluid leak. (2007)
Wipers
Description: The one-piece wiper blades may streak when driving at slow speeds because they do not press firmly enough and should be traditional, bridge style blades. (2007-08)
Wipers
Description: The rear wiper may get damage or ripped off in automatic car washes due to the design of the wiper blade stop; a redesigned part is available. (2007)
Battery
Description: The battery may go dead while the car is parked due to the fuel pump running with the key off due to a faulty relay. (2007)
Electrical problem
Description: Numerous electrical problems (door locks, power windows, speakers, courtesy lights etc.) may quit working because a wiring harness gets damaged by the seat belt. (2007)
None
Description: The backup (rear vision) camera quits working due to an electrical connector coming loose. (2007)
None
Description: The DVD monitors in the front seat headrests may quit working because the video feed cable comes loose requiring installation of cable clamps. (2007-08)
Fueling problems
Description: The fuel line may rub against the floor pan causing a buzzing or rattling sound. (2008-10)

Recall History

2007 Escalade EXT
Description: Certification/tire label may have incomplete tire/rim designation, and may be missing the tire-load rating.
2007-09 vehicles equipped with a heated wiper washer fluid system
Description: A short circuit on the printed circuit board for the washer fluid heater may overheat the control-circuit ground wire. This may cause other electrical features to malfunction, create an odor, or cause smoke, increasing the risk of a fire. Dealers will install a wire harness with an in-line fuse free of charge.
2009 all models
Description: The fuel system control modules may have a faulty seal, possibly allowing water to seep into the module. This could cause a short, illumination of the service engine soon lamp, setting of diagnostic trouble codes, or the engine may be hard to start. Dealers will install a new fuel system control module free of charge.
2011 Escalade
Description: The rear axle cross pins were not properly heat treated and could fracture and become displaced within the rear axle. Should the pin shift out of position, it could create an interference condition and cause the rear axle to lock. The driver may not be able to maintain directional control of the vehicle and a crash could occur without warning. Dealers will install a new rear axle cross pin free of charge.
2011 Escalade ESV
Description: The rear axle cross pins were not properly heat treated and could fracture and become displaced within the rear axle. Should the pin shift out of position, it could create an interference condition and cause the rear axle to lock. The driver may not be able to maintain directional control of the vehicle and a crash could occur without warning. Dealers will install a new rear axle cross pin free of charge.
2011 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV
Description: The intermediate steering shaft attaching bolts may not have been tightened to the proper specification. This could allow the joints to separate, and the driver could experience loss of steering increasing the risk of a crash. GM dealers will inspect and ensure that the intermediate steering shaft bolts are tightened to the proper specification. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about July 13, 2011.
2011 Escalade EXT
Description: The rear axle cross pins were not properly heat treated and could fracture and become displaced within the rear axle. Should the pin shift out of position, it could create an interference condition and cause the rear axle to lock. The driver may not be able to maintain directional control of the vehicle and a crash could occur without warning. Dealers will install a new rear axle cross pin free of charge.
2011-12 Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalde EXT
Description: Ignition switch may stick in Start position or may suddenly snap back to Accessory position possibly causing a loss of engine, steering, and brake power.
2013 Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalde EXT
Description: The transmission-shift-cable adjuster may disengage from the shift lever. A shift lever in Park may not engage Park for the transmission. Vehicle could roll way.
2013-14 Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalde EXT
Description: Chassis electronic module may short out and possibly stall the engine.

Equipment Lists

Equipment lists are only viewable on larger screen sizes.

Pricing

Used-car pricing varies widely depending on local market conditions. Therefore, we recommend visiting websites that list used cars for sale to get a better idea of what a specific model is selling for in your area.

More about Tom Appel
Written by: Tom Appel on April 20, 2016.
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