2011Cadillac Escalade - What the Auto Press Says

The 2011 Cadillac Escalade ranks 1 out of 9 Luxury Large SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 86 published reviews and test drives of the Cadillac Escalade, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The 2011 Cadillac Escalade is not for shrinking violets.  It’s an SUV for buyers who like to be noticed, but who also need the capabilities of a full-sized truck-based SUV – and are willing to pay to get them.
The Cadillac Escalade is a perennial car reviewer favorite among luxury large SUVs for its powerful V8, flamboyant styling and luxurious passenger cabin. A smaller crossover would give you just as much seating capacity, and some competitors would give you more genteel styling, but nothing else gives you the panache of an Escalade.
"There are luxury SUVs and then there's the 2011 Cadillac Escalade. There are full-size SUVs and then there's the Escalade,” says Edmunds. “You could buy any number of big, luxurious vehicles instead, but there's just no true substitute for Cadillac's celebration of power, brashness and wheels in a package so large the Amish could stick one in a river to power a grain mill."
The 2011 Cadillac Escalade features seating for up to eight in a roomy and luxurious cabin.  Though its third-row seat is almost universally panned by reviewers, that’s typical for this class. And, while the Escalade’s big V8 has no trouble moving it down the road, it does drink a lot of gas.  While most Escalade buyers should have no trouble affording the fill-ups, this isn’t the car for you if you want to go green (if you want Caddy looks in a slightly more earth-friendly package, check out the Cadillac Escalade Hybrid).
Pricewise, the Escalade falls in the middle of its class.  For the money, you get a strong list of standard features and performance capabilities that reflect the Escalade’s truck-based construction. The Escalade is best for people who want comfort, style, power and towing abilities, but no one would blame you if you bought one just because it looks so dang good.

Other Luxury SUVs to Consider

When it comes to style, you can’t beat the Escalade, but the newly-redesigned Infiniti QX56, offers performance that’s easier to live with day-to-day and an interior that’s even more plush. The QX even starts at about $5,000 less than the Caddy does, which leaves more cash in your pocket for optional features.
While the Escalade has one of the nicest interiors in the class, it loses points for its third-row seats, which are uncomfortable and have to be removed to enlarge the cargo space – and the third-row seats are heavy.  While cramped third rows are typical for the class, if you need a comfortable third row that can handle adults, check out the Lincoln Navigator.  It has a lower base price than the Escalade and is one of the few SUVs that actually gets praise for its third row.  The Navigator’s third row even folds into the SUV’s floor, making enlarging the cargo area a breeze.

Details: The Cadillac Escalade

The Escalade can seat up to eight people and comes in four models: the Escalade, Escalade ESV (an extended wheelbase version), the Escalade EXT (which trades the third row seat and enclosed cargo area for a short truck bed) and the Escalade Hybrid. We review the Escalade EXT and the Escalade Hybrid separately. For 2011, The Escalade gets an updated, available navigation system, which reviewers say is an improvement over the old one.

• "For folks who feel the need for a combination of luxury sedan trappings and full-size SUV functionality, the Escalade proves that sometimes too much is just enough." -- Edmunds
• "Cadillac's full-size luxury sport-utility continues to impress with its strong V-8, extroverted appearance, and posh interior." -- Car and Driver
• "Escalade wagons are basically GMC Yukon Denalis with Cadillac looks, and add a pinch more power, extra standard features, and higher prices. All of GM's large SUVs are solid choices in their market segments, and although Escalade wagons may not be worth every penny of their extra cost over the Denali, they are Recommended picks in the premium large SUV class." -- Consumer Guide
• "If your driving life demands plenty of room for people plus cargo, along with luxury amenities and a brash aura, the Escalade could be your breed of SUV. Full-size dimensions translate into big dollars at the gas pump. If fuel economy is more important than towing ability, you may want to check out the Escalade Hybrid." -- Kelley Blue Book

Escalade Performance - 8.5 (Very Good)

In terms of performance, most reviewers compare the Cadillac Escalade to a luxury sedan. Acceleration is strong, the ride is smooth, and though fuel economy isn’t a high point, if you can afford an Escalade you can probably afford to keep it gassed up.  Read More

Escalade Exterior - 9.1 (Excellent)

The Cadillac Escalade stands out in its class – and in reviewers’ minds – because of its flashy styling.  There’s just no mistaking an Escalade for anything else. The Escalade’s dressed up looks are many reviewers’ favorite feature. Read More

Escalade Interior - 8.3 (Very Good)

Buyers who worry about the close relationship between the Cadillac Escalade and its less-exclusive cousins, the GMC Yukon and Chevrolet Tahoe, will feel better once they see the big Caddy’s interior. Edmunds says “the Escalade's interior is of higher quality and looks entirely different from what you'll find in a related Chevy Tahoe or GMC Yukon. Truly, the Escalade lives up to its Cadillac badge." Read More

Escalade Safety - 9.2 (Excellent)

The 2011 Cadillac Escalade has strong federal government crash tests and a list of standard safety features that matches what others in its class offer. Read More

Escalade Reliability - 8.0 (Very Good)

The 2011 Cadillac Escalade reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The Cadillac Escalade comes with GM's 10-year/100,000-mile transferable powertrain warranty, which matches the warranty of many imports and is longer than what most luxury SUVs offer. However, the Escalade’s status as a favorite among car thieves may give some buyers pause