2012 Cadillac Escalade Review

Overview

The Cadillac Escalade has the distinction of being the first light truck in the history of its manufacturer. The iconic Cadillac Escalade is a large luxury sport utility vehicle that gets an innovative, fuel-saving 2-Mode Hybrid system. All versions of the eight-passenger 2012 Cadillac Escalade run on either gasoline or E85 ethanol. The Escalade Hybrid is likely to offer 50 per cent improvement in fuel economy in city driving as well as high levels of capability. The 2012 Cadillac Escalade is available in Base, Luxury, Premium and Platinum Edition trims. Seating for seven passengers is standard and an optional center bench seat available on all but the Platinum Edition accommodates up to eight passengers. Besides the hybrid version, the other models that will be available in the 2011 Cadillac Escalade lineup are the Escalade ESV and the Escalade EXT.

Power and performance

The 2012 Cadillac Escalade is motivated by a 6.2-liter V8 rated at 403 hp and 417 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic with a manual-shift feature is standard. Rear-wheel drive is standard on the Escalade and all-wheel drive is optional. The AWD Escalade SUV delivers 13/18 mpg in city/highway.

Body and styling

The 2012 Cadillac Escalade is loaded with standard convenience features tri-zone climate control, AM/FM stereo, CD player, cruise control, rear window defogger, child safety locks, power driver seat, bucket seats, power steering, power windows, XM sat radio, leather Wrapped adjustable steering Wheel, Bluetooth connectivity and OnStar with One Year Directions & Connections Plan. The Escalade Luxury includes chromed a suspension with an active damping system (optional on the base model), 22-inch cast-aluminum wheels, automatic headlight high-beams, a blind-spot warning system, a sunroof, power-folding and tumbling second-row seats and a heated steering wheel. The Escalade Premium is equipped with power-retractable running boards and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system with a single roof-mounted display (optional on Luxury). The top of the line Escalade Platinum Edition model comes with chromed LED headlights, 22-inch alloy wheels, upgraded leather upholstery, heated and cooled cupholders, leather-trimmed dash and door tops with contrast stitching, and a headrest-mounted dual-screen DVD entertainment system.

Safety Features

The 2012 Cadillac Escalade is equipped with a host of standard safety features such as 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes; side curtain airbags for all outboard occupants; electronic stability control with a rollover sensor; traction control; theft-deterrent system; road sensing suspension with adjustable shock absorbers; and the OnStar telematics system.