2012 Cadillac Escalade ESV Review

Overview

The 2012 Cadillac Escalade ESV is an extended wheelbase version of the popular Escalade full size luxury SUV, available as a wagon which can seat seven or eight (optional). The 2012 Escalade ESV offers buyers extra room, as much as in a full-size SUV and is 14 inches longer in its wheelbase, than the full-size Escalade. The extra length translates into increased legroom for third-row occupants and better cargo capacity as well. The ESV competes with close rivals like the Lincoln Navigator L and Infiniti QX56 in the extended-body luxury SUV segment. The SUV gets generous levels of luxury equipment and is available in 2WD and AWD.

Power and performance

The 2012 Cadillac Escalade ESV is equipped with a 6.2-liter V8 that delivers 403 horsepower and 417 pounds-feet of torque. The Vortec V8 engine is the first mass produced non-overhead valve engine with variable valve timing, which contributes to the engine's raw power. It is teamed with a six-speed automatic transmission with driver shift control and a towing mode. When properly equipped, the ESV has a towing capacity of 7,800 pounds.

Body and styling

The 2012 Escalade ESV is designed on the same platform as the Chevrolet Suburban and GMC Yukon XL. The extended wheelbase makes room for larger rear doors; cargo volume behind the third row increases to 45.8 cubic feet; maximum cargo volume is 137.4 cubic feet with the third-row seat removed and second-row seat folded. Standard equipment in the cabin includes full leather interiors with wood trimmings; Bose AM/FM/CD/MP3 changer; aluminum interior trimmings; satellite radio; rear radio controls; wireless cell phone link; air conditioning with tri-zone automatic climate control; rear air conditioning and heater; heated front and 2nd-row bucket seats; 14-way power front seats with lumbar adjustment; leather upholstery; power-adjustable pedals; memory system; center console; 3rd-row split folding seat; and power tilt wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel with mounted radio controls. The 2012 ESV also features cruise control; navigation system with voice recognition and traffic information; a rearview camera; OnStar assistance; heated power mirrors; mirror-mounted turn signals; power windows; power door locks; remote keyless entry; remote engine start; trip computer; rain-sensing intermittent wipers with heated washer fluid; automatic rearview mirror; universal garage door opener; illuminated visor mirrors; power lift-gate; rear defogger; intermittent rear wipers; and automatic headlights.

Safety Features

In the event of a collision, the ESV is loaded with passive safety features to reduce impact and includes driver and passenger airbags; curtain airbags for the first, second, and third row; overhead airbags; electronic traction control; and StabiliTrac stability control system with rollover mitigation. Other standard safety features are a tire-pressure monitor; rear-obstacle-detection system; daytime running lights; and an ultrasonic rear parking assist system.