2007 Cadillac Escalade

Style and substance. So much about Escalade is tied to the former, that you almost forget the latter. The big Cadillac has become ingrained in pop culture as a symbol of upscale living. It's a role that the truck plays easily. The oversized dimensions make it a comfortable conveyance for large, pro athletes, and it's doubtful that anyone or anything has had more appearances in more music videos than this big ute. The familiar, chunky form is a rolling blank slate for customizers; just a set of monster rims, a trick grille and a cabin makeover away from a one-off, driving statement.

Styling

But, like any high profile role, it's easy to get typecast. In Escalade's case, it's hard to make a business case for a one-dimensional vehicle—especially one with a starting MSRP of $55 large. To be successful, Escalade has to sell as more than just the King of Bling; it's got to be believable in the role of Country Gentleman; convincing as the Grocery Getter. It's a unique challenge; one this Cadillac shares with few others.


Escalade rolls into 2007 with a new design. Still unmistakable from any other SUV, it's nonetheless distinct from its former self, chiseled and wearing more body bright work. The in-your-face face leads the way with a grinning, egg crate grille, set between wedgy, vertical headlamps. The windshield takes on a more laid back attitude, while just below, the fenders have sprouted a pair of vent ports that look more Buick than Cadillac. The rear view is lead by LEDs, high and low. Full length CHMSL (Center High-Mounted Stop Lamp) stretches across the top of the rear roof line, while outsized, vertical taillights wrap around the vehicle's corners. Cadillac gives owners a head start on personalizing their whips by offering 22-inch chrome rims for a $2,995 up-charge.


Inside, Escalade is impressively finished. A straightforward dash display is backlit with white LEDs, and blue needles punctuate the gauges. Cadillac mixes materials and textures very agreeably. Fit and finish are first rate. The layout of controls and switchgear is as easy to navigate as can be expected in a premium vehicle with lots of options. The Information Package ($2,495) includes a DVD-based Navigation system with a very legible, 8-inch screen. The screen does double duty, switching to wide angle, rear-view camera when backing up. That, and the Ultrasonic parking assist make mooring the big rig positively painless (and hopefully dentless).

Interior

Escalade seats six. First and second row buckets are accommodating of passengers of all sizes. The third row will take two, too, though it helps to be limber to get in and out, and you might have to sit knees-up in aisle three. The options list includes family-saving favorites like a rear-seat entertainment system ($1,295), and snow-belt staples like heated seats and steering wheel ($625). The standard remote starting feature is linked to the HVAC system, so you won't have to venture out into your vehicle until it's climatically up to snuff. A new design analog clock is high style, but hard to read. On the interior wish list, we'd add a steering wheel that telescopes as well as tilts and more rear quarter visibility. Second row seats (and passengers) create a blind spot on your flanks.