Cadillac Escalade Model Overview

The Cadillac Escalade is a full-size sport utility vehicle sold by General Motors. The Escalade was first unveiled in 1999 as a response to the Japanese and German competitors. This SUV was originally based on the GMC Yukon Denali and the Chevrolet Tahoe. For the 2002 model year the Escalade was completely renewed to correspond Cadillac's new design. The models range includes ESV and EXT series, both offered for the second generation Escalade. The ESV is based on the Chevy Suburban and the EXT - on the Avalanche SUV. The Cadillac Escalade has lots of rivals, including Lincoln Navigator, Land Rover LR3, Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, and Lexus LX.

The first generation Cadillac Escalade came as a five-seat SUV only. It was equipped with a 5.7L Vortec 5700 V8 engine producing 255 hp. The interior featured all-leather seats and Bose surround system, used in SUVs for the first time. The first generation Escalade was 201.2-inch long, 77.0-inch wide, 74.3-inch high. The second generation debuted in 2002. Available as a five-door SUV and a four-door sport utility truck, the Escalade now could seat up to 8 passengers. The 5.3 L V8 engine was standard, while the HO Vortec 6.0 L V8 engine came as an option. The stretched ESV model featured heated and ventilated seats, cup holders, 20-inch wheels and additional chrome accessories. In 2005, there was also introduced the Platinum version of the Escalade ESV.

Unveiled in 2007, the third generation Escalade was based on the GMT900 platform. The new generation Escalade was again joined by the same stretched ESV version and EXT sport utility truck. The vehicle featured an all-aluminum 6.2 L Vortec V8 engine producing 403 horsepower. The engine came with variable valve timing that altered engine characteristics to optimize performance and reduce fuel consumption.

The new 2011 Cadillac Escalade features standard 403-horsepower V8 engine, six-speed automatic transmission, and rear-wheel drive. The main vehicle's upgrade is the cylinder deactivation technology that improves fuel economy. Standard Cadillac Escalade accessories list includes 18-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlights, and a power lift gate. The 2011 version comes with an easy to use navigation system, stability control, traction control, and rear parking sensors.

The 2010 Cadillac Escalade carries over from 2009.