2014 Cadillac Escalade / Escalade ESV Expert Review
Reviewed by Christian Seabaugh
Vehicle Overview
It's been a long time since the Cadillac Escalade was name-dropped in a rap song. It's also been a pretty long time since Cadillac's bling king received any real updates, and 2014 is no different -- especially considering the fact that we're expecting the next-gen 2015 Escalade to drop early next year. The Cadillac brute is offered as the standard Escalade, and as the stretched Chevrolet Suburban-sized 2014 Escalade ESV. Available in rear- or all-wheel drive, there's only one engine option for 2014, a 6.2-liter V-8 that makes 403 hp and 417 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic. Not that an Escalade buyer really cares, but rear-drive models net an EPA-estimated 14/18 mpg city/highway, while all-wheel drive models are good for 13/18 mpg.
The Cadillac Escalade has begun to lose its luster in our eyes. During our time with a top-of-the-line 2012 Escalade ESV Platinum
tester we liked the SUV's curb appeal, but found it "dynamically challenged" out on the road. "Basically when it comes down to it, the Escalade drives like what it is: a 5-year old body-on-frame SUV. But we know the folks at Cadillac are more than capable of engineering something that's better in all regards."
The 2014 Cadillac Escalade is unchanged this year, aside from adding a new color, and eliminating the Escalade EXT pickup and hybrid models. Given the string of hits Cadillac has had lately, we're not worried about the direction of the 2015 Escalade; we're sure the next one will be better.
New for 2014
Cadillac has dropped the Escalade Hybrid, and Escalade EXT Sport Utility Truck this year, since the related Chevrolet Avalanche went out of production. The automaker has made up for the deletions by adding Midnight Plum Metallic to the Escalade and Escalade ESV's color palette. Not to worry though, an all-new Escalade should hit the streets next year.
Key Competitors
Sum Up
No longer a tweener, the CTS looks to take on Bimmer and Benz
