2012 Cadillac Escalade - A luxury 8 passenger SUV

All models come standard with a 6.2-liter V8 flex-fuel engine and 6-speed automatic transmission with a choice of rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The Escalade features front independent suspension and rear 5-link suspension, both with coil springs. Fuel economy is 14 mpg city/18 highway for the rear-wheel drive and 13/18 mpg for the all-wheel drive. An engine block heater is optional on all trims.

The basic Standard trim level of this 8 passenger SUV comes with 18-inch aluminum wheels, Daytime Running Lamps, fog lamps, luggage rack, and power liftgate. Stepping up to the Luxury trim adds 22-inch chromed aluminum wheels, IntelliBeam headlamps, and power sunroof. Power-retractable assist steps are optional. Upgrading to the Premium model includes all the above features as standard, plus 22-inch aluminum wheels, Premium Collection Unique Exterior Appearance package, and tire inflation kit. LED headlamps are optional. The high-end Platinum line includes as standard all the features listed for the Standard and Luxury models and adds LED headlamps and the Platinum package. Wheel locks are optional on all models.

The entry-level Standard model includes Adaptive Remote Engine Starter, Bluetooth phone connectivity, leather seats, heated and cooled front seats, auto-dimming rearview mirror, NavTraffic, OnStar, power-adjustable pedals, power-tilt steering wheel, rearview camera, second row bucket seats, split folding third-row bench seat, tri-zone automatic climate control, and rear parking assist. Substituting a split folding bench seat for the second row is optional. The Luxury trim gains heated steering wheel, second row power seat release, and Side Blind Zone Alert. The Premium version adds the Premium Collection Unique Appearance package, while the Platinum model adds the Platinum package and heated/cooled cup holders. A second-row bench seat is not available on the Platinum.

All Escalades come with standard Bose 5.1 surround sound 10-speaker audio system with independent rear-seat audio controls, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, and steering wheel-mounted controls. A rear seat entertainment system with in-dash DVD player is optional on the Luxury trim and standard on the Premium and Platinum editions. A DVD entertainment system with screens integrated into the front headrests is standard on the Platinum model.
(Image © GM Company)

All trim levels feature front air bags, side curtain air bags, seat-mounted side-impact air bags for the front seat, OnStar, StabiliTrak vehicle stability enhancement system, and traction control. The Luxury, Premium, and Platinum trims also include Side Blind Zone Alert. In Edmunds.com brake testing, the 2012 Escalade required an abnormally long braking distance. In government crash tests, it earned four or five stars on most tests and three stars on the rollover test.

The Escalade certainly doesn't skimp on attention-grabbing status, but style aside, reviewers feel that the cramped third row seat, sluggish brakes, and low fuel economy make this a weak competitor in the large SUV segment. However, depending on the buyer's priorities, the plush interior, strong engine, and strong statement may be enough to overcome the drawbacks.