CHANGES FOR 2013:
- Revised grade braking performance.
- Paint changes (Escalade/Escalade ESV): Silver Coast Metallic, Midnight Plum Metallic, Sapphire Blue Metallic added.
- Paint changes (Escalade EXT): Xenon Blue, Midnight Green Metallic added.
This is an eminently comfortable and capable vehicle, and with the Hummer brand gone, it is now the best way for a GM loyalist to flaunt his or her money and love of excess. The Escalade benefits from the same downhill engine braking transmission mode as other GM full-size SUVs. We wouldn't call the Escalade pretty, but we?re in the minority and it does have a certain appeal to our sybaritic side.
The Escalade is available as the regular-wheelbase Escalade, Escalade ESV (long wheelbase version), and Escalade EXT (pickup truck version). The Escalade Hybrid is detailed in a separate entry.
Powered by a 6.2L pushrod V8 engine, all Escalades (except for the Hybrid) are equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.
Standard features on all Escalade models (except for Hybrid) include airbags (front, front seat, side curtain), OnStar, content theft alarm, engine immobilizer, four wheel disc brakes with ABS, rear locking differential, full-time all-wheel drive, single exhaust with chrome tip, automatic rear-level control system, road-sensing suspension, trailering equipment group, transmission oil cooler, remote vehicle starter, integrated assist steps with chrome accents, deep-tinted rear windows, automatic headlights, fog lights, LED taillights (non-EXT), HID headlights, midgate (EXT), body colour power heated folding mirrors with integrated turn signals, auto-dimming driver side mirror with reverse tilt, rear parking assist, rear vision camera, recovery hooks (two front mounted), chrome roof rack, 18-inch aluminum wheels, automatic tri-zone climate control (non-EXT), automatic dual-zone climate control (EXT), cruise control, TPMS, driver information centre, power liftgate (non-EXT), automatic power locks, remote keyless entry, driver seat/mirror/pedal position/steering wheel memory, auto-dimming rear view mirror, power adjustable pedals, steering wheel mounted controls, leather-wrapped steering wheel, power tilt steering column, universal home remote, power windows with auto-up/down front windows, 2nd row 60/40 split-folding bench seat (EXT), 2nd row heated reclining bucket seats (non-EXT), 3rd row removable 50/50 split-folding bench seat (non-EXT), 8-way power driver and front passenger seats, perforated leather seating surfaces, heated and cooled front seats, 10-speaker Bose AM/FM/CD/DVD/MP3 audio with navigation, USB port, auxiliary input, Bluetooth phone connectivity and wireless audio streaming, rear seat audio controls, and satellite radio.
Platinum Preferred Equipment Group 1SC adds (to Escalade/Escalade ESV) Magnetic Ride Control, 22-inch chrome wheels, LED headlights, power retractable assist steps, side blind zone alert, power tilt and slide sunroof, unique interior, upgraded leather seating surfaces, heated steering wheel, heated and cooled cupholders, 2nd row power release fold-and-tumble seats, and rear seat entertainment system.
This vehicle has not yet been reviewed