After driving the Yukon Denali and Escalade EXT, I figured it was a good time to test the Mexican-built Escalade ESV. This time, I was only able to take it for a test drive, but, after using other Suburban-based SUVs for rugged tasks, I feel I have a good handle on how this model would handle loaded down. The ESV is the newest model to the Escalade series and the largest. It’s based off the large Suburban, but with more features, some big Caddy emblems and a higher price tag. The ESV stands for Escalade Stretch Vehicle (seriously), so it’s the Escalade Escalade Stretch Vehicle…seems kind of redundant, to me the Escalade SV would have sounded cooler. After testing so many of GMs Suburban based SUVs, including the Tahoe, Avalanche, EXT and Denali, I was really looking for a little distinction in the Escalade series from the rest in the Suburban clone pack. Aside from styling differences and a more powerful engine, there’s not many differences in space and handling.
Performance, Power and Handling
The ESV has a 345 HP V8 engine that produces plenty of power and a 7,400 lb. towing capacity, the ESV is no weakling, but it’s not packing in the acceleration department. Then again, most full-size SUVs aren’t. The ESV employs Cadillac’s road sensing system, a complex system that reads current road conditions and adjusts the suspension for the smoothest ride. I did find the ride very smooth, but noticed vibration over rough pavement, something I noticed on all of the Suburban clones I’ve driven. However, the Escalade did handle more refined than the Tahoe I drove and road noise was reduced. Though, for a truck, I was not sure if I liked the smooth ride. Maybe that’s just the young side of me talking, but SUVs are supposed to have an adventure feel to them. The ESV has more of a sleepy, retired feeling to it. But then again, it is a Cadillac. The ESV has an AWD system with traction control. A system that’s always on and kicks in when needed. I did not get a chance to test this out, no snow, extreme rain or even off-road courses on my test.
I was not happy with the visibility of the ESV, even at my height, it was a challenge to see over the hood and particularly through the back window. I found myself backing very slowly and carefully, not really feeling confident of what was behind it. But, the ESV does have a backup sensing system, like that found on a school bus or commercial truck, that beeps when you get too close to something.
While driving, I picked up a strange vibration in the rear door that got worse on rough pavements. When checked, it seemed shut tightly and did not feel loose, but the sound persisted. Perhaps, being a test model, it was already abused by someone slamming the door. For some reason, it felt like it was pulling to the right while driving, it was not that windy of a day, I wouldn’t think that was the cause. But I found myself constantly keeping both hands on the wheel at all times, a little nervous to even take one off. I don’t recall noticing this with the other GM models I drove.
Fuel economy is not a big selling point for this utility truck, it’s EPA ratings show it to be 12 city and 16 highway. But, I’ve read owners report it to be as low as 8 MPG for the regular Escalade, so the larger ESV may be worse. With its cute little 31 gallon tank, you’re destined to make frequent pump stops in the ESV. Okay, it’s no secret that some SUVs are under fire for environmental issues. Unfortunately, the ESV, along with most other full-size GM SUVs, would classify as one of them because, unless purchased in California, it’s running a very outdated emissions standard called Tier 1. That kind of bothers me because there is really no reason to run that standard with newer ones available and most of the Escalades non-GM competition already running better standards.
Interior Looks and Features
First thing I noticed inside the ESV was the plain interior. The model I tested had beige leather, black plastic dash and wood accent trim. But there was nothing new or refreshing about it. The boxy, plastic en-cased stereo and AC control compartments screamed old-school GM to me. The power controls on the door panel were easy to reach and seemed to stay cool by staying out of the sun. The dark dash seemed to be too much of a contrast with the light seats and I could imagine the plastic would show scratches and not age well under sunny conditions. The AC vents were beige on the passengers side and black on the drivers side, which bothered me. The vents were a very standard looking square shape. The overall feeling I got from the interior was an 80s style squared look, with the squared off dash and arm rest/center console. I prefer a more organic look on vehicle interiors, where everything has curves and seems to flow together. But the ESV interior had a more utilitarian feeling, good for a utility vehicle I guess…but for a luxury vehicle, I’m not so sure about it. This is where my expectations for a luxury vehicle and utility vehicle clash.
The drivers seat was very comfortable, so comfortable that I felt like I was settling into it for a nap, not to drive. The seat was much wider than my rear end, a good 6 inches or so, drivers with wide girth should have plenty of room. But, the driving position was a little low, I felt a little claustrophobic with all the dash in front of me and not a lot of view through the narrow windshield.
The max seating capacity of the ESV is 8 passengers. However, the 3rd row of seats were very tight and awkward for me to get into, proving they weren’t designed for averaged sized adults and certainly not tall females wearing high heels and skirts. The 2nd row can either be two captains chairs or a bench seat that holds three. I found much more room in the 3rd row seats of a Kia Sedona.
After purchasing the ESV, you may not be able to afford plane tickets for family vacations and are forced to drive (though the gas for the ESV may be more expensive than flying). Good thing the ESV has a rear seat DVD entertainment for long drives. Though, frankly, I would rather pay for a portable DVD player that is more versatile than have one built into the vehicle.
The ESV comes with more features than you’ll probably ever need. One of them is XM radio hardware, the head unit and exterior antenna. In order to use this, you’ll have to pay a monthly service charge and, if XM suddenly disappears, you’ll just have a useless antenna up there (but it looks cool, right?).
Exterior Looks and Features
The walk-around proved the ESV to have good fit and finish, I did not notice any flaws. Like other Escalade models, the ESV has very large Caddy emblems on the front and back. I always get a kick out of the size of the emblem on the back, about the size of a basketball…that way, no one behind you will mistake it for a Suburban. The exterior of the ESV looks very much like the other to Escalades, an aggressive front end with angular headlights and tire wells that stick out. There’s a large Caddy emblem located in the center of the front grille and fog lights hidden in the matching painted bumper.
Snooping in SUV forums, one thing I constantly found full-size SUVs owners complain about is dents from parking lots. I can see where that would easily be a problem because sometimes I run into parking spaces that are barely big enough for my little Toyota. The ESV is a wide vehicle, 78.9 inches wide and wider than many mid to full size SUVs, so this could easily subject you to sticky parking problems. Many owners say they park in the back to avoid damage from other car doors. While others admitted to double parking to make sure this would not happen, which I can imagine would anger people quite a bit. Anyway, it’s a problem to consider when buying a wide vehicle like this.
The ESV is 75.7 inches tall, or roughly 6 ft. 3 inches tall. This could add some challenges for shorter drivers trying to reach the roof rack. The average curb weight in this utility truck is 5,869 lbs. It has a 10.7 inch ground clearance and a whooping 43.3 ft. turning radius, so don’t even try stuffing it into that parking spot in the opposite direction unless you like 8-point turns. To add to the parking fun, the ESV is 18.45 ft. long…the average parking spot, only 18 ft., probably much smaller in cities. So, the ESVs wide booty will most likely be hanging out where ever you park.
Safety
If you’re in the market for this, like many large SUVs owners and potential buyers, you probably won’t even bother reading this section because something this size has to be safe…right? Well, that seemed to be the feeling of the many over-fluffed reviews of the ESV I skimmed through online. One review even went as far to say that was the only reason full-size SUVs appealed to women, which I found offensive on many levels. But, you may want to read this because we’ve been shown many times that the safety of utility vehicles aren’t what they’ve been fluffed to be, especially with less safety requirements than passenger vehicles. Well, the Escalade did not get the highest ratings from the NHTSA, it got a 4 out of 5 star rating for drivers and passengers side frontal impact rating and has not even been tested for side impact yet. The ESV earned a lowly 3 star rollover resistance rating.
The ESV has dual level front airbags with a sensing system that determines the passenger size and whether to turn the airbag off or not. The airbag status is displayed in the rearview mirror.
Parting Shots
Reliability on this model is unclear with it being brand new. But I suspect that it will be similar to the standard Escalade. From what I’ve read on CarReview.com and other user reviews for the Escalade, this model is prone to have some problems, such as squeaks and noises, AC problems, transmission issues and brake issues are to name a few. I’ve mainly read about issues with the 1999 to 2002 models, so maybe many of these have been resolved. However, like many domestic full-size SUVs, the Escalade has poor depreciation and reliability ratings in my latest Consumer Reports book.
Many will say a vehicle is much more than transportation, it’s an image. And, to a certain level, I agree with that. But I’m not so sure about the image full-size luxury SUVs have. My problem is when I think of big trucks, I think of rednecks driving them with outrageously huge tires, the kind that you need a 12 ft. ladder just to get into the thing, and a gun rack with multiple Nascar stickers on the back. Drive by a Hooters parking lot on a Friday night, you’ll see the trucks I’m talking about. So, I’m having a hard time with the statement a luxury truck/SUV would make and how it fits with this image.
The ESV is a very powerful luxury SUV, but like I find with many luxury SUVs, it has a very narrow targeted audience. I don’t know that many that want this type of refinement and that need to tow their house…or something similar in weight. If I was going to spend this amount of money on a vehicle, I would want something that offers more of a driving experience. But I suspect many that would buy this will also have something sportier to drive. I’ve always wondered where the term Sports Utility Vehicle came from. When I think of sports, I think of sport cars that offer exhilarating performance. I have yet to find that in any full-size SUV, but the smaller, crossover models are getting close.
Many of the sales pitches I read for the ESV described it as a truck/SUV for the buyer who wants/needs more luxury and creature comforts. That seems like an oxymoron to me because if I was looking for those features as well as wanting to spend that much, an exhilarating driving experience would also be important. Something I can’t say the ESV offers with its mushy handling, lack luster acceleration and relaxed braking.
Simpson’s fans will appreciate the title, it’s from the Canyonero theme song from the episode where Marge became an enraged SUV driver.
Amount Paid (US$): 55,000
Model and Options: Escalade ESV
