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2009 Cadillac Escalade Quality Review

February 22, 2009

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 9 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

roars loudly during rapid acceleration
ConsumerGuide

communicates luxury instantly
Cars.com

blue pointers impair readability
Kelley Blue Book

elegant interior
Jalopnik

Although some engine noise intrudes on the high-end experience, the 2009 Cadillac Escalade is comfortable for up to five adults, but accessing third-row seats can be difficult.

“The seats have sculpted backs to enhance interior space, and both the recline and seat-track travel are quite generous,” notes Kelley Blue Book, adding that it is “a rather high climb into the passenger compartment.” The power-folding second-row seats are comfortable to sit in, but accessing the third-row seats can be like running an obstacle course. Car and Driver feels the third-row space is “skimpy,” but other sources praise the amount of real-world room in the back. Thus, cargo room behind the seats can be expansive or merely adequate depending on whether the Escalade is a standard version or the long-wheelbase ESV.

The quality of the materials is high, and there is no shortage of luxury inside the 2009 Cadillac Escalade. Cars.com says the Escalade "communicates luxury instantly," while Automobile Magazine reports that, with “the exception of bristly carpet and cheap-feeling upper dashboard material, the three-row interior's soft-touch surfaces and finely damped switches are a step or two above what you'd find in a Tahoe or a GMC Yukon." Motor Trend appreciates the Escalade’s tightly manufactured “1mm interior gaps” and its handsome “blue-lighted gauges,” as well as a large “eight-inch nav screen.” Kelley Blue Book, however, thinks the “blue pointers impair readability.”

Both engine and exhaust noise are issues for some reviewers. Performance publications tend to like the Escalade’s exhaust note, but ConsumerGuide says the engine "roars loudly during rapid acceleration," while the "exhaust note is nearly always heard." Kelley Blue Book agrees, calling the engine noise not exactly "Cadillac-like." ConsumerGuide also notes sounds from "wind rush" once the speedometer hits 65 mph.

TheCarConnection.com’s editors feel that the Escalade’s comfort and quality are its strong points. The Escalade is virtually unbeatable for elbow and shoulder room because of its wide cabin. Seats are among the most ample and supportive of any vehicle. In both models, the second row is nearly as comfortable as the first, and in the ESV, the third row is quite roomy, though a bit difficult to access. Despite its high, truck-like driving position, the 2009 Cadillac Escalade is graced with an attractive instrument panel that wouldn’t look out of place in luxury sedan.

Conclusion

While cabin noise could use some improvement in the 2009 Cadillac Escalade, it’s comfortable and reasonably quiet.

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 9 out of 10Expert Quotes:roars loudly during rapid accelerationConsumerGuidecommunicates luxury instantlyCars.comblue pointers impair readabilityKelley Blue Bookelegant interiorJalopnik Although some engine noise intrudes on the high-end experience, the 2009 Cadillac Escalade is comfortable for up to five adults, but accessing third-row seats can be difficult. “The seats have sculpted backs to enhance interior space, and both the recline and seat-track travel are quite generous,” notes Kelley Blue Book, adding that it is “a rather high climb into the passenger compartment.” The power-folding second-row seats are comfortable to sit in, but accessing the third-row seats can be like running an obstacle course. Car and Driver feels the third-row space is “skimpy,” but other sources praise the amount of real-world room in the back. Thus, cargo room behind the seats can be expansive or merely adequate depending on whether the Escalade is a standard version or the long-wheelbase ESV. The quality of the materials is high, and there is no shortage of luxury inside the 2009 Cadillac Escalade. Cars.com says the Escalade "communicates luxury instantly," while Automobile Magazine reports that, with “the exception of bristly carpet and cheap-feeling upper dashboard material, the three-row interior's soft-touch surfaces and finely damped switches are a step or two above what you'd find in a Tahoe or a GMC Yukon." Motor Trend appreciates the Escalade’s tightly manufactured “1mm interior gaps” and its handsome “blue-lighted gauges,” as well as a large “eight-inch nav screen.” Kelley Blue Book, however, thinks the “blue pointers impair readability.” Both engine and exhaust noise are issues for some reviewers. Performance publications tend to like the Escalade’s exhaust note, but ConsumerGuide says the engine "roars loudly during rapid acceleration," while the "exhaust note is nearly always heard." Kelley Blue Book agrees, calling the engine noise not exactly "Cadillac-like." ConsumerGuide also notes sounds from "wind rush" once the speedometer hits 65 mph. TheCarConnection.com’s editors feel that the Escalade’s comfort and quality are its strong points. The Escalade is virtually unbeatable for elbow and shoulder room because of its wide cabin. Seats are among the most ample and supportive of any vehicle. In both models, the second row is nearly as comfortable as the first, and in the ESV, the third row is quite roomy, though a bit difficult to access. Despite its high, truck-like driving position, the 2009 Cadillac Escalade is graced with an attractive instrument panel that wouldn’t look out of place in luxury sedan. ConclusionWhile cabin noise could use some improvement in the 2009 Cadillac Escalade, it’s comfortable and reasonably quiet.  2009 CADILLAC ESCALADE STYLING | [9 out of 10] Kelley Blue Book: "the audacious Escalade continues to get you noticed" FamilyCar.com: “an even bolder look than its predecessor” Motor Trend: "downright opulent" Cars.com: "chrome applications emphasize vehicle's luxury status" ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The Escalade’s main competition, in terms of features, comes from the Lincoln Navigator, but the look and feel of the Navigator is antiquated; it forgoes a flashy appearance for more conservative details. The V-8 powering the Navigator provides adequate performance but comes up short against the Escalade. The Aspen offers a wide range of luxury features, but it's a half-size smaller than the Escalade, yet isn't any less cumbersome—or much more fuel-efficient—to drive. The Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is a little more manageable, but it's not quite as roomy inside either. Both the QX56 and the LX 570 have some measure of off-road ability, but their on-road handling suffers. None of these vehicles arguably have the reputation, recognition, and curb appeal that the Escalade enjoys in some circles.

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See the Cadillac Escalade in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998

Comments (2 total)

  1. By  Fabio #1, Posted: 10/7/2009

    Find and buy now Cadilac Escalade Model America

  2. By  Fabio #2, Posted: 10/7/2009

    Find and buy Cadilac Escalade

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