2010 Cadillac Escalade Review

August 29, 2009

STYLING | 9 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

downright opulent
Motor Trend

the audacious Escalade continues to get you noticed
Kelley Blue Book

an even bolder look than its predecessor
FamilyCar.com

chrome applications emphasize vehicle's luxury status
Cars.com

According to reviewers from across the Web, the plush interior of the 2010 Cadillac Escalade is matched to a macho, flashy exterior that turns heads and makes for a winning combination.

The 2010 Cadillac Escalade is available in either standard or extended-length variants; the latter provides a 21-inch increase in length and has seating capacity for up to eight adults. The Escalade shares its platform and mechanical layout with the GMC Yukon and Chevrolet Tahoe SUVs.

Despite sharing the same platform and mechanicals, the 2010 Cadillac Escalade is substantially different from either the Tahoe or the Yukon thanks to its unique style. The Escalade has been toned down from the first-generation model, but FamilyCar.com points out the Escalade’s “bigger grille, seven layers of chrome accents and just-for-show ‘vent ports’ on the front fenders gave the vehicle an even bolder look than its predecessor." Kelley Blue Book assures you that even though this particular Cadillac is "not quite as glitzy in this iteration as the last, the audacious Escalade continues to get you noticed," and Motor Trend elaborates that the new Escalade “indeed looks fresh, yet it's still instantly recognizable…the subtle alterations and finer detailing bring about a more handsome facade in addition to aerodynamic benefits."

Car and Driver, meanwhile, prefers "its more refined competitors like the Mercedes GL450/550 or Audi Q7," but according to Cars.com, the "chrome applications throughout emphasize the vehicle's luxury status."

A reviewer at the Kansas City Star finds that Cadillac applies "so much chrome that it was hard for me not to blush while I was driving it.” And while Motor Trend pegs the new cockpit as “downright opulent,” with “soft leather” and aluminum trim merging “beautifully,” Automobile Magazine thinks the style, down to the “illegible analog clock,” is less than ideal.

Conclusion

This is not the vehicle for those on the low-down; the 2010 Cadillac Escalade is still one of the flashiest SUVs on the road.

STYLING | 9 out of 10Expert Quotes:downright opulent Motor Trend the audacious Escalade continues to get you noticed Kelley Blue Bookan even bolder look than its predecessorFamilyCar.comchrome applications emphasize vehicle's luxury statusCars.com According to reviewers from across the Web, the plush interior of the 2010 Cadillac Escalade is matched to a macho, flashy exterior that turns heads and makes for a winning combination. The 2010 Cadillac Escalade is available in either standard or extended-length variants; the latter provides a 21-inch increase in length and has seating capacity for up to eight adults. The Escalade shares its platform and mechanical layout with the GMC Yukon and Chevrolet Tahoe SUVs. Despite sharing the same platform and mechanicals, the 2010 Cadillac Escalade is substantially different from either the Tahoe or the Yukon thanks to its unique style. The Escalade has been toned down from the first-generation model, but FamilyCar.com points out the Escalade’s “bigger grille, seven layers of chrome accents and just-for-show ‘vent ports’ on the front fenders gave the vehicle an even bolder look than its predecessor." Kelley Blue Book assures you that even though this particular Cadillac is "not quite as glitzy in this iteration as the last, the audacious Escalade continues to get you noticed," and Motor Trend elaborates that the new Escalade “indeed looks fresh, yet it's still instantly recognizable…the subtle alterations and finer detailing bring about a more handsome facade in addition to aerodynamic benefits." Car and Driver, meanwhile, prefers "its more refined competitors like the Mercedes GL450/550 or Audi Q7," but according to Cars.com, the "chrome applications throughout emphasize the vehicle's luxury status." A reviewer at the Kansas City Star finds that Cadillac applies "so much chrome that it was hard for me not to blush while I was driving it.” And while Motor Trend pegs the new cockpit as “downright opulent,” with “soft leather” and aluminum trim merging “beautifully,” Automobile Magazine thinks the style, down to the “illegible analog clock,” is less than ideal. ConclusionThis is not the vehicle for those on the low-down; the 2010 Cadillac Escalade is still one of the flashiest SUVs on the road. 2010 CADILLAC ESCALADE STYLING | [9 out of 10] Motor Trend: "downright opulent " Kelley Blue Book: " the audacious Escalade continues to get you noticed " FamilyCar.com: “an even bolder look than its predecessor” 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 Lincoln Navigator is the Escalade's main rival, but its styling can feel a little old-fashioned next to that of the Cadillac; it forgoes a flashy appearance for more conservative details. Additionally, the V-8 engine that powers the Navigator provides adequate performance but comes up short compared to the Escalade. The Chrysler Aspen also 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. On top of this, none of these vehicles arguably have the reputation, recognition, and straight-out curb appeal that the Escalade still enjoys in some circles.

Next Steps:

Get a free price quote

for the 2010 Cadillac Escalade from a dealer near you

Check Insurance Rates

for the 2010 Cadillac Escalade

Check Financing Rates

for the 2010 Cadillac Escalade

Check Local Classifieds

for a 2010 Cadillac Escalade near you

See the Cadillac Escalade in Other Years:

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

Comments (1 total)

  1. By mohammad #1, Posted: 11/10/2009

    yes man this is the car. drive your way, with trust.

Post a comment

Post anonymously, or
(Required)
(Required - will not be published, sold or shared)
(Optional - your 'posted by' name will link to the URL)

Remember Me?

I have read TheCarConnection.com's privacy policy