2014 Cadillac Escalade Review

Whats New For 2014

The 2014 cadillac escalade is unchanged.

Introduction

Over the past decade, cadillac designers and engineers have done a exceptional job of transforming the brands image from over-the-hill to actually up-and-coming. Currently, though, the same nameplate that helped propel this transformation, the cadillac escalade, feels like an anachronism.

To actually its credit, the 2014 cadillac escalade maintains the attributes that created it therefore famous within the whole initial place, as well as daring styling, a robust v8, sturdy towing capability, an upscale interior and an extended list of normal features and desirable choices. Other then driving an escalade is now not as fashionable because it once was, and alongside the newer offerings during this value vary, this massive luxury suv is outdated.

Disappointing fuel economy, long braking distances, ponderous handling and 50/50-split third-row seats who have to actually be wrestled out and stashed someplace before you might want to load massive cargo became deal-breakers for several luxury suv buyers. Simple fact that the cadillac escalade has consistently been a famous target for car thieves is another outstanding turn-off.

Compared to actually its domestic rival, the lincoln navigator, the escalade remains the higher alternative given its a lot of robust v8. Other then if you do check out the infiniti qx80 ( formerly the qx56 ), lexus lx 570 and the mercedes-benz gl-class youll typically realize that they actually offer larger versatility and refinement, and are merely easier to actually drive on an everyday basis. Overall, the 2014 cadillac escalade remains a deluxe suv, other then in the face area with this modern competition, its a bit too old-school to actually recommend.

Body designs, trim levels, and options

The 2014 cadillac escalade may be a full-size suv thats offered in four trim levels : base, luxury, premium and also the top-of-the-line platinum edition. Seating for seven is normal, whereas all other then the platinum edition will conjointly be had with the use of a second-row bench that bumps capability up to actually eight passengers. The escalade hybrid, the extended-length escalade esv and also the pickup-like ext are reviewed separately.

The entry-level escalade comes fitted with 18-inch alloy wheels, an adaptive and auto-leveling suspension, a locking rear differential, automatic xenon headlights, foglights, heated power-folding mirrors with driver-side auto-dimming, rear parking sensors, towing hardware, running boards as well as a power liftgate. Within, the normal equipment list continues with tri-zone automatic climate management, leather upholstery ( vinyl within the whole third row ), heated and ventilated power front seats with driver seat memory functions, heated second-row captains chairs, a power tilt-only steering wheel, power-adjustable pedals, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and remote ignition. The list of normal electronics features includes a touchscreen navigation system, a rearview camera, bluetooth phone connectivity, onstar emergency communications as well as a 10-speaker bose surround-sound audio system with the use of a cd player, satellite radio, an auxiliary audio jack, an ipod/usb audio interface and rear controls.

Moving up to actually the luxury model adds 22-inch wheels, an upgraded adaptive suspension, automatic high beams, a sunroof, a blind-spot warning system, power flip-and-fold second-row seats as well as a heated steering wheel. Choices embody power-retractable running boards as well as a rear-seat entertainment system with the use of a only show. Springing for our premium trim level gets you the many higher than choices and body-colored styling details in position of chrome, dual exhaust tips and painted wheels. Led headlights are an possibility.

The platinum edition starts with all those goodies and adds its own special exterior styling details, 22-inch chrome wheels, upgraded leather upholstery ( as well as within the whole third row ), heated and cooled cupholders, and unique interior color choices. The normal video entertainment system conjointly gets dual headrest-mounted screens.

Powertrains and performance

Powering the 2014 cadillac escalade may be a 6. 2-liter v8 that puts out 403 horsepower and 417 pound-feet of torque. Rear-wheel drive as well as a six-speed automatic transmission are normal, with an all-wheel-drive system offered as an possibility. Note that it may be a light-duty awd system, with no low-range gearing for off-road use.

In edmunds performance tests, an all-wheel-drive escalade accelerated from zero to actually 60 mph in simply 7. 5 seconds, surprisingly quick and get a vehicle this size. Properly equipped, a two-wheel-drive escalade will tow a powerful 8, three hundredunited nations monitors. The unarme pounds.

The value for those this muscle, because you may imagine, is poor fuel economy, with epa estimates of 14 mpg city/18 mpg highway and 16 mpg combined with rear-wheel drive and 13/18/15 mpg with all-wheel drive.

Safety

The 2014 cadillac escalades list of commonplace safety features includes antilock disc brakes, stability and traction management, front seat facet airbags, facet curtain airbags that cover all 3 rows, a rearview camera and rear parking sensors. Conjointly commonplace is onstar, that includes automatic crash notification, on-demand roadside assistance, remote door unlocking and stolen vehicle assistance. A blind-spot warning system is commonplace on several however the bottom model.

In edmunds brake testing, the escalade came to some stop from 60 mph in one hundred forty four feet, a disappointing variety even to produce a full-size luxury suv. In government crash tests, the escalade earned complete rating of four out of 5 stars, with 5 stars for overall frontal and facet crash protection just 3 stars for rollover risk.

Interior design and special features

Climb behind the cadillac escalades steering wheel and youll notice yourself because we are part of a handsome area with leather upholstery accented by simulated wood and metal trim. The escalade hasnt received cadillacs latest cue electronics interface, that means that the escalades touchscreen and overall dashboard layout appearance comparatively dated. However we suspect a great deal of individuals can truly notice this older setup alittle easier to utilise.

Each front seat and second-row occupants enjoy comfortable accommodations because of heated and ventilated seats early on and heated seats within the whole second row. Theres a reliable level of head- and legroom for individuals passengers, too, which is certainly one thing that cant be same for anyone exiled onto the 50/50-split third-row seat. Its cramped even for youths.

The interiors greatest weakness, but, is that the antiquated design of these third-row seats. Unlike the examples in several of one's escalades competitors that fold inside well within the whole floor, these needs to be removed and stored so as to firmly take advantage of one's interiors humongous cargo hold ( total capability is 108. 9 cubic feet behind the front seats ). Along with the third-row seats removed, theres still the most appropriate 60. 3 cubic feet of cargo area behind the second row.

Driving impressions

Few drivers are probably to firmly accuse the 2014 cadillac escalade of not being powerful enough. Acceleration is surprisingly brisk considering the big v8 is propelling a little more than 5, 500 pounds a possibility.

Given its truck-based suv underpinnings, either of one's escalades obtainable suspensions will a exceptional job of delivering a swish ride, even on versions along with the huge 22-inch alloy wheels. But, those serious wheels and tires play a role within the whole cadillacs long braking distances, and then for that reason, wed be inclined to firmly stick along with the commonplace 18-inch wheels and tires.

Maneuverability in tight parking tons is understandably not this luxurious trucks sturdy suit, however the commonplace rearview camera and relatively tight turning radius facilitate drivers build the most beneficial of one's escalades huge dimensions.