Cadillac Escalade

The Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV have been redesigned for 2021, growing in size and features. As before, the Escalade shares much with the similar Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL, including the move to a contemporary independent rear suspension. Judging from our time with the Tahoe and Suburban, it improves the ride and allows for more rear cargo space. The standard engine is a 420-hp, 6.2-liter V8. A 277-hp, 3.0-liter six-cylinder diesel engine was also offered until 2025. Both engines are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The modern cabin is overflowing with high-tech features, including a large, curved display and an available premium stereo. The Escalade comes standard with FCW and AEB with pedestrian detection. Plus, it offers the latest version of the Super Cruise automated driving system that is standard with a subscription as of 2025.

Few vehicles arrive with the Escalade's imposing look. It's extremely quiet and plush inside, with a natty interior finished in stitched leather. But its luxury is disappointingly skin deep. The stiff ride, particularly with the 22-inch wheels, is out of place in a luxury vehicle. With its clumsy handling and mediocre braking performance, the Escalade makes other full-sized SUVs seem graceful. Power is plentiful, but even with the new eight-speed automatic the Caddy gets just 16 mpg. For all its size, none of its seats really leave room to stretch out. And the third-row seat is tiny in the regular-length version. The unintuitive CUE infotainment system is a constant aggravation. Updates for 2016 included available lane-keeping assist and the addition of Apple CarPlay to the infotainment system. Updates for 2018 included a new 10-speed automatic, replacing the eight-speed unit.

This sheep in cashmere clothing pretends to be an all-new luxury SUV, but it's just a rebadged Chevy Tahoe with leather upholstery, wood trim, a cushier ride, and an inflated price tag. Virtues include a powerful engine, a smooth-shifting transmission, selectable full-time four-wheel drive, and a spacious interior. But expect sloppy handling and abysmal fuel economy. This generation Escalade was short-lived as a quick fix so Cadillac dealers had an SUV to sell like their Lincoln competitors do.