It's just too large, especially the one tacked onto the rear tailgate. Under the hood is the most powerful engine available in any regular production sport-utility vehicle. On the flip side, fuel mileage is a dismal 12-16 mpg on premium unleaded gasoline. That's a good setup for dealing with slippery pavement, particularly because it's integrated with traction control and Cadillac's StabiliTrak computer handling system. But for off-roading, it's not as effective as a traditional transfer case that locks the front wheels and has a high and low range.
Navigator has the better setup in that regard.
But in all other respects, the new Escalade is a superior performer and a huge improvement over the first-generation Escalade. General Motors engineers have done a terrific job in tuning the suspension using electronically adjustable shock absorbers. The truck handles with less body roll, and pavement irregularities like expansion joints and potholes pass underneath the 17-inch tires almost unnoticed. The four-wheel disc brakes are another major improvement, delivering a firm, confident feel when hauling the heavy cruiser down from freeway speeds. Inside, the emphasis of course is on luxury.