2012 Cadillac Escalade ESV Review
2012 Cadillac Escalade ESV Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Simultaneous cargo- and people-carrying ability
- unique visual presence
- long list of standard features
- gutsy V8
- composed ride.
Cons
- Awkward to maneuver in tight spaces
- non-foldaway third-row seat
- lackluster braking
- poor fuel economy.
What’s new
The 2012 Cadillac Escalade ESV gets minor enhancements to its navigation system.
Edmunds says
The 2012 Cadillac Escalade ESV is the odds-on favorite for luxury shoppers who need an extra-large SUV to simultaneously accommodate lots of people and cargo, and maybe tow a boat while they're at it.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2012 Cadillac Escalade ESV 4dr SUV (6.2L 8cyl 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$352/mo for Escalade ESV Base
Escalade ESV Base
vs
$254/mo
Avg. Large SUV
Vehicle overview
There are big SUVs, and then there's the 2012 Cadillac Escalade ESV. There are luxury SUVs, and then there's the Escalade ESV. Even if you can buy something more practical or more luxurious, it would be impossible to perfectly match this extended-wheelbase Escalade's ability to carry and coddle eight passengers while simultaneously hauling their luggage and towing a boat for good measure.
Whereas the regular Escalade makes little rational sense compared to more modern, less cumbersome competitors, the ESV's extra third-row seat space and cargo capacity make it stand out above almost everything else. If you have a bunch of kids and need to lug around the immense amount of stuff that comes along with them, a big SUV like the ESV is almost a necessity.
Inevitably, you need to ask this question before buying an Escalade ESV: Do I really need all this space? If the answer is yes, and you furthermore want the added luxury Cadillac provides over a Suburban, then it's a no-brainer. The Lincoln Navigator benefits from a fold-flat third row seat, but it's underpowered and its interior design is dated. However, if you'll rarely need the Escalade's people- and stuff-carrying abilities simultaneously, you'd be better off spending your money on one of those more modern, less cumbersome luxury SUVs like the Infiniti QX and Mercedes GL-Class.
Performance & mpg
The 2012 Cadillac Escalade ESV is powered by a 6.2-liter V8 that produces 403 horsepower and 417 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive are standard, but all-wheel drive is optional.
Accelerating from zero to 60 mph should take a bit more than 7 seconds, which is pretty quick for such a large SUV. Estimated EPA fuel economy is about what you'd expect from a big truck: 14 mpg city/18 mpg highway and 16 mpg combined for RWD models; AWD versions are a bit thirstier at 13/18/14. When properly equipped, the rear-drive ESV can tow 8,000 pounds. The all-wheel-drive version is 7,700 pounds.
Safety
The 2012 Cadillac Escalade ESV includes standard antilock disc brakes, stability control, traction control, front side-impact airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. Other standard safety features include rear parking sensors, a rearview camera and OnStar emergency communications. All ESV trim levels except the base model also feature a blind-spot warning system.
In Edmunds brake testing with the regular Escalade, we found that stopping distances were excessive, so it's likely that the larger, heavier ESV will fare even worse.
Driving
The 2012 Cadillac Escalade ESV is a massive vehicle, so the laws of physics are always apparent -- especially while braking. Maneuvering in tight spots can require extra caution and planning as well. That said, the ESV's powerful V8 delivers surprisingly quick acceleration, and its adaptable suspensions are well-mannered and calibrated to strike a satisfying balance between a smooth, comfortable ride and decent handling. Road impacts are noticeably harsher with the larger 22-inch wheels, however.
Interior
The Escalade's cabin, highlighted by supple leather upholstery and attractive faux-wood and alloy trim, looks and feels more luxurious than what you'd find in a Suburban. The gauges and controls are well placed and intuitive in their operation, and even the base Escalade is crammed full of luxurious features to keep you and your passengers comfortably entertained.
The Escalade ESV can accommodate seven or eight occupants, depending on the second-row configuration of either bucket seats or optional bench seating. A power fold-and-flip feature for the second-row seats eases access to the third row. Unfortunately, a more convenient foldaway third-row seat isn't available, so owners must remove and store the heavy and cumbersome 50/50 seat sections in order to boost rear cargo capacity. Still, with all seats in place, there's still 46 cubic feet of room for groceries, luggage or pets. Only Ford and Lincoln's extended-wheelbase SUVs and the Escalade's Suburban/Yukon XL relatives can match that ability to carry people and stuff simultaneously. With the rear seat sections folded and removed, the Cadillac Escalade ESV offers a cavernous, class-leading 137 cubic feet of maximum cargo space.
2012 Cadillac Escalade ESV models
The 2012 Cadillac Escalade ESV is the extended-wheelbase version of the regular Escalade, or put another way, the Cadillac version of the Chevy Suburban. Available trim levels are base, Luxury, Premium and Platinum Edition. The ESV seats seven people with the standard second-row captain's chairs, while an optional second-row bench available on all but the Platinum ups capacity to eight.
Standard equipment on the base Escalade includes 18-inch wheels, adaptive suspension dampers, rear parking sensors, power-folding and heated mirrors with driver auto-dimming, a roof rack, automatic xenon headlights, foglamps, a power liftgate, running boards, remote ignition and keyless ignition/entry. Inside you get tri-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated 10-way power front seats with four-way lumbar adjustment and driver memory functions, power-adjustable pedals, a power tilt-only steering wheel, heated second-row seats (both captain's chairs and optional bench) and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Electronic features include a rearview camera, Bluetooth phone connectivity, OnStar emergency communications, a navigation system, real-time traffic, voice controls and a 10-speaker Bose surround-sound audio system with a six-CD changer, satellite radio, iPod/USB audio interface, rear seat controls and two wireless headphones.
The Luxury adds 22-inch wheels, an upgraded magnetic automatically adaptive suspension, automatic high beams, a blind-spot warning system, a sunroof, a power-folding and -tumbling second row and a heated steering wheel. Power-retracting running boards and a rear seat entertainment system are optional on the Luxury and included on the Premium, which further adds unique exterior trim and special 22-inch wheels. LED headlights are optional on the Premium and standard on the Platinum Edition, which further adds its own unique exterior trim, 22-inch chrome wheels, leather-trimmed dash and door tops, contrasting stitching, heated and cooled cupholders, upgraded leather upholstery and unique interior color choices. The Platinum's entertainment system also gets dual display screens mounted in the front headrests.
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
2.5 out of 5 stars2.5/5Average
#15 out of 20 among Luxury Fullsize SUVs
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Cadillac Escalade ESV from 2008-2022.$851/yr
vs. $735/yr
for Average Luxury Fullsize SUV
for Average Luxury Fullsize SUV
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).1.65x/yr
vs. 1.83x/yr
for Average Luxury Fullsize SUV
for Average Luxury Fullsize SUV
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).24.4%
vs. 16.5%
for Average Luxury Fullsize SUV
for Average Luxury Fullsize SUV
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2012 Cadillac Escalade ESV.
5 star(62%)
4 star(25%)
3 star(7%)
2 star(4%)
1 star(2%)
55 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.88 out of 5 stars
A Great Luxury SUV
KMGHMG, 08/14/2010
2007 Cadillac Escalade ESV 4dr SUV AWD (6.2L 8cyl 6A)
I couldn't be more pleased with my 2007 Escalade ESV. I can't believe all the negative reviews. I have to think they're not all legit. It's very quiet, the ride is great, the interior and exterior are beautiful, it's solidly built, and it's very safe. We were just rear-ended by an F150 and all we had was a scratch on the rear bumper the size of my thumb. The F150 had $3,000+ damage. … We took a 3,500 mile road trip this summer from TX to the Rockies, and I assure you there is no finer road-trip machine. 17 mpg hwy. We've had one minor problem, which was a seal on the transfer case (under $100), and it has been back to the dealer for repair ONCE since new. This is 100% fact.
4.88 out of 5 stars
Escalade ESV Defies its Size!
Anthony, 09/04/2006
2007 Cadillac Escalade ESV 4dr SUV AWD (6.2L 8cyl 6A)
This truck is truly amazing and rides and handles as though it is substantially smaller. The perfomrance is fantastic and the fit and finish are top notch. I have the White Diamond with the Ebony interior. When comparing this truck to the European and Asian large SUV's the ESV wins on space and comfort. Besides, the rumble of the V8 engine sounds like my '71 Vette. The NAV system and … the entertainment system are great along with the rear camera. Air conditioned seats are a feature I thought I never needed and now wonder on those hot summer days how we did without. Its gas mileage isnt to bad for its size. Remember it weighs close to 3 tons so 14 mpg's ain't too shabby. I have gotten over 17 on the highway.
4.25 out of 5 stars
Very Nice
johnh4260, 06/16/2011
2009 Cadillac Escalade ESV Platinum Edition 4dr SUV AWD (6.2L 8cyl 6A)
A very nice luxury SUV. We bought it for the internal size and features of the Platinum package. In this regard, we're very satisfied.
4.38 out of 5 stars
Very Happy
Torque, 12/06/2006
2007 Cadillac Escalade ESV 4dr SUV AWD (6.2L 8cyl 6A)
After coming out of a '03 Navigator I believe Caddy stepped up to the plate. I test drove the '07 Naviagator and Expedition. The Escalade ESV is a superior vehicle. 103hp is considerable. The exterior styling is very well executed.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2012 Cadillac Escalade ESV, so we've included reviews for other years of the Escalade ESV since its last redesign.
2012 Escalade ESV Highlights
Base
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $65,770 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Flex-fuel (ffv) |
Combined MPG | 16 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $352/month |
Seating | 7 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 45.8 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Escalade ESV include:
- Back-up camera
- Blind Spot Monitoring
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
- Post-collision safety system
NHTSA Overall Rating
4 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall5 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back Seat5 / 5
- RolloverRollover3 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover23.7%
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