2008 Cadillac Escalade ESV Editors Ratings

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EDITORS' RATINGS OVERALL SCORE:

RATING Overall

For those who desire an extra-large luxury SUV, the Escalade ESV gets the nod over Lincoln's underpowered Navigator L.

DETAILED EDITORS' RATINGS

RATING Dynamics

The 6.2-liter V8 has loads of old-school torque, but it can't completely overcome the ESV's 3-ton curb weight. Still, the Cadillac feels quick for its size and handling is agile. Braking distances are long.

RATING Comfort

The Escalade ESV has a composed ride for a vehicle with a solid rear axle, and the cabin is exceptionally quiet. The seats are plush in the first two rows, but the third row is cramped and, with no telescoping steering wheel, the driving position can be awkward.

RATING Function

The control layout is simple, and the touchscreen interface for navigation and audio functions couldn't be more straightforward. We question the continued use of a column shifter, however, and the lack of a fold-flat third-row seat limits cargo-hauling flexibility.

RATING Design/Build Quality

Although still ostentatious, the Escalade ESV is styled perfectly for the target buyer and the use of chrome is restrained. Materials quality is vastly improved, but there are still some cheap plastics and some of the controls lack the substantial feel expected in a luxury SUV.

DETAILED PROFILE:

Comfortable

Easily the cushiest of the full-size luxury SUVs, thanks plush front seats and a forgiving ride.

Luxurious

With soft, double-stitched leather, blue electroluminescent gauges and all the familiar high-end features, the Escalade looks and acts like a true luxury vehicle.

Cargo Hauler

The third-row seat doesn't fold into the floor, but as a result, the Escalade ESV has a lower floor, giving it a huge 137-cubic-foot capacity.

Image Enhancer

It won't make inroads with environmentalists, but this vehicle gets noticed.

2008 Cadillac Escalade ESV Editors' Model Ratings