2006 Cadillac Escalade ESV Review
2006 Cadillac Escalade ESV Review
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Used Escalade ESV for sale
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Endless V8 power, plush ride quality, feels relatively nimble around turns, comfortable seats, plenty of cargo capacity, all the latest technological gadgets, best-in-class towing capacity.
Cons
- Poor mileage, huge size makes it cumbersome in tight spots, a few noticeable instances of cost cutting.
What’s new
The Cadillac Escalade ESV rolls into 2006 unchanged.
Edmunds says
With its brash styling, class-leading V8 power, well-sorted vehicle dynamics and cavernous interior, the ESV is the Escalade of choice for those who want maximum utility and luxury.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2006 Cadillac Escalade ESV 4dr SUV AWD (6.0L 8cyl 4A) 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 $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$304/mo for Escalade ESV Base
Escalade ESV Base
vs
$247/mo
Avg. Large SUV
Vehicle overview
When the Escalade was introduced in 1999, the Cadillac faithful were a little nervous. After all, the idea of a truck bearing the Cadillac wreath and crest just didn't seem like it had much promise. And then there was the vehicle itself -- an underpowered, over-clad behemoth that used heavy doses of leather and wood trim to conceal the fact that it was nothing more than a slightly reworked Chevrolet Tahoe. But to everyone's surprise, the Escalade sold well. The public's insatiable thirst for SUVs overcame the original vehicle's initial mediocrity to make it one of the best-selling models in Cadillac's lineup. After skipping the 2001 model year, the Escalade returned in 2002 with an all-new look and significantly revised underpinnings. The results were nothing short of a home run as the Escalade became one of the most popular full-size luxury sport-utilities on the market. Its combination of bold styling and class-leading engine power made it popular with high-profile athletes and power-hungry executives alike.
The introduction of the extended-wheelbase ESV in 2003 broadened the Escalade's appeal even further, as it now offers buyers the most passenger and cargo capacity available in a full-size luxury SUV. Although it's based on the Chevrolet Suburban/GMC Yukon XL twins, the Escalade ESV features enough exclusive hardware to qualify it for premium status. If you like 'em big, bold and chock-full of high-tech goodies, the Escalade ESV is as good as it gets.
Performance & mpg
The ESV comes in all-wheel drive only, and its sole power plant is the same high-output 6.0-liter V8 engine found in the regular Escalade and Escalade EXT. Thanks to 345 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque, acceleration is surprisingly brisk for such a large vehicle, but you pay for it with low fuel mileage, which is estimated at 12 city/16 highway. Properly equipped, the Cadillac ESV can tow 7,800 pounds.
Safety
All Escalades come standard with the StabiliTrak stability control system as well as four-wheel antilock disc brakes, side airbags for the driver and front passenger and the OnStar communications system. Additional safety enhancements include a tire-pressure monitoring system, rear parking sensors and a front-passenger sensor that can detect the presence of a child and depower the airbag accordingly. In frontal-impact tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Escalade ESV earned four out of five stars for driver protection and three stars for front-passenger protection.
Driving
Despite its imposing size, the Escalade ESV handles itself admirably. Body roll is kept well under control and the continuous adjustments made by the standard Road Sensing Suspension (RSS) maintain an excellent balance between ride quality and road feel. The steering can feel a bit numb on the highway, but it lightens up nicely during low-speed maneuvers. The 6.0-liter V8 provides ample passing power, while the four-speed automatic transmission does an excellent job of choosing the right gears. Overall, a very comfortable and competent cruiser that rarely gets out of sorts no matter what you throw at it.
Interior
As you would expect in a luxury SUV, the ESV's interior features plenty of soft leather and shiny wood accents. There's plenty of room for five adults to stretch out and even those banished to the third-row seats will find enough room to rest in comfort. The limited-production Platinum edition adds unique leather, wood and chrome accents along with a premium headliner and a dual-screen DVD entertainment system.
2006 Cadillac Escalade ESV models
The seven-passenger Escalade ESV comes in one trim level only, but a limited-production Platinum edition offers several additional features for those looking for something more distinctive. The standard features list includes everything you would expect in a luxury sport-utility. There's leather upholstery, tri-zone automatic climate control, a multifunction driver information center, second-row captain's chairs, the OnStar communications system, satellite radio, power-adjustable pedals, a thundering Bose audio system, HID headlights and stability control just to name a few. The short options list consists of a rear DVD video entertainment system, a second-row bench seat that increases passenger capacity to eight, a sunroof and chromed aluminum wheels. The Platinum edition adds more wood and chrome trim to the interior, a dual-screen DVD system, navigation system, a chrome grille and a lowered suspension finished off with 20-inch chrome wheels.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2006 Cadillac Escalade ESV.
5 star(86%)
4 star(14%)
3 star(0%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
28 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.88 out of 5 stars
Love My Cadi
ladyjacobsen, 12/09/2007
2006 Cadillac Escalade ESV Platinum Edition 4dr SUV AWD (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
I love this SUV once you drive a Cadi like this your so spoiled nothing else will do! The room is fab the kids don't even have to touch each other (but they do anyway ;) ) This is a keeper; even with the new body style out i love my 06! It is a 10 plus. Large and in charge!
4.5 out of 5 stars
Well Worth the Money
BillyG, 11/14/2005
2005 Cadillac Escalade ESV AWD 4dr SUV (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
I have had a Chevrolet Suburban and a GMC Yukon XL and neither compare to the Cadillac Escalade ESV. It is a very expensive SUV but it is well worth the extra money. The only negative is the gas mileage but I knew that before buying. I strongly recommend buying to anyone considering the Escalade ESV.
4.88 out of 5 stars
My Third Escalade
Blake, 12/21/2005
2006 Cadillac Escalade ESV 4dr SUV AWD (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
This is my third Escalade, the second of this series. I have driven them a total of ~150,000 miles, over seven years, mixed city/highway. They have averaged ~13.5MPG. They continue to get better, and I have had NO problems, with very quiet driving experiences. These are the best vehicles on the planet! (Especially the later models)
4.25 out of 5 stars
Sweet Ride
Mike, 05/18/2006
2006 Cadillac Escalade ESV Platinum Edition 4dr SUV AWD (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
I bought a nice new 2006 Cadillac Escalade ESV Platinum Edition in Black Raven. What a Sweet Ride! It provides great comfort, good handling, and a lot of power under the hood! I love the BOSE sound system with XM Satelite radio, 6 disc CD changer, speed sensitive volume control, 2 DVD screens, nice navigation system, OnStar, heated / cooled seats and cupholders, adjustable pedals, 20 … inch Cadillac chrome wheels, heated winsheild washer fluid, HID headlights, how the mirrors adjust when backing up, and parking sensor. This truck actually gets decent gas mileage. I also like how it fits 7 people, has a lot of headroom, VERY comfortable seats, heated mirrors and 14-way power memory driver and passenger seats. Overall this is a really sweet truck! A++++
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2006 Cadillac Escalade ESV, so we've included reviews for other years of the Escalade ESV since its last redesign.
2006 Escalade ESV Highlights
Base
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $58,805 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 13 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $304/month |
Seating | 7 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 45.7 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | all wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Escalade ESV include:
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
- Post-collision safety system
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger3 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover3 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
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