DriveTech

2007 Cadillac Escalade All-Wheel Drive

Don't care about fuel prices? Need to haul up to seven passengers or a lot of gear but you want to do it in style? Well I have just the vehicle for you, the totally redesigned Cadillac Escalade All Wheel Drive. What an SUV, this Cadillac is at the top of my list if I needed something this big, not only does it drive well but it is more comfortable than my recliner, and I love my recliner.
Cadillac made some substantial changes for 07 from exterior sheet metal to suspension upgrades that included a stronger frame, coil over shock front suspension, and rack and pinion steering for improved handling. You also get road sensing suspension and automatic leveling standard on the 2007 Escalade. Cadillac added traction control to keep you and yours on the road at all speeds and to help you stop ABS four wheel disc brakes, yeas you can opt for the 2-wheel drive if you're not into all-wheel drive.
I must tell you this Escalade drives like a car, smooth and very responsive even if you have to do a panic maneuver and this model came with the optional 22-inch chrome aluminum wheel package that really set off the white diamond exterior paint job. As I have mentioned in past stories chrome seems to be on the way out but not on the Escalade, the chrome front grill really stands out and accents the Escalade perfectly.
Going under the hood for a moment you will find a new power plant, a Vortec 6.2-liter all aluminum V8 pumping out a healthy 403 horsepower at 5700 rpm and a torque reading of 417 pound foot of torque at 4400 rpm, talk about towing power! Since fuel prices are sky high you're probably wondering what kind of mileage will this beast get? You may be surprised with 13 in the city and 19 on the open road, not bad for a vehicle that tips the scale at 5665 pounds. You can also haul up to 1435 pounds of goods and toys and with the automatic leveler your ride will stay level and true. The V8 is backed by a 6-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with Drive Shift control for added control and safety.
Moving inside you will be surrounded by luxury from the butter smooth leather seating to the wood and leather accents. The driver seat can be adjusted 14 ways for the driver and passenger and if heat is what you're looking for that can be accomplished by the push of a button and the heat level is adjustable. You get a big center console with the shifter on the steering column for added space between you and your passenger. The console is wood and leather trimmed with two cup holders and the lower cavity of the console is big enough to lose an item or two while the top compartment is nicely lined and will hold cell phones and other very important items! The dash is very pleasing to the eye thanks to the very cool-blue needles that tell you where your speed is and revolutions per minute the engine is putting out at the tachometer. Yes you also get a complete information center that tells you everything you need to know about the condition of the engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid and tire pressure measuring each tire separately, very cool. You can also custom set all the features on the Escalade to your desired settings, you can even have the remote starting option if you would like.
Normally the back seat riders are just along for the ride but in the Escalade they get their own control panel (See photo) where they can heat their seats and control the climate in the rear, sorry the third row seating is just along for the ride, and yes you can remove those seats with ease for added storage space. I like the fact that the rear hatch will open and close electrically so you don't have to set your groceries down to open the hatch. This feature seems to be getting popular with high end SUV's.
I would be remised if I didn't mention the sound system, Bose 5.1 surround system with XM radio and a CD player, what more could you ask for and a back-up camera that is sharp and clear as the TV I watch at home and if this Escalade had the optional entertainment system in it I would have probably spent the night reclining in the back seat.
With a vehicle this big safety is a concern, but Cadillac has taken care of that by giving all passenger safety features, air bags up front, head curtain and side air bags, crumple zones, beams in the doors, 3-point seat belt systems plus child seat latches. You also get a back up warning system that I just love and truly my favorite, OnStar, push a button and talk to a human if you lost or the system will alert authorities in the event of an air bag deployment and can follow your Escalade if reported stolen.
So head up to my buddies at Rorick Buick and try out the all new Cadillac Escalade they are in the Car Country Carlsbad Auto Mall, but if you can't get up there at least stop by a Cadillac dealer in your area and see what you think about the all new Escalade!