2007 Cadillac Escalade ESV Road Test Ratings

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

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.

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.

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.

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.