It’s available in either standard or extended length, with the longer version offering a 21-inch increase to boost seating capacity up to eight adults. As in years past, the Escalade shares its basic mechanical underpinnings with the GMC Yukon and Chevrolet Tahoe SUVs. Changes for the 2010 model year include an ironically-named new Silver Lining exterior color, replacing both Quick Silver and Blue Chip, plus a USB connection in the center console, Side thorax air bags added to the front outboard seats, a revised inner door design for enhanced safety and a revised parking brake release.
Carrying forward last year’s debut of a 6.2-liter, V-8 engine capable of burning E85 fuel, the 2010 Cadillac Escalade also features Magnetic Ride Control suspension matched with a range of 22-inch wheel/tire combinations. For those that face strong winters, all-wheel drive is available, while milder climates can choose rear-wheel drive. Fuel consumption is cut with help from a six-speed automatic transmission and Active Fuel Management, but the Escalade still gets relatively poor fuel economy figures of 12 mpg city across the entire lineup, though things pick up to either 18 or 19 mpg highway, depending on the model. Start hopping from stoplight to stoplight in the real world, and mileage can easily dip into single-digit territory, as our editors have observed.
Power is never lacking, however, with even steep grades and full loads failing to blunt the 2010 Cadillac Escalade’s willing acceleration. The six-speed automatic transmission is smooth, rarely hunting for the right gear. Handling is what you’d expect from a large SUV, though it’s still one of the most fun-to-drive in the segment. Its brakes are powerful enough to slow it safely, and the ride remains smooth and compliant in the process. Aside from some minor engine noise, the cabin is quiet and peaceful.
The interior of the 2010 Cadillac Escalade is roomy, comfortable, and luxurious despite its truck roots
Enlarge PhotoLarger passengers will welcome the Escalade’s abundant elbow and shoulder room. The wide cabin means the seats are among the roomiest and most supportive of any vehicle. In both models, the second row is barely a downgrade from the front, and in the ESV, the third row is spacious enough, though getting back there can be difficult. The high, pickup-like driving position is likely something its buyers will enjoy, as is the 2010 Cadillac Escalade’s attractive, luxury sedan-like instrument panel.
Safety is a priority for the Escalade, with head-curtain side airbags covering all three rows and front side airbags standard. Rollover mitigation from the StabiliTrak stability control system helps keep the shiny side up, but despite the digital wizardry, the Escalade still gets a low three-star rating for rollover likelihood in government testing, thanks mostly to its high center of gravity, but five-star frontal and side crash protection ratings bring the 2010 Escalade back up to snuff.
A power-tilting steering wheel, automatic-up power windows for the front row, a new light Cashmere/Cocoa interior color combination, and rear-seat audio jacks were new for 2009 and carry over to the 2010 model. Optional upgrades include an eight-inch touch-screen navigation system, a Bose 5.1 Digital Surround Sound system, cooled front seats, and power-actuated running boards. Getting that boat out to the lake is a breeze with a maximum tow rating of 7,800 pounds when properly equipped.
Overall, the 2010 Cadillac Escalade does best what it has all along: delivering solid, luxurious and spacious accommodations with an advanced feature set and enough on-road capability to make it an all-around vehicle - provided you can live with its thirst for dino-juice.2010 Cadillac Escalade
Enlarge PhotoLarger passengers will welcome the Escalade’s abundant elbow and shoulder room. The wide cabin means the seats are among the roomiest and most supportive of any vehicle. In both models, the second row is barely a downgrade from the front, and in the ESV, the third row is spacious enough, though getting back there can be difficult. The high, pickup-like driving position is likely something its buyers will enjoy, as is the 2010 Cadillac Escalade’s attractive, luxury sedan-like instrument panel.
Safety is a priority for the Escalade, with head-curtain side airbags covering all three rows and front side airbags standard. Rollover mitigation from the StabiliTrak stability control system helps keep the shiny side up, but despite the digital wizardry, the Escalade still gets a low three-star rating for rollover likelihood in government testing, thanks mostly to its high center of gravity, but five-star frontal and side crash protection ratings bring the 2010 Escalade back up to snuff.
A power-tilting steering wheel, automatic-up power windows for the front row, a new light Cashmere/Cocoa interior color combination, and rear-seat audio jacks were new for 2009 and carry over to the 2010 model. Optional upgrades include an eight-inch touch-screen navigation system, a Bose 5.1 Digital Surround Sound system, cooled front seats, and power-actuated running boards. Getting that boat out to the lake is a breeze with a maximum tow rating of 7,800 pounds when properly equipped.
Overall, the 2010 Cadillac Escalade does best what it has all along: delivering solid, luxurious and spacious accommodations with an advanced feature set and enough on-road capability to make it an all-around vehicle - provided you can live with its thirst for dino-juice.2010 Cadillac Escalade
