The 2012 Cadillac Escalade is powered by a 6.2L V8 engine, which produces 403 horsepower and 417 lb-ft of torque. Remarkably, this SUV can splint from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.8 seconds. The engine is capable of running on a mixture of 15% gasoline and 85% ethanol.
The engine also has an Active Fuel Management technology which senses when full 8 cylinder power in not necessary. When this happens, the engine automatically adjusts to run on 4 cylinder saving fuel. The engine is further enhanced by a Hydra-Matic heavy-duty 6-speed automatic transmission.
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: SUV | Base Price: $63,170.00 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 26 gallons (98l) | MPG: 14 city / 18 hwy |
| Length: 202.5 in. (514.3 cm) | Wheel Base: 116 in. (294.6 cm) |
| Height: 75.9 in. (192.7 cm) | Width: 79 in. (200.6 cm) |
| Curb Weight: 5545 lbs (2515 kg) | Ground Clearance: 9.0 in. (22.8 cm) |
| Luggage Capacity: 16.9 cu ft | Maximum Seating: 7 people |
| Engine: Vortec® V8 VVT 2WD | Displacement: 6.2 Liter |
| Horsepower: 403 HP | Max RPM: 5700 RPM |
| Torque: 417 lb-ft @ 4300 rpm | Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic |
| Max Towing Capacity: 8300 lbs (3764 kgs) | Maximum Speed: NA |
| Option:Luxury | MSRP: $67,395; MPG: 14 city / 18 hwy |
| Option:Premium | MSRP: $71,675; MPG: 14 city / 18 hwy |
| Option:Platinum Edition | MSRP: $79,945; MPG: 14 city / 18 hwy |
Exterior
The Escalade, is available in Luxury, Base, Platinum Edition and Premium trim editions. The Base edition is available with a standard 18 inches wheels, sunroof, and automatic high beams; while the Luxury edition comes with a standard 22 inches chromed aluminum wheels. The premium has most exterior characteristics of the Luxury edition, but the wheels are painted. The Platinum Edition has a unique grille and wheels and comes with LED headlamps.
Interior
The Cadillac Escalade has a standard 7-passanger seats, with second-row captain’s chairs and a 3-person third-row bench seat. When the vacant second-row bench is added, the overall seat capacity gets to 8. The third row seats can be removed to create a 60.3 cubic feet of luggage room at the back of the second row seats.
The interior is trimmed in stylish brushed aluminum accents and polished chrome. Other key interior features include: a premium 10 speaker Bose 5.1 surround sound system, supple leather trimmed front seats, and a leather and wood-trimmed steering wheel. Other innovative technology features include a control center and a Side Blind Zone Alert.
Safety & Reliability
The Escalade comes with several standard safety features which are designed to make the SUV reliable during a ride. Some of the key safety features include: full length side curtain airbags, antilock disc brakes, rear parking sensors, OnStar emergency telematics, stability and traction control, rear view camera and front side-impact airbags. When on the road, this Cadillac delivers a rapid increase of velocity at all speed due to its big engine.
Pros
- Unique visual presence.
- Civilized road manners.
- Gusty engine.
- Ability to carry people and cargo simultaneously.
- Quick acceleration
- Many standard features.
Cons
- Insufficient third-row seat legroom.
- Poor braking performance.
- Low fuel economy.
- Uncomfortable to maneuver in tight spaces.
The Cadillac Escalade is one of the most identifiable SUVs in the market. It is suitable for big families, and for people who love style and brawn. Another reason why this Escalade is liked by many people, is due to its reliability and aggressiveness when on the road. It also scores better when considering safety matters than other luxury SUVs. Moreover, Platinum and Premium models have comfort features which make the SUV to be preferred by many customers.
It is also possible to create more room for luggage when the third row seat is folded. The 2012 Cadillac Escalade has an improved navigation system, and an improved security system. This is yet another reason why anybody wishing to buy a luxury large SUV, would opt for the 2012 Escalade.
Competition
Only the Mercedes GL450 (MSRP $62,570; 13 city / 18 hwy) and the Infiniti QX56 (MSRP $60,000; 14 city / 20 hwy) have been identified as the main competitors of the Escalade. There are others available depending on your preference.
Overall Rating
74 out of 100
What others say:
“The 2012 Cadillac Escalade lacks refinement in some ways, and isn’t as versatile as modern crossovers, but its lavish interior is supremely comfortable.”Car Connection
“Though this is a large vehicle, Escalades are stable and confident in low-to-moderate speed changes of direction.”Consumer Guide
“Acceleration is strong even when towing a heavy load, but fuel economy is a poor 13 mpg overall. The interior is quiet, and the ride is comfortable, but the small third-row seat is too low and doesn’t fold into the floor.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports
“Due to its sheer size and weight it should come as no surprise that the 2012 Cadillac Escalade lacks razor-sharp agility and steering.”KBB
“Unique visual presence; long list of standard features; gutsy V8; civilized road manners…Third-row seat lacks legroom and must be removed to maximize cargo space; lackluster braking performance; low fuel economy; high rate of theft.”Edmunds
