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Exterior

The 2002 Escalade is the first production model to display Cadillacs art and science design theme a bold, sharp-edged form that was first seen on the 1999 Evoq concept coupe and described as elegant severity. Led by a prominent egg-crate grille, the Escalade displays styling details that resemble both the Evoq and the recent Imaj concept vehicle.

Squared-off multireflector headlights complement the multifaced appearance of the front end, which has been described as gemlike. A new Cadillac wreath-and-crest insignia without the miniature ducks that adorned the previous badge decorates the grille and liftgate. Riding a 116-inch wheelbase, the Escalade stretches to 198.9 inches long overall. It is 78.9 inches wide and stands 74.2 inches tall. Seven-spoke cast aluminum wheels hold 17-inch tires.

Interior

Redesigned both inside and out, the Escalade promises greater head- , hip- and legroom in the second and third rows, with seating for eight occupants. Pewter- or shale-colored leather upholstery is standard. Front seats have power lumbar, side bolster and recliner adjustment, and the front- and second-row seats are heated. Each side of the 60/40-split, second-row seat folds in a two-step process, which creates a continuous, flat cargo floor. The third row has a 50/50-split seat.

A new center console is integrated into the Zebrano wood-trimmed dashboard. Storage slots in the console hold CDs or cassette tapes. An upper compartment in the leather-upholstered lid opens separately and has a hole for a power cord, which permits easy 12-volt accessory connections.

New analog instruments have aluminum rims, and an analog clock adds an elegant touch. A premium Bose stereo includes an in-dash six-CD changer. Stereo controls are repeated on the leather/wood steering wheel. Touching a button folds the side mirrors close to the body for squeezing through tight spots. GMs premium OnStar communication system offers Personal Calling and Virtual Advisor features. A sunroof is optional.

Under the Hood

A 5.3-liter V-8 engine develops 285 horsepower and 325 pounds-feet of torque in the rear-wheel-drive Escalade. All-wheel-drive models get a 6.0-liter V-8 that produces 345 hp and 380 pounds-feet of torque. Both engines drive a four-speed-automatic transmission.

The Escalade is the only General Motors SUV that comes with the companys StabiliTrak electronic stability system, which teams with a Road Sensing Suspension System that adjusts to various road surfaces. Both versions include a weight-distributing trailer hitch and wiring harness to tow as much as 7,700 pounds with RWD or 8,500 pounds with AWD. Cadillac claims a 0-to-60-mph acceleration time of 9.45 seconds with two-wheel drive and a swift 8.57 seconds with all-wheel drive.

Safety

Side-impact airbags for the front seat and antilock brakes are standard, along with all-speed traction control. The Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist function warns of obstacles to the rear when the vehicle is backing up.

Reported by Jim Flammang for cars.com

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