The third generation truly establishes the modern Escalade image with its massive styling, vertical light signatures and an equipment level that makes it exportable well beyond the United States. Cadillac delivers here a genuine road flagship, and even offers a rare hybrid version. Its obvious rival remains the Lincoln Navigator, even though the Escalade refines its status as a cultural symbol and the most demonstrative large American SUV.
The 6.2 L92 V8 is the heart of the range and suits the size well, while the 6.0 LZ1 hybrid is interesting mainly for its technical singularity. In both cases the model depends heavily on cooling quality, the 6L80 gearbox, the active suspension and front axle condition. A well-serviced Escalade III remains surprisingly hushed and composed, but a tired example quickly becomes heavy, imprecise and expensive to sort.