2007 Cadillac Escalade Road Test Ratings

The '07 Escalade has loads of personality, but alongside competitors from Mercedes and Lexus, it still falls short in refinement.

The 6.2-liter V8 has loads of old-school torque, but a hefty curb weight keeps it from challenging the new GL450 in a straight line. Handling is impressive for an SUV of this size, but braking distances are long.

The Escalade 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 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.