Used 2013 Cadillac Escalade SUV Review & Ratings

Performance

The 2013 Cadillac Escalade is powered by a very thirsty 6.2-liter V8 engine, which is complemented by a six-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. Despite that it weighs nearly 6,000 pounds, it can accelerate zero to 60 mph in only 6.5 seconds, thanks to 403 horsepower and 417 pound-feet of torque. If you have a load to tow, it can handle up to 8,100 pounds, when properly equipped. Sadly, this power comes with a price. As mentioned, this engine is thirsty, and will need a fill-up more often than most would like to provide. The 2013 Escalade will only return an average of 14 mpg in the city and 18 mpg on the highway. As you would expect, the ride is unbelievably smooth, due to a short and long-arm suspension in the front and multilink in the rear. It even has a surprisingly small turning circle at 39 feet, so it is not as difficult to maneuver and park as you might expect. This SUV handles well and allows you to really connect to the road due to its Magnetic Ride Control Suspension.

Technology

• Sound System - The 2013 Escalade comes with an in-dash CD player with MP3 playback capability, satellite radio, digital media card, BOSE speakers and one subwoofer. An in-dash DVD player is optional.
• Navigation - Your navigation system includes NavTraffic, which helps you avoid traffic tie-ups by receiving real-time alerts. Turn-by-turn directions are also available through your OnStar system.
• Rear Seat Entertainment - If you constantly have rear seat passengers, you may want to add-on this system that includes an in-dash DVD player, overhead display, wireless headphones and controls.
• Universal Remote - This three-channel programmable remote allows you to control your garage door, home alarm, etc.

Safety

Crash tests have not yet been performed on the 2013 model, but it is expected to fall in line with its predecessors. The 2012 Escalade scored “Good” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in front and side-impact crash tests, but only received a “Marginal” rating for roof-strength. OnStar comes standard that provides crisis alert, emergency services, door unlock, remote ignition block, roadside assistance, stolen vehicle slowdown and more. Other safety features include:
• Rear door safety locks
• Side blind zone alert
• StabiliTrak
• Tire-pressure monitoring
• Ultrasonic rear park assist
• Child seat anchors
• Dusk sensing headlamps
• Emergency brakeforce distribution
• Post-collision safety system
• Engine immobilizer

Appearance

It is easy to get lured in by the glitzy styling of the 2013 Cadillac Escalade. Although boxy in shape, its appearance manages to come off as rugged and sophisticated. A tall wall of chrome is a focal point on the front end while showy fenders, outward pointing headlamps and stunning wheels add the final touches.

Comfort

The cabin echoes of luxury as a blend of soft leather, wood and metallic drape from the roof to the floor. Sadly though, the styling is a little outdated with heavily styled instrument panels. Standard is a seven-passenger configuration with captain’s chairs in the second row and a bench seat as the third row. You can opt for a bench in the third row to bring seating to eight-passengers, but it’s not nearly as easy to access the back without the walk-through. As for leg and head room, there is more than enough in the first two rows, but taller individuals will struggle to get comfortable in the very back.

Cargo

Behind the third row seat, there is only 16.9 cubic feet, but with the second and third row down, you get an enormous 108.9 cubic feet. If you are not using the third row seat, you can remove it and have a permanent 60.3 cubic feet to work with back there. It should be noted that the third row does not fold flat so if you have bulky cargo, it will need to be removed.