A pop culture icon in its own time, the Cadillac Escalade offers unmatched gravitas and presence—if that's your thing.The Cadillac Escalade is the big hoss of GM's luxury lineup. It's more than just the high-falutin' version of the Suburbans, Tahoes, and Yukons that almost rival it for luxury fittings; it's probably the most recognizable Cadillac on the road today, thanks as much to its beveled edges to its imposing stance. Available in base, Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Platinum configurations, the Escalade goes from well to lavishly-equipped with the tick of a few option boxes.
Pros Imposing style Impressive technology suite Strong V-8 engine Voluminous cargo area
Cons Still a luxurious Suburban, albeit a much fancier one than before Awfully expensive, even against its rivals Is it simply too brash?
The 2017 Cadillac Escalade is unique among luxury SUVs for its large size, powerful engine and bold styling, but it comes up a bit short in terms of refinement and convenience. For 2017, the Cadillac Escalade has made minor changes to the content of its trim levels and also renamed them. New features include a teen-driver monitoring system, a rear passenger reminder (so you don't leave your kids in a hot car), an automated system for parking, and an innovative rearview mirror that incorporates a camera view.
Pros More than enough power from the standard 6.2-liter V8 engine Luxurious cabin remains pleasantly quiet in nearly any circumstance Optional second-row bench increases seating capacity to eight Impressive towing abilities that most competitors can't match.
Cons Truck-based chassis translates into a less refined ride quality High cargo floor makes loading more difficult Third-row seats are uncomfortable even for children The infotainment system can sometimes be frustrating.
The 2017 Cadillac Escalade ranks 4 out of 8 Luxury Large SUVs. In the realm of large luxury SUVs, the 2017 Cadillac Escalade is one of the biggest you can buy, with a robust V8 engine and an upscale, plush cabin. However, refinement you’ll find in the interior doesn't carry over into ride quality.
Pros Elegant, well-built cabin Muscular V8 engine Extended-wheelbase ESV expands third-row and cargo space
Cons Infotainment system can be slow and confusing Cramped third-row seat in standard configuration Ride and handling are less refined than rivals Limited cargo space behind third row in standard configuration
The 2017 Lexus GX ranks 22 out of 22 Luxury Midsize SUVs. The 2017 Lexus GX ranks near the bottom of the luxury midsize SUV class. If you want a luxury SUV with off-road capabilities (and standard four-wheel drive), then the GX is one of the few midsize choices that will meet your criteria. It also comes standard with seating for seven. In most other respects, however, you’re better off looking at most other vehicles in the class.
Pros Excellent off-road abilities Intuitive technology features
Cons Low fuel economy estimates Timid acceleration Unremarkable cabin materials
For an old-school SUV, the Lexus GX acquits itself quite well.Underneath its sharply-styled body and high-end interior, the Lexus GX 460 hides a utilitarian frame and a suspension shared with the foreign-market Toyota Land Cruiser Prado. Why's that important? The Prado, which is unrelated to the Land Cruiser sold at Toyota dealers in the United States, is a serious work truck designed for farmers in Australia and peacekeepers in Somalia. That helps explain some of its compromises—but despite its high step-in and quirky tailgate, the Lexus GX 460 does a lot of things very well.
Pros Truck-based solidity Smooth and strong V-8 engine Plush ride quality Comfortable interior Off-road ability
Cons Side-opening hatch opens away from the curb Too-light steering Poor gas mileage Spongy brake pedal feel Compromised cargo area
Lexus has added the Sport Design package to the 2017 GX 460, which includes some different wheels, a different front grille and additional exterior chrome trim pieces. Second-row captain's chairs are a new feature for the GX 460.
Pros Capable off-road performance requires little effort from the driver Plenty of luxury features and cabin amenities.
Cons Poor acceleration and fuel economy from the V8 engine Uncomfortable standard second-row bench seats Inconvenient side-swinging rear cargo door Relatively ponderous handling around turns.
