2017 Cadillac Escalade ESV: A Comprehensive Overview
The 2017 Cadillac Escalade ESV stands as a pinnacle of American luxury SUVs, offering unparalleled space, power, and sophisticated amenities. As an extended-wheelbase version of the already substantial Escalade, the ESV amplifies its utility, making it an ideal choice for those who demand maximum passenger and cargo capacity without compromising on premium comfort and advanced technology.
Highlights
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Engine: At the heart of the 2017 Escalade ESV is a potent 6.2-liter V8 engine. This powerhouse delivers a commanding 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission, it provides robust acceleration and confident towing capabilities. The engine's robust output ensures that even with a full complement of passengers and cargo, the Escalade ESV maintains effortless performance.
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Safety Features: Cadillac equipped the 2017 Escalade ESV with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety and driver-assistance technologies designed to enhance awareness and prevent accidents:
- Forward Collision Alert: Utilizes sensors to detect potential frontal collisions and alerts the driver.
- Low-Speed Forward Automatic Braking: Can automatically apply the brakes at lower speeds if a collision is imminent, mitigating or avoiding impact.
- Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning: Provides gentle steering correction to keep the vehicle centered in its lane and alerts the driver if they inadvertently drift.
- Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert: Monitors adjacent lanes for approaching vehicles and alerts the driver to potential hazards when changing lanes.
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: Detects approaching vehicles from either side when the Escalade is in reverse, assisting with safe backing out of parking spaces.
- Adaptive Cruise Control: Automatically adjusts the vehicle's speed to maintain a preset distance from the car ahead, easing highway driving.
- StabiliTrak Stability Control System: Helps prevent skidding and loss of traction during emergency maneuvers.
- Surround Vision: Offers a bird's-eye view of the vehicle's surroundings, aiding in parking and low-speed maneuvering.
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Trim Summary: The 2017 Escalade ESV was offered in distinct trims, each building upon the previous with increasing levels of luxury and features:
- Luxury: The foundational trim, still incredibly well-appointed with premium leather seating, tri-zone automatic climate control, heated and cooled front seats, a Bose® Centerpoint® Surround Sound system, and the Cadillac User Experience (CUE) infotainment system with an 8-inch diagonal color touchscreen.
- Premium: Builds upon the Luxury trim by adding a Driver Awareness Package (including the safety features mentioned above), a power sunroof, a Blu-ray DVD entertainment system with a rear-seat display, and 22-inch premium forged aluminum wheels.
- Platinum: Represents the pinnacle of Escalade luxury, featuring semi-aniline leather seating surfaces with massage front seats, Nappa leather-trimmed dashboard and door panels, a suede microfiber headliner, and the aforementioned premium features from the Premium trim.
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Other Notable Aspects:
- Spacious Interior: The ESV's extended wheelbase translates to significantly more cargo space behind the third row, making it ideal for hauling luggage, sports equipment, or large purchases.
- Magnetic Ride Control: Standard on all trims, this adaptive suspension system reads the road surface up to 1,000 times per second, adjusting damping for a supremely comfortable and controlled ride, even with the substantial size.
- CUE Infotainment System: While sometimes debated for its learning curve, the CUE system offers a sleek interface with features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility (available), integrated navigation, and voice recognition for hands-free control.
What to Expect
Owning a 2017 Cadillac Escalade ESV is typically an experience of opulent comfort and commanding road presence. The quiet and refined cabin, thanks to excellent sound deadening and the Magnetic Ride Control, makes for a serene environment, whether on long highway journeys or navigating city streets. The powerful V8 engine provides effortless acceleration and ample torque for towing or hauling, making it a versatile vehicle.
Maintenance: As a luxury SUV with a sophisticated V8 engine and advanced technology, the Escalade ESV generally requires adherence to Cadillac's recommended maintenance schedule. This will include regular oil changes, filter replacements, and fluid checks. While the 6.2L V8 is known for its reliability, premium components and specialized fluids may contribute to slightly higher maintenance costs compared to less luxurious or smaller vehicles. Routine checks of the suspension and braking systems are also important to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
Insurance: Due to its luxury status, high performance, and advanced safety features, insurance premiums for the 2017 Cadillac Escalade ESV are typically higher than for a mainstream SUV. Factors such as your driving record, location, coverage levels, and the specific trim level will significantly influence the cost. It is advisable to obtain insurance quotes from multiple providers to secure the best rates.
Potential Considerations
While the 2017 Escalade ESV excels in many areas, prospective buyers should be aware of a few potential considerations:
- Fuel Economy: The potent 6.2-liter V8 engine, while powerful and smooth, is not the most fuel-efficient. Expect relatively low miles per gallon, especially in city driving conditions. This is a common trade-off for large, powerful luxury SUVs.
- Maneuverability: Despite advanced parking aids and a rearview camera, the sheer size of the Escalade ESV can make it challenging to maneuver in tight parking spaces or navigate congested urban environments. Its long wheelbase contributes to a larger turning radius.
- Infotainment System Learning Curve: While the Cadillac User Experience (CUE) system is visually appealing and feature-rich, some users find its touch-sensitive controls and menu navigation to have a steeper learning curve compared to more traditional button-based systems.
Overall Summary
The 2017 Cadillac Escalade ESV is a formidable luxury SUV that successfully blends imposing presence with refined comfort and robust capability. Its spacious interior, powerful V8 engine, and extensive list of premium features and advanced safety technologies make it a compelling choice for families or individuals who prioritize luxury, utility, and a commanding driving experience. While fuel consumption and maneuverability in tight spaces are factors to consider, the Escalade ESV remains a benchmark in its segment for those seeking the ultimate in American luxury SUV design and execution.