Trim levels: base

MSRP: $56,380

Notes: For years, the Chevy Suburban has been referred to as the Texas Cadillac, being a favorite of ranchers in optioned form. So, with its new Tahoe-based Escalade in place for 2002, it was no real shock to see the long-wheelbase Escalade ESV arrive for 2003. The ESV rode the Suburban's 130" wheelbase, fully 22 inches longer than its Escalade cousin. It was more or less a rebadged GMC Yukon Denali XL, with an identical powertrain. Equipped with second-row captain's chairs as standard, the plus-sized Escalade actually had fewer seats than the 8-passenger Escalade, although a bench seat was optional -- it was, of course, far roomier, though. The ESV was powered by the high-output 6.0L Vortec engine, with 345 horsepower on tap. A combined fuel economy of barely 14 miles per gallon was the result in the three-ton SUV. Power was transferred to the road by an all-wheel drive system, with no transfer case and an open center differential; this was the main mechanical difference from its Suburban/Yukon XL twins. Traction and stability control were also standard. With a massive chrome grille, the Escalade family were all instantly identifiable, and the 'Slades quickly became popular in the music industry. Internally, the ESV provided good fair for its inhabitants, with large, clear gauges for the driver, and 10-way power seats for the front row. All seats were leather-covered. An in-dash CD changer, universal garage-door opener, and day/night power mirrors were standard, among other amenities. The main problem plaguing the largest luxury SUV was its interior trim, which included fake wood trim and vast swathes of industrial-grade plastics. Visually, the ESV could be distinguished from the base Escalade by its vertical door frames, unlike the Escalade's, which wrapped around the wheel wells. At $56,000, the Escalade ESV was about ten grand more expensive than an equivalently-equipped Suburban.

Series: 2003-current

PERFORMANCE