Guess Who Didn't Like the New Cadillac Escalade

Apr. 28, 2014 9:45 AM ET by Jay Traugott / 161 Comments

You won't be in the least bit surprised.

The Cadillac Escalade has been a longtime favorite amongst many rap stars and others who like to spend big on bling. Other Escalade buyers simply just like the big SUV because it's a Caddie. Whatever your reason(s) for buying one may be, the latest Escalade continues on with the bling tradition of its predecessors. That'll satisfy many, but one widely read publication isn't so thrilled with GM's latest luxury SUV.

If you guessed Consumer Reports as that publication, then you're right. In a recent review and test drive, CR compliments the Escalade for its "chiseled exterior styling and a tastefully finished, leather-laden cabin." However, the Escalade fell short in several other vital areas. For starters, power delivery from the 6.2-liter V8 and six-speed automatic transmission combo isn't good enough when compared to the competition. CR does note that an eight-speed automatic is coming soon. In fact, CR was left wondering why Caddie didn't go with the 420-hp twin-turbo V6 and eight-speed auto pairing found in the new CTS Vsport.

Other complaints included the 22-inch tires that help transmit too many bumps into the cabin, a column shifter "that brings all the grace and subtlety of a bumper jack," and a touch screen that's a far reach for many drivers. The bottom line is that CR feels Cadillac missed a huge opportunity to build a new segment-leading large luxury SUV despite its gorgeous interior and exterior designs.