2011 Cadillac Escalade ESV Premium

The Escalade ESV is the long-wheelbase version of Cadillac's full-size luxury SUV, built to carry seven or eight people with serious cargo space behind the third row. If you're also looking at a Lincoln Navigator L or a GMC Yukon XL Denali, the Escalade ESV is the one with the flashier badge and the more luxurious cabin. It drives like a big American SUV: smooth and isolated on the highway, with a commanding view of the road, though you'll feel its size in tight spots. Inside, the ESV treats you to acres of leather, wood, and chrome, and the extra length means adults fit comfortably in the third row with luggage to spare. The Premium trim adds heated and cooled front seats, a power-folding third row, and a premium Bose sound system, setting it apart from the Luxury. Under the hood, the 6.2L V8 makes 403 horsepower and 417 lb-ft of torque, routed through a six-speed automatic to all four wheels; expect 14 mpg combined. The Premium's standard magnetic ride control keeps the big body composed over bumps, though you'll still feel its heft in tight corners.