2006 Cadillac Escalade in Cathedral City, California

Escalade is a big SUV, big in the way Cadillacs were once known for being big, when the Division built big cars with big performance and big flash. Big now means trucks (which don't have to meet the same strict fuel-economy standards as cars), flash has become bling, but the old Cadillac is back, with more power, more torque, and more dazzle-per-square inch than ever before. In its maximum-length incarnation, Escalade matches exactly the wheelbase of Caddy's famous '59 finned fantasy; while exceeding its weight by more than 1000 pounds.

The Escalade nameplate includes three dramatically different though distinctly similar models: The standard Escalade is a full-size sport utility, the same size as the Chevy Tahoe. The Escalade ESV is a Suburban-sized model. The Escalade EXT is Cadillac's interpretation of the Chevy Avalanche, a brilliantly executed sport utility truck that quickly converts from a pickup with an eight-foot bed to a five-passenger luxury vehicle. All three feature a high-performance 6.0-liter V8 and all-wheel drive.

Built on GM's superb full-size truck platform, the 2006 Escalade, ESV, and EXT are fine trucks and make excellent tow vehicles. At the same time, they're roomy, luxuriously appointed vehicles that can haul family or friends or business associates in comfort. The 6.0-liter V8 supplies serious power for quick acceleration when needed along with strong torque for towing. On the road, all three Escalades are smooth and stable, nicer in ride than a Tahoe or Suburban but taut and well-controlled by full-size SUV standards for surprisingly good handling.