We Expect The New Escalade To Dominate The Shrinking Market For Huge SUVs

Last week, we hopped a plane to South Carolina to test out the 2015 Cadillac Escalade, the latest version of the luxury SUV that was a star in the early 2000s.

In recent years, changing tastes and stricter fuel economy standards have pushed the industry away from the big and boxy toward sleeker, smaller crossover vehicles.

We drove pre-production versions of the Premium Escalade and Premium Escalade ESV (extended wheelbase), worth roughly $86,000 and $89,000, respectively.

Both are powerful, surprisingly efficient, luxurious, and full of thoughtful touches.

And Cadillac isn't worried about the declining popularity of huge SUVs. While no longer the height of style, the segment is "still healthy and it's still important," communications manager David Caldwell said. There are still wealthy drivers out there who have a taste for luxury and lots of stuff to carry.

Based on what we saw down South, a lot of them will be bringing home a new Escalade in the next year.

Disclosure: Cadillac paid for travel and accommodations for our trip to South Carolina to test the Escalade.