Cadillac’s flagship SUV, The New Escalade, showcases its commanding presence. Courtesy of Cadillac

The Korean automobile market is seeing a powerful surge in the release of large vehicles. New models boasting third-row seating and expansive cargo space, from massive SUVs to rugged pickup trucks capable of off-road driving, are hitting the market almost daily, each flaunting their size and strength.

On April 16, we test-drove The New Escalade, the flagship SUV of Cadillac, the premium brand of General Motors (GM), covering a 120-kilometer round trip from Seoul to Chuncheon, Gyeonggi Province. The new vehicle is an ambitious introduction to the Korean market as Cadillac aims to restore its reputation after facing an unexpected setback when an electric vehicle caught fire in an apartment in Cheongna, Incheon, shortly after the launch of its first pure EV, Lyric, last year.

Yoon Myung-ok, Executive Director and Chief Marketing Officer of GM Korea, said, “Compared to Chevrolet, Cadillac’s true value had not been fully recognized in the Korean market until now,” adding, “Fortunately, the new model sold out its initial pre-order allotment on the first day, reflecting the enthusiastic response from customers.”

The New Escalade’s exterior immediately commands attention. The top of the front grille almost reaches the shoulders of an average adult male, emphasizing its immense bulk. Even the 24-inch tires, which would seem large on most vehicles, look perfectly proportional here.

Inside, the 55-inch curved display spanning from the driver’s to the passenger’s side catches the eye. “The Executive Seating Package” complete with adjustable backrests and massage functions makes the second-row seats as comfortable as the first ones.

Caution is required when starting off. Despite its size, the New Escalade boasts explosive acceleration. A slight press on the gas pedal sent the vehicle surging forward, nearly leading to a mishap during the drive.

Following its test drive, Hyundai Motor Group’s premium full-size SUV, The All-New Palisade, also impressed with its heavy yet smooth driving feel. Equipped with a next-generation hybrid system based on two motors, the new vehicle offers a 19 percent increase in maximum output and a 9 percent boost in torque compared to its predecessor.

The vehicle’s length grew by 65 millimeters to 5,060 millimeters, and its wheelbase extended by 70 millimeters to 2,970 millimeters. Its height also rose by 15 millimeters, giving it a noticeably grander presence than the previous model. Some engine noise is inevitable, however, due to the effort needed to move its hefty frame.

Parking presents a new challenge. Squeezing between tightly parked vehicles in narrow spaces is no easy task. Thanks to the surround-view camera system and parking assist features, parking was completed without incident, but the situation highlighted the ironic struggle posed by the growing size of vehicles.

As cars get larger, technology is rapidly evolving in tandem. For example, seat vibrations alert drivers when objects are nearby and collision avoidance systems issue warnings well in advance.

Even after successfully parking, concerns about door dings linger. The long-body version of the New Escalade, with its extended wheelbase, can protrude beyond parking lines, requiring extra caution.

Meanwhile, Kia has introduced its first-ever authentic pickup truck, Tasman. Boarding and disembarking Tasman is a challenge as the vehicle’s height is considerable. Surprisingly, the side steps are offered only as an optional feature, not standard. Nevertheless, Tasman scores high marks for its design, ride comfort, and ability to handle both urban roads and off-road adventures seamlessly.

KG Mobility has also joined the large-vehicle trend with the release of its electric pickup truck, Musso EV.

SUVs have now firmly overtaken sedans as the mainstream choice. Beyond SUVs, consumers seeking a more intense driving experience, such as differentiated designs, powerful off-road capabilities, and expansive front visibility, are emerging as the core customer base for pickup trucks.

An insider from an automaker said, “In the past, a second car often meant a compact or small vehicle, but now, many consumers prefer large vehicles as second cars. Even if it means sacrificing fuel efficiency, they are choosing bigger vehicles for special occasions like outdoor activities or weekend getaways.”