2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid
By: Juan G. Robbin
Spacious, powerful and modern. Need we say more?
Cadillac Escalade Hybrid(2009)
Redesigned in 2007, the Cadillac Escalade is the gold standard for all American full sized SUV’s. You can’t help but noticing the massive sharp angled front grille, modern, jewel-like headlights and chiseled side panels with side grills. Additionally, the prominently sized Cadillac crest insignias front and back. We can assure you, no one forgets it’s a Cadillac. In 2008 GM introduced a Two-mode Hybrid system that for the 1st time is being used in a large Luxury SUV.
Hot day? No worries simply press the ignition button on the remote as you walk towards the vehicle and it starts, voila! a comfortable interior during steamy summer days. As you enter the cabin, helped by the optional retractable running boards, you are greeted by an elegant leather and wood steering wheel with finger-tip controls managing the multi-function display, steering wheel heater, cruise control and voice activated commands. Seating up front is 1st class, with rich leather and elegant stitching. The dash is modern and clean, with gauge pointers that are back lit in white and blue. Select reverse gear and both mirrors tilt down (if you want) plus a high resolution rear back-up camera and audible sensors activate. These are just a few of the touches that clearly differentiate the Cadillac Escalade from a run-of-the-mill large SUV.
Fit and finish is excellent, with the design being clean, modern and functional. Seats, trim, textures and switchgear feel is also better than before. We tried out every seat in the vehicle, and found them all to be comfortable, especially on long trips. Second row can only be a bench seat as the large Hybrid system batteries are located under this seat. Third row seating was not as roomy, but still quite acceptable, especially for adults on short trips or kids on long trips. The multi-zone DVD and A/C system is fantastic. This reminded me when I was a kid in the late 70’s and going on summer trips in the family station-wagon, I was usually relegated to the third row-rear facing bench seat. Visions of stifling heat come back into my mind when I think about it. Where was the 2nd and 3rd row A/C vents then? 30+ years of technology make a huge difference in terms of greater comfort, safety and entertainment to pass the highway miles.
We averaged 18 MPG of real world mixed driving. The Two-Mode Hybrid system is noticeably efficient, however, if you push the Escalade Hybrid hard it will definite be noticeable in the MPG gauge. The interface between electric mode and the engine start stop feature is excellent and the only thing one feels is a very gentle shudder as the engine auto-starts. During constant speed driving, the Escalade offers a system where a four of the eight cylinders go on “sleep” mode offering much better fuel economy. We saw mid 20’s MPG at a steady 65 MPH. Upon a slight squeeze of the throttle the full V8 capability comes online without a bump or lag. Clever idea! Being smooth and gentle during acceleration is the key to squeezing the most out of the electric assist and a gallon of fuel. Anticipating stops and lifting off the gas pedal early also goes a long way towards better economy. The regenerative braking feature is slightly noticeable when using the brakes. Turning radius and steering feedback was remarkably effective and direct respectively. One nice thing Cadillac has done is bundle many of the typical options on the Escalade into standard equipment. These include navigation system, 22” chromed wheels, rearview camera among others. Yes, the hybrid version is a bit more expensive but worth the money as it gives dramatic more fuel economy and a host of desirable features and options that are now standard.
The 2009 Escalade Hybrid, Have your cake and eat it too!
The Essentials
MSRP: $70,735.00 MSRP (As tested): $72,780.00
Fuel Consumption (Observed): 18 MPG
Engine: 6.0 liter V8 with 332 HP and Two-Mode Hybrid
Popular options: Majority are now standard as part of the Hybrid package. Retractable assist steps.
Visit: www.cadillac.com