The 2009 Cadillac Escalade is the first luxury full-sized SUV hybrid to come onto the market. With the capacity for eight passengers, this SUV is a wide-bodied machine that starts around $70,000 ($70,735 to be exact). With that kind of price tag in this kind of economy, these hybrid SUVs are not exactly flying off the lots, but a market still does exist.
Running on GM’s two-mode hybrid system, which includes an electrically variable engine and 300 volt nickel-metal hybrid battery, reports are that the Cadillac Escalade hybrid starts easily from full stops and commands a powerful feeling as it’s driven. Under the hood is a 6.0-liter V8 engine with Active Fuel Management, GM’s way of conserving gas and deactivating the cylinders as the SUV slows. Compared to the non-hybrid version of the Cadillac Escalade, which gets 12 miles to the gallon in the city and 19 on the highway, the hybrid version gets 20 miles per gallon in the city and 21 on the highway.
Just like its standard fuel cousin, the hybrid Escalade is heavy on accents that make for an appealing finish. Twenty-two inch chrome wheels, jewel-like head lights and lots of chrome accents ensure that this greener model still catches the eye of all who see it. Weighing in at more than three tons, you are not going to miss this vehicle.
Available features also speak to the luxurious nature we all associate with the standard fuel Escalade. From heated and cooled leather seats, to a retractable step that emerges as you open the door to ascend the 72-inches needed to enter the vehicle, Cadillac has thought of the passenger and driver’s comfort at every turn. The navigational system also features a back-up camera to ensure the safety of those behind this monstrous SUV.
While this large of a hybrid SUV may not be for everyone, it does have its merits. Some may argue that the fuel efficiency on the greener Escalade is still not high enough to warrant its existence, however for those who simply refuse to give up the large, luxurious SUV that was so hot five years ago, I’d say that it is better for them to at least get a few extra miles per gallon. An added bonus is that if anyone is laying out the cash for the newest, greenest SUV, it also inflates GM’s bottom line a bit, helping stimulate the poor U.S. economy.
What’s your take on this luxury beast?
Official 2009 Hybrid Escalade site can be found here.
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I need a big passenger vehicle 7 or 8 with cargo space. I just can’t get around it for road travel. So far, the Escalade is the only one that will fit the need but the price! I think I’d still have to get a small hybrid to drive around in town. So I’m stuck on the fence. I have a nice settlement coming and I might buy one but I keep wondering if I wait (and suffer) another year if they’ll do a better job with the gas mileage. Gas prices aren’t going to stay down forever. What’s a new grandma to do?
You might also consider the Yukon or Tahoe. I’ve found that many dealers have these hybrids deeply discounted, and those with just a few miles on them are very reasonably priced compared to new. Try ebaymotors.com or cars.com to do a little research, assuming these would be big enough for your needs.
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I have owned a 2009 Escalade Platinum Hybrid for about 2 months now, and I can tell you that this thing is an absolute marvel of technology. It really does get 18-20 MPG in town, even with my lead foot. Would probably do better if I were easier on it. I have gotten up to 24 MPG on a tank with conservative in-town driving. While 20 MPG in town sounds “average” for a car, you have to remember that this is a full sized, 3 ton, luxury appointed SUV. Considering that, it is amazing.
The hybrid system works seamlessly and you are really not aware of it’s operation unless you look at the display screen. It will also go into 4 cylinder mode quite frequently when you are cruising and the electric motor will work together with the gas motor to keep you in 4 cylinder mode for as long as it can thus increaing your efficiency, but when it needs the V8, it kicks in flawlessly, works together with the electric motor and gives you plenty of takeoff power.
This is truly a remarkable vehicle with excellent build quality. It drives like a dream.
Well done, GM!!!!