- 2010
2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid
Cadillac Escalade Hybrid - What the Auto Press Says
The Cadillac Escalade Hybrid is a competent but expensive choice for SUV buyers who want full-size SUV capability and a luxurious interior while attempting to save on fuel.
While most reviewers agree that the Escalade Hybrid embodies some of the best technology and luxury GM has to offer, many also wonder why the company bothers. AutoWeek, though positive about the Escalade Hybrid overall, says "it's a pretender, acting the part of being more efficient while still sucking down a gallon of gas every 12 to 14 miles or so. It's sort of like solo living in a 4,000-square-foot house but thinking everything's OK because you're using solar panels and a heat pump." Other reviewers echo the sentiment.
Still, a small group sees a benefit to the Escalade Hybrid (and its platform-mates, the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid and GMC Yukon Hybrid). Reviewers point out that with the hybrids achieving roughly 50 percent better fuel economy than conventional models in city driving, buyers who truly need a full-size SUV will still be lessening their carbon footprint. Wired says, "Have you ever seen Godzilla vs. Megalon? Where Godzilla fights on behalf of the people of Japan against a giant rhinoceros/cockroach? Sure, Tokyo's favorite monster still smashes a bunch of buildings and steps on some people, but he's trying to be good. Same goes for this Hybrid Chromedaddy."
The majority of reviewers say, however, that the Escalade Hybrid's appeal is not in saving money on gas, but in the satisfaction of having a hybrid that makes few compromises when it comes to towing, seating capacity or luxury.
With the Escalade Hybrid, the compromise is in having a hybrid that only gets the fuel economy of a midsize sedan. When swaddled in its luxury interior with the Bose stereo thumping and seven friends in the back, many buyers will be happy they made that compromise.
The Cadillac Escalade Hybrid is the only full-size luxury hybrid SUV on the market. It has seating for eight and is available in two- or four-wheel drive.
- "Talk about your rolling contradiction: chrome and giant hybrid stickers fighting for sheetmetal real estate on the 2009 Cadillac Escalade hybrid. This is a giant SUV-top of the bling food chain-that General Motors has slathered in greenie labels while equating its miles per gallon to that of a mid-size sedan with a V-6." -- Car and Driver
- "What is the rich, socially-conscious gangster rapper supposed to drive? Cadillac has the answer - the 2009 Escalade Hybrid - all the luxury and in-your-face style of Escalade, but with a more efficient, earth-friendly gas/electric hybrid powertrain." -- About.com
- "The new Escalade hybrid offers prestige, power and just enough greenness to annoy environmentalists. Naturally, I love it." -- Detroit News
- "The 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid is the only hybrid option on the market in the large-luxury-SUV segment. Fortunately, it's a winning choice." -- Edmunds
- "Not in my lifetime has a car company come up with anything as absurd as the 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid, the latest example of hybrid greenwashing." -- Wall Street Journal
- If you need to haul seven and tow 5,800 pounds, the hybrid system makes the price of gas more tolerable - if those shopping a full-size Cadillac actually cared about the price of gas." -- Chicago Tribune
- With its new Escalade Hybrid, Cadillac is the second manufacturer to bring a hybrid luxury SUV to market. But unlike the first, the Lexus RX 400h, this one is more rugged and capable of towing and hauling heavier loads." -- Forbes
- "We were impressed with the Escalade Hybrid all around, giving it excellent ratings for performance, cabin tech, and design. The main things that let it down were a rough, trucklike ride and lack of audio sources. " -- CNET
- "The 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid is a great vehicle, if you need the room and utility that a large luxury SUV offers, yet you desire greater fuel economy. However, you'd better be prepared to pay for the amenities and gas savings that come along with this Escalade." -- NADA Guides
- "Full-size SUVs have always seemed more justifiable for road trips or towing. Adjusted for the tax credit, the hybrid adds roughly 13 percent to the Escalade's cost. On a cost-benefit basis, this is more impressive than most hybrids sold today." -- Cars.com
Escalade-Hybrid Performance - 8.0 (Very Good)
The majority of reviewers say the Escalade Hybrid has plenty of power and handles well for a large SUV. Opinions are split on its fuel economy, however. Some reviewers wonder about the point of a hybrid that doesn't achieves Prius-like numbers, while others point out that with Americans addicted to large cars and SUVs, every little drop of fuel saved counts. Read More
Escalade-Hybrid Exterior - 9.1 (Excellent)
In terms of looks, not much distinguishes the Escalade Hybrid from the regular Escalade -- unless you count the nine giant hybrid decals. Reviewers say GM recognizes that part of the appeal of a hybrid is letting everyone else know you've got one, and the Escalade Hybrid does just that. Beyond its hybrid badges, the Escalade Hybrid has the same beefy, blingy look as the regular Escalade, which pleases reviewers. Read More
Escalade-Hybrid Interior - 8.0 (Very Good)
For the most part, reviewers like the Cadillac Escalade Hybrid's interior. The materials and tech features (including an energy flow display to help you drive more efficiently) receive high marks. However, reviewers complain about the third-row seat, which is low to the floor and must be removed to maximize cargo space. Read More
Escalade-Hybrid Safety - 9.9 (Excellent)
The Cadillac Escalade Hybrid earns excellent scores in government crash tests: five out of five stars for driver and front and rear passenger protection in both front- and side-impact crash tests. The Escalade Hybrid receives a three-star rollover rating for both two- and four-wheel drive models. Read More
Escalade-Hybrid Reliability - 7.0 (Good)
The 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid comes with a five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Read More
