Cadillac Escalade Hybrid Review

2010 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid Platinum Edition SUV Shown

The Cadillac Escalade Hybrid is a luxury SUV that weighs nearly 6,000 pounds, yet it racks up fuel economy numbers in the neighborhood of 20 mpg in city driving. The secret is the vehicle's "two-mode" hybrid technology. As with its related siblings, the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid and GMC Yukon Hybrid, the Escalade Hybrid starts with a 6.0-liter V8 with cylinder-deactivation technology -- it essentially turns a V8 into a V4 when full power isn't needed. The V8 is coupled to a pair of 60-kilowatt motors packaged within the transmission for electric motivation.

The transmission -- GM dubs it an EVT, for "electronically variable transmission" -- is essentially like having two transmissions inside one -- continuously variable drive for light load conditions and a standard four-speed fixed-gear type for high load conditions. Hence the term "two-mode." And like other full hybrids, the Escalade Hybrid can be propelled (up to around 25 mph) solely under electric power.

Of course, being a Cadillac, the Hybrid version is much more luxurious than the Chevy or GMC versions, with a higher-quality interior and nearly every feature as standard. For environmentally conscious luxury SUV drivers (assuming they exist), the Cadillac Escalade Hybrid offers the best of both worlds: full-fledged SUV luxury along with a reduced gas bill and carbon footprint. If you don't blanch at its stratospheric price, the Escalade Hybrid is a fine choice.

Current Cadillac Escalade Hybrid

The eight-passenger Cadillac Escalade Hybrid debuted for the 2009 model year. It's offered in one of two well-equipped trim levels, and with either rear- or four-wheel drive. It's propelled by a two-mode hybrid powertrain that consists of a 6.0-liter V8 engine joined to a pair of 60-kilowatt electric motors. Total combined output is 332 horsepower and 367 pound-feet of torque.

Fuel economy gains are achieved in two ways. At speeds of up to about 25 mph, this full-size SUV can be powered solely by its electric motors. At higher speeds (and depending on driving conditions), a cylinder-deactivation system shuts down half the cylinders. The rear-drive version achieves an impressive combined city/highway rating of 20 mpg, while the 4WD version is only slightly less frugal. Properly equipped, a rear-wheel-drive Escalade Hybrid can tow 5,800 pounds, which is higher than other competing crossover hybrid vehicles can tow.

The Escalade Hybrid's lengthy standard equipment list includes 22-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlights, adaptive shock absorbers, leather upholstery, heated and cooled power-adjustable front seats with driver memory, tri-zone automatic climate control, a navigation system with real-time traffic, rear park assist with a rearview camera, a rear-seat entertainment system and a Bose surround-sound stereo system with a six-CD changer and satellite radio. On top of this, the Escalade Hybrid Platinum trim level adds power-retractable running boards, LED headlights, special leather upholstery and an upgraded rear-seat entertainment system.

Our editors have lauded the Escalade as one of the most luxurious and well-appointed full-size SUVs on the market, and the same goes for the eight-passenger Hybrid model. However, we've carped about the 50/50-split third-row seat, which doesn't fold flat and must be manually removed to free up the 109 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity. Overall, though, the Cadillac Escalade Hybrid offers an opulent and library-quiet environment for its passengers. The hybrid powertrain delivers merely adequate power, but transitions between electric and gas power are impressively smooth. A cost-benefit analysis doesn't reflect well on the Escalade Hybrid -- the regular Escalade is more powerful and significantly cheaper -- but for luxury SUV shoppers who must assuage their green consciences, the Escalade Hybrid certainly deserves a look.

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* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.