2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid

2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid: A star is reborn green

The Cadillac Escalade has enjoyed a great deal celebrity status since its introduction in 1999. The full-size luxury sport utility vehicle was the General Motors luxury division's first major entry into the popular SUV market in response to German and Japanese competitors and Ford's 1998 release of the Lincoln Navigator. It quickly gained street credibility and became a favorite of pro athletes, movie stars and those that want to be. Not a real surprise as Cadillac has always be the vehicle of choice of the music industry going back to Hank Williams and Elvis through Led Zeppelin and Springsteen all the way to rap and South Beach’s club scene participants.

While it was a late bloomer the Escalade deserves much credit for being the vehicle that transformed Cadillac's image from traditional and geriatric to youthful and flamboyant. Now comes the 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid. As the answer to the gas crisis with its green technology, it arrived with star status when it was the trophy given to Santonio Holmes for his VIP performance in this year’s Super Bowl. Does the 2009 Cadillac Escalade’s Hybrid continue the family tradition and live up to all the hype and fuss? Joe and I believe it does.

“It is a comfortable luxury ride that gets lots of looks while doing its part for the environment,” said Joe after trip down AIA behind the wheel.

A lot of the Cadillac Escalade's appeal is rooted in its over-the-top attitude. Generously proportioned inside and out, this sport-utility vehicle has a bold and angular face, exaggerated wreath-and-crest badging and chrome trim everywhere you look. It's still a popular choice among buyers who want to customize their vehicle. It is a common site to see Escalades with oversized aftermarket wheels.

The regular rear-wheel-drive Escalade gets an EPA rating of 12 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway. Compare this to the hybrid which gets an EPA estimated 20 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway. Say what you will about the notion of a hybrid Escalade, it's difficult to argue with the significance of its fuel economy improvement figures.

By adding the Hybrid power plant Cadillac continues that ability to reach out to the youthful buyers. Except for the hybrid’s barely noticeable electric whine at slower speeds, the transition from battery to the V8 combustion power is seamless. Acceleration is good and dependable. Need that extra boost to pass on I-95? The 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid answers the call. Stopping power is also strong thanks to the four wheel disk brakes.

Inside comfort is king. The wood trim is not real but the look is still very appealing. The driver sits comfortably above traffic with easy access to well-placed gages and intuitive systems. Traffic reporting is well-integrated with the navigation system and driving aids include blind-spot detection and a rear-view camera with object warnings. With a base price of $59,805, the 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid combines over the top luxury with an overt green theme, while offering seating for seven, cargo room, and fuel economy worthy of a V-6.

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