2009 Cadillac Escalade

Not only is the list of gas-electric hybrid vehicles growing, so too are the sizes. No longer limited to small compacts, gas-electric hybrids have grown up.  General Motors was the first automaker to put a gas-electric hybrid system into full-size SUVs when the Chevrolet Tahoe and Yukon Denali were fitted with an advanced two-mode hybrid system two years ago.

In the 2009 model year, GM adds a full-size, three-row luxury SUV to the class of vehicles available with this gas-electric drive system.  Cadillac's posh Escalade takes the lead in maximizing fuel economy without compromising performance or style. This fashionable full-size icon is the largest luxury SUV available in a gas-electric hybrid. 

What's the result?  How about a 50 percent improvement in city fuel economy when compared to its gas-exclusive counterpart.  The Escalade hybrid averages 20 miles per gallon in city travel and 21 mpg highway in two-wheel-drive editions.  A huge 24.5 gallon fuel tank helps extend the driving range even further.   Another advantage the Escalade hybrid boasts is its acceptance of regular 87-octane for the 6.0 liter, Vortec V-8 gasoline engine. Some (non hybrid) import SUVs require pricier premium fuel.

While gas-electric hybrid technology helps boost city mileage, Escalade's engine is also fitted with 'active fuel management,' GM's in-house name for cylinder deactivation to enhance highway figures.  At consistent highway speeds, when less torque and power is needed, four of the eight cylinders shut down until needed, saving fuel. Cylinder deactivation is nothing new, but it has been perfected during the past 25 years to where it's now a seamless transition.  This helps boost highway mileage an average of two miles per gallon.

The 2009 Escalade hybrid is gaining an audience quickly. "Thirty percent of 2009 Cadillac Escalade buyers are choosing the hybrid version," said Mark McNabb, North American Vice President of Cadillac, Saab, Hummer while addressing the Midwest Automotive Media Association this past March. The third-generation Escalade, which the 2009 gas-electric hybrid is based on, debuted in the 2007 model year.

General Motors' two-mode hybrid technology is one of two hybrid systems offered by the automaker.  Vehicles including Chevrolet's well-received 2009 Malibu sedan feature a 'mild' hybrid with improved fuel economy, but a bottom line price that's mildly less than a two-mode hybrid system.

The more intricate two-mode system includes a 300-volt nickel-metal hydride battery stored under second-row seating providing power for two electric motors.  These motors also capture energy when the foot brake is applied (regenerative braking) for reuse later. When combined with the 6.0-liter V-8 gas engine, horsepower reaches 332.

Gas-exclusive 2009 Cadillac Escalades feature a 6.2-liter V-8 in all trims and a versatile EXT edition with a removable mid-gate/short cargo bed design not dissimilar to the Chevrolet Avalanche. This mid-gate design is not part of the 2009 Escalade hybrid.

The hybrid, however, does share the rugged, body-on-frame ladder-type channel design with the gas-exclusive Escalade.  The hybrid's overall length (202.5 inches) and overall width (79 inches) are identical with the base gas-exclusive Escalade.

Just about all amenities are standard in Escalade hybrid including and eight-inch in-dash navigation system with a rear-mounted camera letting drivers see what's behind when traveling slowly in reverse.  XM Satellite radio and three months complementary subscription also come standard. About the only choices are to select between two-wheel rear drive or four-wheel drive and whether or not power running boards are worth a look. The left-side dash has an automatic transfer case knob (in 4WD editions) to switch from two-wheel drive four high and low.

Luxury hybrid technology doesn't come cheap. Our test four-wheel drive model started at $73,285. Adding the $950 destination charge brought the bottom line to $74,235. A base gas-exclusive Escalade starts around $62,000. Lexus, Toyota's luxury division, has a couple gas-electric hybrids to choose from, including the LS 600h long wheelbase sedan listing at $105,285; but no gas-electric hybrid SUV that matches the seven-seat capacity of the gas-electric Escalade.

Standard running boards not only look good, but are functional. Acting as a first step, it works in tandem with an interior A-pillar handle when folks occupy the front passenger seat.  A 60-something test passenger was pleasantly surprised how easy it was getting into the posh front leather seats. For second row riders, a ceiling grab handle accompanies a B pillar handle.  The third row is best left for those below the 60-something age group.

For those wishing to monitor the technology, the instrument panel has a small circular economy gauge to the right of the fuel gauge for quick summations. The economy gauge has different zones indicating levels of efficiency via an analog arrow.  Also when called upon via a push-button prompt, the navigation screen includes an animated monitor for a more detailed visualization of the technology.

Useful luxury touches include high-beam headlights that automatically cycle off when sensing distant headlights from oncoming traffic, and burn bright once again after traffic passes. Another great perk is the side blind zone alert built into the large side view mirrors.  Two amber icons illuminate if a vehicle is traveling through the blind spots on either side, detecting a range of 11 feet to the side and 16-feet to the rear of the side view mirrors.  No chimes or audio cues, just a simple visual warning; very useful for a vehicle this size.  Be aware, however, a steady rain could impede sensors from reading the feeds.  When this occurs, a message will scroll in an instrument panel window. Red arrow turn signal icons also built into side-view mirrors, flash when the interior turn signal stalk is activated; a simple, inexpensive and effective idea.

For a 6,000-pound vehicle, Escalade's effortless steering makes it handle like a vehicle half its weight and size. Drivers have good command of the road thanks to a very high seating position.  The dashboard and center floor consol could use a few more open areas for storing cell phones or transponders. Dark leather seating comes standard, merging nicely with the dark wood accents. No cheap short cuts with this gilded interior.

Some gas-electric hybrids, like the Toyota Prius, are recognizable because of distinctive shape and outside badging.  Others like the Camry hybrid offer few clues  that it indeed is a hybrid.  Our test Escalade left little to the imagination to its hybrid underpinnings. Permanent side chrome logos and decals along the side door bottoms screamed hybrid. The lift gate is conveniently power operated and includes a rear wiper. The long, large front grille features the Cadillac wreath front and center flanked by vertical headlight housing.  Taillights are also tall in structure.

Our hybrid featured a 60/40 second row split bench with seatbacks that folded down, after which the entire unit flipped forward for access to the third row via a narrow gateway.  For those in row three, knees are bent since feet rest on the cargo floor, not in a recessed region. Leave this area for t'weens and younger folk even though the Cadillac press kit indicates three adult could fit. Third-row 50/50-split seatbacks fold onto the seat when not occupied, and the entire units also be completely removed from the vehicle and stowed away if added cargo room is desired.  Be aware; these seats are heavy and bulky during the move.

General Motors' system in the Buick Enclave and Chevrolet Traverse are bit easier to operate since third row seating folds and tumbles into the floor for added cargo space; no need to lug seats elsewhere. Lincoln's luxury Navigator incorporates the friendlier fold-in-the-floor third-row seating.

With all the high-tech safety features built into Escalade (including head curtain side air bags for all three rows), the one that sooths the most is OnStar. This in-vehicle communication system, standard in most GM vehicles, connects occupants with a fully staffed center 24 hours a day.  No tutorials or pre-recorded non sense, but an actual informed human ready to speak and assist. 

Escalade hybrid's warranty is structured differently than most vehicles in GM's lineup.  Hybrid components are covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles (whichever comes first) while most other moving mechanical parts have coverage for four years or 50,000 miles. Hybrid system malfunctions in GM and other competitive gas-electric hybrids have been minimal during the past nine years of sales in the United States. The Cadillac Escalade hybrid is assembled in Arlington, Texas.

For those wishing to step out in style while conserving fuel in a V-8 powered SUV, the 2009 Escalade hybrid stands alone. The hybrid system works seamlessly and quietly during lower speeds. Cylinder deactivation at highway speeds may become the norm in all GM's V-8 engines down the line.