New 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid

No, the sky is not falling. Proving that one can attain luxury, sophistication and fuel economy in an SUV has turned from imagination to reality with the all-new 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid.

Over the years, the Escalade has been the poster child for lavish sophistication. Not only does it look cool, but it looks cool to be seen in. The only knock on the Escalade was the less-than stellar gas mileage it received. Well folks, that gripe no longer applies. 

A 6.0-liter, 332-horsepower V-8 works in conjunction with an electrically variable transmission and a 300-volt battery. The electric transmission and battery pack make up the 2-Mode Hybrid system, which enables the Escalade to run at speeds up to 25 MPH on battery power alone. Just like the Prius and other hybrid vehicles, the Escalade generates and captures energy during braking. That’s all well and good, but how does that translate to fuel economy? The Escalade Hybrid gets 20 MPG city and 21 MPG highway. That’s a 60% increase for city driving and a 33% improvement for overall mileage compared to gas-only Escalade. 

The Escalade Hybrid is available in rear-wheel and four-wheel drive and comes chock-full of standard features. In fact, the Escalade Hybrid is fully loaded. A DVD navigation system, rearview camera, Bose® 5.1 Cabin Surround® sound system with 10 speakers, Tri-zone automatic climate control, heated and cooled front seats, HID headlamps, power tilt-sliding sunroof and 22-inch 7-spoke wheels are come standard. Because it’s a hybrid, the navigation system features a power flow diagram so you can see exactly how the electric motor, battery and gas engine are distributing energy. 

The Escalade Hybrid tows 5,800 lbs. That’s 2,500 lbs. less than its gas-only sibling. There is seating for up to eight people in three rows with 16.9 cubic feet of cargo room behind the third row. 

Dual-stage driver and front passenger air bags and three-row head curtain side air bags with rollover protection come standard. Antilock brakes, StabiliTrak electronic stability control system, all-speed traction control, Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist, Magnetic Ride Control and blind-spot monitoring system also come standard.

Blend bling with green and check out the all-new 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid.