The US SUV industry has received a welcome reprieve from the crazy fuel prices of 2008, leading many to question whether the premium luxury over-the-top SUVs like the 2009 Cadillac Escalade ESV may just see a resurgence in sales. While this may be a little early and optimistic with the double-whammy from the economy being served up, Cadillac will be praying for a break, after equipping the full Escalade range with E85 for the gas-conscious folk. It is a shame because the 2009 Cadillac Escalade ESV offers more bling and cool features than ever before on top of its already massive space and superior performance that exceed anything else in the competition.
2009 Cadillac Escalade ESV Performance
The luxury Escalade ESV features the big 6.2-liter V8 Variable Valve Timing (VVT) engine that produces 403hp and 417lb-ft of torque from as low as 2400rpm. It features standard six-speed automotive transmission with Driver Shift Control, advanced Road Sensing Suspension and 18 inch alloy wheels, plus the high-flow aluminium cylinder heads and aluminium block for maximum power but minimum weight. There is a 2WD and AWD option, and the AWD is based on a permanent on system.
The driving experience of the Escalade ESV is not nearly as truck-like as you would expect for a SUV that weighs nearly 3 tons and is a full 20 inches more than the standard Escalade. While manoeuvring around tight parking lots may not be its strength, it shows plenty of power from stopped and an impeccably smooth ride thanks to its long wheel-base. Steering is responsive and direct, and braking is strong. For what it is designed to do, and that is carry passengers in style and comfort, the ESV is superb.
Maximum towing capacity for the ESV is 7,800lb and fuel economy is not worse that other full-sized SUVs but still low at 12/19mpg city/highway driving.
2009 Cadillac Escalade ESV Interior and Features
Step inside and there is no doubt that the Escalade ESV is the luxury SUV for Cadillac. The interior is spacious and eminently stylish, with its standard leather seats, driver and passenger 14-way power seat adjusters, heated seat cushions and seatbacks. Seating on the ESV is the epitome of comfort with wide and well-bolstered bucket seats in the front and second rows, with tons of space thanks to the extra 20inches added onto the base Escalade. It can seat up to eight passengers with plenty of room for a party, big family weekend, or chauffeur-driven limo style transport. The second row features a flip-fold seating to access the back row, however the third-row bench seating is far less comfortable and spacious and there will no doubt be fights in the family of who is relegated to the back.
Cargo space is astronomical, and even with the third row seating in place there is more than 45cubic feet. This seat can be left out altogether or removed (no fold-down option surprisingly) giving 137cubic feet – way above everything else in the competition.
Internal features include automatic tri-zone climate control, Driver Information Center for information on fuel economy, trip details and tire pressure, as well as steering wheel buttons for sound system, cruise control, OnStar, and hands-free phone connection. The stereo system is a 10-speaker Bose which is MP3 compatible with 6-disc CD changer, and there is a touch-screen and voice-operated navigation system which also adds Hybrid power stats on the Hybrid model. XM NavTraffic and Satellite radio are also included as well as rear-seat sound control buttons and earphone jacks. A rear seat entertainment package is available with 8inch fold-down screen from the ceiling for the second and third row with game input jacks, earphones and remote controls so you’ll never have to hear the kids complaining again.
2009 Cadillac Escalade ESV Safety
Most of the safety features for Cadillac’s 2009 Escalade ESV are standard this year, resulting in a very impressive perfect score for all models in front and side impact situations. Only the rollover resistance scores less than that, with three stars. The StabiliTrak Electronic Stability System and traction control help the vehicle to maintain control in emergency situations, and daytime running lights, rear obstacle detection system and the full range of front and side airbags are all standard. Optional is the side blind-spot alert system and IntelliBeam automatically adjusting high/low beam headlights.
- Dual stage driver and passenger front and side airbags with rear side curtain airbags for second and third rows.
- StabiliTrak stability control with anti-skid and traction control
- OnStar communications and assistance service
- LATCH (Lower anchors for children)
- Side blind zone alert
Overall the 2009 Cadillac Escalade ESV is probably not everyone’s idea of a great SUV, given that it is certainly not a vehicle designed to go off-road, is all about showiness and it is BIG in every sense of the word. However that does work for some people, and for them there is nothing to compare with the ESV’s performance, space and luxury. With little else that can compete in this size apart from the Lincoln Navigator which just can’t match up to the luxury level, and the Infiniti QX56 which lacks in performance and cargo space, the Escalade ESV is a clear winner.