It is a big year for the Cadillac Escalade, introducing its first Hybrid model plus equipping all of the Escalades with E85 capability, and plenty of other enhancements to keep them ahead of the competition in the large luxury SUV category. The winners of the “Number One Vehicle in its Class” in 2008 from US News and World Report haven’t let it go to their heads, and have shown that they are responsive to market demands by placing strong emphasis on fuel economy this year, given the high gas prices that are driving many away from SUVs and towards more economical cars.
2009 Cadillac Escalade Performance
There are four options for the Escalade this year. The all-wheel drive luxury Escalade SUV 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 can seat seven passengers with the rear seat down. If its space you need, the Escalade ESV carries the same engine but is more than 13 inches longer and can seat 8 passengers comfortably. The EXT is the pickup version that converts simply from five-passenger SUV with enclosed rear to a two-passenger pickup with open cargo bed that features two-tier loading. It also shares the same V8 engine. All three models feature standard six-speed automotive transmission with Driver Shift Control, advanced Road Sensing Suspension and 18 inch alloy wheels, plus the high-flow aluminum cylinder heads and aluminum block for maximum power but minimum weight. All three Escalade options mentioned offer the ability to use E85 ethanol-blended fuel for increased fuel economy. Towing capability is a whopping 8300lb.
The Hybrid Escalade features the same engine system as the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid, operating on a combination of 6.0-liter V8 engine, plus an electric motor which charges a 300-volt energy storage system to produce an overall 332hp. This 2-mode system automatically selects the most efficient source of power using torque-based inputs, and the battery is charged by Regenerative Braking when the vehicle decelerates or coasts along, meaning there is never any need for charging. As a 3-ton truck without any weight savings employed for the Hybrid model, the Escalade can’t quite make the 22mpg that the Tahoe hybrid claims, but even 20mpg is a far cry from the 10mpg of the gasoline versions. The ride of the Hybrid suffers in gear changes and overall handling, but when you keep in mind the good you are doing for the environment and your wallet at the gas pump, it is well worth it. and It comes in 2WD or 4WD with the 2WD able to tow 6000lb and the 4WD towing 5700lbs and is standard with 22 inch chromed wheels and power sunroof.
2009 Cadillac Escalade Interior and Features
Step inside and there is no doubt that the Escalade is the luxury SUV for Cadillac. The interior is spacious and eminently stylish, with its standard leather seats, driver and passenger 10-way power seat adjusters, heated seat cushions and seatbacks. In the Hybrid and EXT the second row leather seats seat three passengers and are split folding, while the Escalade and ESV feature two rear reclining bucket seats. The third-row seats are not particularly comfortable or easy to access, but they are functional and can be removed if necessary.
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.
With the third-row seats in place, the Escalade and Hybrid don’t leave much space for anything but the groceries, but remove it and you get a reasonable 60 cubic feet, as compared to the longer ESV which offers 90 cubic feet.
2009 Cadillac Escalade Safety
Most of the safety features for Cadillac’s 2009 Escalade 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