2010 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid
2010 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid is the glitziest of GM's three mechanically identical, full-size hybrid SUVs, including the 2010 GMC Yukon Hybrid (Base MSRP: $51,185 to $61,345) and 2010 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid (Base MSRP: $50,720 to $53,525). A revised rear-axle ratio for 2010 brings the rear-wheel-drive Escalade Hybrid's estimated fuel economy in line with the lighter, aerodynamically tweaked base Tahoe and Yukon hybrids: 21 mpg city/22 mpg highway/22 mpg combined. The 2010 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid also has a revamped door structure to better protect occupants.
To be sure, the Escalade Hybrid does manage to post better fuel economy numbers than its conventionally powered Cadillac SUV siblings. Its two-mode hybrid powertrain, which it shares with its Chevrolet and GMC cousins, combines a beefy V8 engine with two electric motors that can actually propel this gussied-up truck at slow speeds in all-electric mode. The system also incorporates several other fuel-saving bells and whistles to deliver surprisingly decent fuel economy, at least by full-size SUV standards.
The diesel-powered Audi Q7 TDI drives more like a normal vehicle, has comparable fuel economy numbers and greater towing capacity. The related and similar Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid and GMC Yukon Hybrid, meanwhile, can be had for thousands less than the big Caddy. If you still have your heart set on the 2010 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid, know that it will provide a luxurious hybrid experience.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2010 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid is a full-size luxury sport-utility vehicle that's now offered in two trim levels, including a new top-of-the-line Platinum model.
Even base models are well equipped with a long list of upscale standard features, including 22-inch chrome-clad wheels, xenon headlights, a sunroof, a roof rack, a power rear liftgate and rear parking assist. Interior upgrades include a heated steering wheel, power-release second-row seats, heated and cooled cupholders and dual video monitors mounted in the back of the front headrests.
Power for the 2010 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid comes from GM's two-mode hybrid system, which consists of a 6.0-liter V8 paired with two 60-kilowatt electric motors and an onboard battery pack. The two-mode hybrid powertrain can accelerate this 5,700-pound SUV up to 25 mph using battery power alone. Both rear- and all-wheel-drive versions are available. EPA fuel economy estimates for the 2WD version are 21 mpg city/22 highway and 21 mpg combined, a slight increase over last year's model.
The Escalade Hybrid's list of standard safety features includes antilock brakes, traction control, stability control, side curtain airbags that cover all three rows of seats and the OnStar emergency communications system. In government crash tests, the Escalade Hybrid earned a top five-star rating for protection of front occupants in head-on collisions.
Interior Design and Special Features
The 2010 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid coddles passengers in the same stylish surroundings as the conventionally powered versions. Unfortunately, the comfy second-row captain's chairs offered on the regular Escalade aren't available here.
The interior's biggest weakness is the 50/50-split third-row seat.
Driving Impressions
You don't have to drive the 2010 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid very far to discover its split personality.
the 2010 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid is the fourth and newest Escalade model. It joins the standard Escalade sport utility, the long-wheelbase Escalade EXT, and the SUV/pickup combination known as the Escalade EXT. All Escalades offer crisp, imposing exterior lines that command attention and feature plenty of chrome bling. It's difficult to distinguish the 2010 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid from the standard model at a distance, unless you notice the fist-sized chrome Hybrid badge in the chest-level front fender vents.
