Video: 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid

The Cadillac Escalade hybrid uses the same power train as the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid and its gets an EPA estimated 2021 MPG city highway with the rear wheel drive model and that's a 67% improvement in city driving and a 33% improvement in combined overall driving. Stick around for a closer look at Cadillac 1st hybrid. Since its based on a regular escalade, the escalade hybrid looks a lot like that model. It's got the same chrome grill in front and stacked headlights and as you move around to the side, you can see its 22 inch chrome wheels. Now these though are optional on the regular escalade. There are also plenty of hybrid badges to be found on this model. There's this one right here on the front fender. There's another around back on the "C pillar", and also plenty of hybrid graphics like the one on the windshield, the rear window, the side doors. So there's no question as to what you're driving when you're in this model. The Escalade hybrid features a six liter V8 and four speed automatic transmission that houses two electric motors. Those electric motors are powered by a separate battery pack and they give the Escalade hybrid the ability to move in speeds up 25 miles per hour so on electric power only. Thereby, increasing city fuel economy significantly. The V8 itself, also features fuel saving cylinder deactivation technology. What this vehicle still has the ability to do SVU work, like tow a boat. Its rigged to tow up to 5800 pounds. Which is good for a hybrid but still about 2500 pounds less than the regular Escalade can tow. The interior of the Escalade hybrid is much like the regular Escalade. Its a rather luxurious place to drive. But it also features some differences between the regular model. The standard navigation system features a hybrid diagram so you can see how the system is working at any given time. There's also a special gauge in the instrument panel, it shows whether you're maximizing efficiency with the way you're driving at any given instant too. Look! There are more hybrid badges in here as well. There's also some things that we don't like about the regular Escalade that carry over to this model like the cramped third row seats and minimal cargo room when that third row seat is in use. The Escalade hybrid $70,735 starting price represents the significant price premium about $10,000 over the base Escalade. But not all that money is for the hybrid system, as this model comes with standard features like a sunroof, blind spot monitoring system, and cooled seats that are optional in the base model. While its fuel economy doesn't have the 'wow' factor of a Toyota Prius, it is a significant increase over the base Escalade. So if you want to green up your next full size luxury SVU purchase, you might want to take this model for a test drive. For any additional information on this car or any other, go to Cars.com or our blog, Kicking Tires.