By
LATEST ARTICLE
CA Passes Landmark Law Requiring Many More Zero-Emission Vehicles
Last Friday, the influential California Air Resources Board adopted new emission rules that will... Read More
CA Passes Landmark Law Requiring Many More Zero-Emission Vehicles
Last Friday, the influential California Air Resources Board adopted new emission rules that will... Read More
- #6LEADERBOARD RANK
- 2096ARTICLES CONTRIBUTED
- 741COMMENTS POSTED
10,786 views
TheCarConnection.com has driven the 2010 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid to bring you this hands-on review that covers styling, performance, safety, utility, and features from on-the-road observations. TheCarConnection.com's editors also researched reviews from other sources to give you a comprehensive range of opinions from around the Web-and to help you decide which ones to trust. TCC has also compared the Escalade Hybrid with other fuel-efficient large sport utilities to give you alternatives as you shop for your next vehicle. High Gear Media drove a manufacturer-provided Cadillac Escalade Hybrid to produce this hands-on road test.
Likes:
- Hybrid upgrade not all that pricey
- Strong acceleration
- "Normal" driving experience despite hybrid hardware
- Available ultra-luxe Platinum edition
Dislikes:
- Third-row seats hard to reach
- Hybrid battery impedes third-row legroom
- Rough ride from 22-inch wheel/tire combo
Launched for 2009, 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. Each of these Cadillac models is based on the truck chassis found under the less-swanky Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon SUVs. The Escalade Hybrid adds GM's Two-Mode Hybrid drivetrain to the gasoline V-8 in the standard Escalade body, resulting in performance close to the standard item but far better fuel economy: 20 mpg in the city.
The Cadillac Escalade is the model that made GM's luxury brand relevant-even hip-among less-than-geriatric buyers, thanks to its brash styling and over-the-top luxury features. 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. Inside, the look is more luxe than its truck origins would indicate, with color-keyed leather upholstery and detailing, and lots of elegant ash and burled walnut trim on high-line models. Translucent instrument needles glow with blue light.
