Cadillac Escalade Hybrid
By Larry E. Hall
The combination of conservation and ostentation seems idiosyncratic. The 2012 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid is a $70,000-plus 17-foot-long vehicle that can seat eight and offers real-world fuel economy in the low 20s.
Launched in August 2008, the Cadillac Escalade Hybrid sport-utility vehicle is unquestionably the world’s blingiest hybrid. GM’s characteristic hybrid-logo-with-green-leaf is rendered in large, garish chrome letters in a fender vent the size of your fist—which sits at chest level to a standard-issue human being.
Let’s be clear: the four-wheel drive Cadillac Escalade Hybrid is nearly 17 feet long, weighs more than three tons and gets an EPA fuel economy rating in the low 20 miles per gallon. That’s not what most people think of when they hear “hybrid.”
But this is the hybrid for you if you want a luxury sport-utility vehicle that seats eight people, can tow up to 5,800 pounds and still maximize fuel mileage. It boasts fuel economy of 20 city/ 23 highway/21 combined. Those aren’t exceptional numbers by automotive hybrid standards, to be sure, but the city mileage is 40-percent better than a non-hybrid Escalade.
For 2012, the Cadillac Escalade Hybrid’s exterior and interior is a rerun of the 2011 model. Other than additional anti-theft features and navigation system enhancements, there are no noteworthy changes for 2012.
Hybrid Powertrain
It’s no surprise that the Escalade Hybrid shares the same hybrid system found in the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC’s Yukon hybrid SUVs since all are built on the same platform and feature the same drivetrains. The hybrid hardware combines a modified 6.0-liter, 332-horsepower V8 gasoline engine, a 300-volt nickel-metal hydride battery pack and a two-mode hybrid transmission that includes two 50-kilowatt motor generators. In order to keep the vehicle running at peak efficiency, this hybrid system is able to run in one of two separate modes—hence the name “two-mode hybrid.”
During low-speed, low-impact driving, the powertrain works just like other hybrids; it stops the V8 engine whenever possible so that it may draw power from one or both of the electric motors. With a deft foot on the go pedal, the big SUV can travel under electric power for around two miles at up to 35 mph.
The second mode is mostly for highway driving, at which point one or both electric motors can run concurrently along with the gas engine in order to provide a power boost. The two-mode transmission is the key to the whole system, which attempts to keep the engine running at the optimum rpm for low fuel consumption. Essentially, it manages a balancing act between the V8 engine and the electric motors. It is also responsible for making the transitions between the two modes practically seamless.
The two mode isn’t the Escalade’s only fuel saver. Four of the V8’s cylinders can take a rest and the engine can operate in an economical V4 mode from around 40 mph up to near 70 mph. Master this technique along with the characteristics of the two-mode, and the 26-gallon fuel tank will let you cruise for more than 500 miles on unleaded gasoline.
Exterior And Interior
Without the hybrid badging, there is little to distinguish the Escalade Hybrid from its conventional counterpart. Both express power and luxury, and the big, shiny offensive grille dominates everyone’s rearview mirror. Then there’s the 22-inch chromed aluminum-alloy wheels.
Unlike the Tahoe Hybrid on which it’s based, the Escalade takes no extreme measures to reduce weight and increase mileage. The front air dam is subtly different, but there are no other aerodynamic changes or mass reductions. It even has the standard Escalade roof rack. There is a slight difference between the base standard model and the Premium Edition. The Premium has a unique front fascia along with upper and lower grilles and a multi-spoke wheel design.
Inside is the same story; the Escalade Hybrid mimics its gasoline sibling, but there are some hybrid-specific features. The instrument cluster adds an additional gauge that monitors the efficiency of the vehicle, and the instrument panel has some hybrid graphics. Also, the standard navigation system screen can display a graphic diagram of the hybrid system and its operation.
The Cadillac Escalade Hybrid’s interior is a jazz quartet. The lavishness stretches from the wood trim to the leather. And no new-car smell is quite as scrumptious as a Caddy’s.
Basically, the Hybrid version of this big SUV is a complete option package that incorporates a raft of options offered on lesser Escalades. In addition to those include the aforementioned 22-inch chromed aluminum wheels, remote starter, heated and cooled front seats—all rows are leather—Bluetooth, USB/iPod port and an AM/FM/XM/CD Bose audio system with MP3 capability. Phew. Other standard features include a backup camera, power liftgate, and a blind-spot detection system in each side mirror.
All of which is to say, this is a large dollop of luxury laid on what is, in the end, a very large station wagon built on a pickup truck frame. But wait, there’s more.
The Platinum Edition adds LED headlights, upgraded leather with French stitching, heated and cooled cupholders and dual front headrest DVD screens with rear entertainment system featuring a total of three LCD screens.
For its size, the rear cargo area behind the third row is, well, puny, 16.9 cubic feet—enough room for a small grocery run, but not much more. For additional space, the third-row seatbacks can be folded, but this doesn’t yield a flat surface. The next step is tumbling the seats forward like the second-row seats. This is a pain-in-the-rear arrangement compared to competitors with a flat-fold third row.
The navigation system screen can display a graphic diagram of the hybrid system operation: electric power only, gas engine power only or a combination of both.
On The Road
If you have never driven a large SUV, it takes some time to become accustomed to its size and driving dynamics. Fortunately, sight lines are excellent and the blind-spot detection system and backup camera are welcome features. As for parking the big rig, it’s best to park head in, unless you are very adept at parallel parking.
For those familiar with a big SUV, the Escalade Hybrid driving experience is rather ordinary. Ordinary meaning that with a body-on-frame construction, independent front suspension and solid rear axle, the ride is slightly truck like. But only slightly. You will know when a big pothole is encountered, but it’s not a harsh event. Cadillac has smoothed the ride with a touring suspension that incorporates GM’s Magnetic Ride Control, which reads the road up to 1,000 times a second.
The Escalade Hybrid feels planted during cornering and stable when cruising at 70 mph on the highway. Forbes said, “Escalade Hybrid is remarkably composed around curves and on rough surfaces, and is a positive locomotive on a long road trip.” NADA Guides commented, “With a firm grip on the wheel and an eye for the next curve ahead, the Escalade performed far better than I expected.”
The Detroit News reported, “The ride literally glides along the highway. The 6-liter engine and electric motor produce absolutely silky smooth acceleration.” And about the steering, it says, “The electric rack-in-pinion steering feels exact without feeling overbearing. The Escalade is surprisingly easy to maneuver, and the advantage of the electric motor operating the steering system means it can tighten up at higher speeds and loosen up when silently cruising around parking lots.”
As if the Cadillac Escalade didn’t have enough bling already, the hybrid model adds a huge hybrid logo to the front fender vents. Hey, Cadillac can’t sell hybrids if folks don’t know they exist.
Economics
The 2012 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid is available in two trim levels. The standard model has a sticker price of $73,850 for two-wheel drive and $76,400 for four-wheel drive. Stepping up to the Premium Edition, 2WD is priced at $83,295 and 4WD at $85,845.
Because Cadillac equips the Escalade Hybrid with a long list of standard features, an apples-to-apples comparison to the various gas-powered Escalade models is difficult. The closest is the base Hybrid versus the Luxury trim edition, priced at $67,395 for 2-WD, $69,945 for 4-WD, a $6,455 premium for the Hybrid. But comparisons should also include fuel mileage. The gas engine Escalade’s EPA ratings are 14/18/ 16 combined for 2-WD, 13/18/ 15 for 4-WD. The Hybrid’s numbers are 20/23/21 combined for both two- and four-wheel drive.
If you want most of the luxury amenities, eight-passenger seating, the towing capacity, but none of the bling, the 2012 GMC Yukon Denali Hybrid could be a better choice. Priced starting at $62,825 this GMC hybrid is more than $10,000 less than the Escalade. If you want a luxury badge and are willing to give up some interior room, test drive Audi’s Q7 TDI. It’s a diesel-powered seven-seat crossover with a starting price of $51,450, including all-wheel drive. That’s $24,950 less than the base 4-WD Escalade and it has an EPA fuel economy rating of 17 city/25 highway/20 combined. The Hybrid For You?
It’s no Prius, but then it was never meant to be. If you need a really big eight-seat vehicle—and have a taste for luxury and the cash to match—this $70,000-plus hybrid SUV may be your cup of tea.
Prices are Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) at time of publication and do not include destination charges, taxes or licensing.
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20 / 23 MPG 11.76 / 10.23 L/100km
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BODY TYPE:
SUV
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TECHNOLOGY:
Hybrid
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BASE MSRP:
$73,000
2 years ago
The article asks:
If you need a really big seven-seat vehicle...
The real question is:
Do you really need a big seven-seat vehicle...
And the correct answer that most people who own one don't want to hear is: No
2 years ago
"It boasts fuel economy of 20 city / 21 highway"
Let's compare it to the non-hybrid version:
16 city/26 highway/19 combined
Why does GM even bothered wasting time remaking another gas guzzler? They should have either save the money or put it into Volt development.
2 years ago
Not sure were you got your data, but at www.fueleconomy.gov the numbers are 12 city/ 19 highway/ 15 combined for the non-hybrid. So the hybrid is 75% better city/ 11% better highway/ 33% better combined.
I do think it is a waste. GM needs to build high MPG hybrids. 20-21 MPG large SUVs, 20-21 MPG trucks, 28 MPG small SUVs, and 29 MPG sedans does not cut it. Toyota has the 26 MPG 3 row Highlander SUV, Ford has the 32 MPG Escape small SUV, Toyota and Nissan have 34 MPG sedans, and Ford's new Fusion Hybrid will be 38-39 MPG. GM does have the only Hybrid pickup trucks, but the Ford F150 is 15/21/17. So the GM truck gets 33% better city, but nothing on the highway. GM, Ford and Chrysler have nothing to compete with the Toyota Prius or the new Honda Insight. The Ford Fusion can compete with the smaller Honda Civic in city (40 Civic, 41 Fusion), but the Civic kills the Fusion on the highway (45 Civic, 36 Fusion).
2 years ago
The numbers are from a GM website. It appears the numbers are quoted in Imperial gallon instead of US gallon. Not exactly the same comparison. My mistake.
Still a gas guzzler. Still a greenwashed vehicle with a giant hybrid badge that's more smoke and mirrors. GM better learn quickly the public is not as clueless as they used to be especially in the internet age.
2 years ago
$85K and it has a cheap looking dashboard.
I was filling up my Camry Hybrid the other day, when someone pulled into the station with a Escalade SUV. I had to wonder why on earth anyone would want that monster ego machine, but then I realized I need to park my self-righteous ego and recognize we're all on different paths. Hopefully we can convince people who value this kind of stuff to see things differently.
2 years ago
As much as I think this car is utterly useless, if there is a market for it and people buy it, there is no denying that it will save gas. And for that, I think it is a good thing. (I'm not convinced that a significant percentage of large SUV drivers are going to pay extra for a hybrid. We'll see what the sales numbers say.)
2 years ago
After reading this article I can only think that we are all going to be doomed. Better get my son into swimming lessons soon because he is going to need it.
2 years ago
If you accept the facts that
1) there are people who are buying large luxury SUV's in their non-hybrid version, and
2) they are not interested in Prii, Insights, etc.,
then it is clear that making SUV's hybrids has a large effect on fuel consumption.
In fact, it is more important to convert trucks to hybrid use than cars. Increasing the fuel economy in stop and go driving of an Escalade from 12 to 20 MPG saves TWICE as much fuel as increasing a smaller car from 24 to 40 MPG. If you look at it that way, each hybrid truck has the effect of two hybrid cars.
I personally don't understand the lure of SUV's, but people want them, and people buy them. You will not turn all these purchasers into Prius-drivers. So rather than ridicule a manufacturer who is making a hybrid product that saves twice as much fuel as a hybrid compact, give them a little credit. Sure, moving them out of their conventional Escalade in a compact hybrid might take their city fuel economy from 12 to 40 MPG (instead of 20), but that's not going to happen.
Saving 40% of the fuel an SUV would use (going to 20 MPG) may not be as good as saving 70% (going to 40 MPG in a compact), but it's still HUGE.
One of the biggest problems in America is that people want it their way or nothing. You can't make other people give up SUV's, so let them join in on the hybrid bandwagon.
This isn't "compacthybridcarsonly.com, "is it?
2 years ago
When I was in my youth (1960s) Chevy Suburbans existed but few owned them. Our family of 5 drove 350 miles every summer to a cottage in a Ford Falcon station wagon (that would be about the size of a Toyota Corolla today). In the 1980s Ford came out with the Explorer and Chrysler the mini van. Suddenly every family needed a larger vehicle. Last summer with gas prices reaching over $4.00 a gallon suddenly people started to rethink the need to own such large vehicles. I agree that if you need such a vehicle it certainly would be better a hybrid. But hybrid or electric or diesel more energy is needed to move such large vehicles around. I still think most people who think they do - do not need such vehicles. As the cost of energy (and everything else) increases I think more folks will be downsizing. GM's 2-mode hybrid system is a good one, hopefully they can get it working on (at least slightly) smaller vehicles.
2 years ago
Shines, I'm in my late 40's, and I agree completely with you. Before CAFE, no one drove trucks except farmers and construction workers. Once CAFE kicked in, and then fuel prices dropped, people wanted bigger cars, couldn't buy them cheaply because of CAFE, and then bought trucks cheaply instead. Smart plan, CAFE.
In real terms, gasoline was more expensive in the mid 1970's and early 1980's than it is now, so I don't think people are going to get the idea to move to cars unless they KNOW gas will be above $4.
2 years ago
And why no two-mode
Malibu, Cobalt, or Aveo5?
They should also make 2-mode CTS and CTW
I would like a Yellow Cobalt two-mode in yellow with a sunroof and 6-speed manual transmission with no-lift-shift
2 years ago
Living in LA, from the numerous Land Rovers that I see on the streets, I know that there are some that will never give up their luxury SUV, even given the fact that SUVs are pretty high polluters (and despite the fact that Land Rover doesn't make a very reliable vehicle...but that's another story).
That being said, years ago LOTS of kids wanted an Escalade (including myself). Not that I didn't care about the environment, but seeing musicians, actors, and the wealthy drive cars like those around on MTV made people aspire to have that same car.
Fortunately now, I believe a good majority of kids are more conscious about the environment and may be more likely to get a Prius or other hybrid over an Escalade (not all, but many). I think this was a smart move of GM to build an expensive SUV that gives them a little better green image with the rich while helping their bottom line (which they desperately need right now).
An even better idea if they could pull it off successfully would be to phase out the non-hybrid Escalade and soley make the hybrid version. That would definitely help solidify their green image in the luxury market.
2 years ago
GR and Anonymous, you both have good ideas. Smaller two-modes should be made, and I'm sure they will. The Escalade is a more profitable vehcile to offset the cost of the hybrid system with, and should get the ball rolling. And yes, making all Escalades hybrids would make a lot of sense.
That would be a good thing to suggest to GM.
2 years ago
Also, since most SUV's are fashion statements, I wish we could get back to the days when muscle cars were the fashion. It doesn't take nearly as much fuel to push one of those around. Since we have the Mustang, Challenger, and Camaro (soon) on line, that could move the market some.
Hybridizing them would only help, and straight-line performance would be good very good, but making a hybrid powertrain as responsive as an ICE w/manual transmission isn't trivial. For most customers, who buy automatics anyway....
2 years ago
Hello AP;
"One of the biggest problems in America is that people want it their way or nothing. You can't make other people give up SUV's, so let them join in on the hybrid bandwagon."
Well these selfish ignorant people are polluting my world. What gives them the right? Money?
I know there is no political will to do the right thing, but outlawing these huge vehicles for private ownership would be the correct thing to do. At least ration CO2 for personal travel. How about a free 2,400 Kg (15,000 miles an 160 grams/mile). The next 500 Kg costs you a $500. The next 500 Kg costs $1000. The next 500Kg costs $2000. You see the pattern. Make it so that a large SUV gift, is affordable to drive.
2 years ago
Charles, like it or not, having money does bring certain perks. If it didn't, no one would work hard to earn them, no one would produce anything, and no one would have anything. Rationing gasoline in "peace time" is a drastic measure that creates bureaucracy and intrusion into everyone's lives. Just as logical would be to limit people to 1500 square foot homes to reduce energy usage. Outlawing the vehicles is impossible (and ineffective) - too many ways around it.
I agree that we need to discourage the usage of fuel, though. I think a much simpler way is to tax it more and return the revenue evenly as an income tax credit to all tax filers (stop me if you've heard it before). Most people will be discouraged enough to not buy SUV's, and smaller cars would be more valued by customers.
2 years ago
You know I thought the same thing. Until I borrowed one from a friend for a week.
I fell in love with this. IT was so safe, you rode high and it was so comfortable on long trips.
I would buy one except the millage was terrible.
However the hybrid solves this issue. So its really an amazing vehicle.
The dash is not plastic btw. It was quite nice. The toyota on the other hand is plastic.
So I give this vehicle high marks and it will save you family in a accident.
2 years ago
bill,
The safest vehicles are the one that allow the driver to avoid one. This factor is not measured in a crash test. Roll over is a significant factor in an SUV. SUV often false sense of security and safety in an SUV is over rated in my opinion. Take a look the following link from wiki for other safety exposures of an SUV.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Criticism_of_sport_utility_vehicles#Safety
2 years ago
70-85K for a car is ridiculous IMO. Not because it's too much for some people, but because GM should not be wasting it's assembly lines for a niche market. Why am I asked to provide tax dollars to bail out a company that dedicates a line of vehicles to rap singers and spoiled hollywood actors? Every day people come onto this and other hybrid sites complaining about a hybrid that might approach 30K, but somehow this one gets a pass.
2 years ago
Well, if you want to do your conspicuous consumption in a way that's slightly less damaging to the environment, the Escalade Hybrid seems like a good way to go. (Wouldn't it be nice if we cared more about feeding hungry children than buying a $70,000 boat?)
Of course, we need vehicles of all kinds that can actually be powered by clean-renewable energy.
Talk to me when there's an Escalade plug-in hybrid.
2 years ago
In 2003 G.M. put 225 2 mode hybrid buses on the west coast, those 225 buses saved more fuel than 90,000 Toyota Prius. Why take a 76 h.p. small car that would have gotten upper 30 mpg's and take it to mid 40's. As stated in the article the Escalade saves more fuel vs. a regular Escalade than a small car that has been hybridized. Until people quit buying large vehicles I think it is smarter to start with the vehicles that don't get as good fuel economy and improve them than to take a car that already gets good fuel economy and put a hybrid premium on it to get a little better fuel economy.
Also check out consumer reports winner and losers hybrid article, GM's Saturn VUE was the winner, I think the Prius finish 6th.
14 weeks ago
Now that it has been a couple of years we have learned that the 2mode hybrid system - designed for Diesel freight train engines is not as reliable when scaled down. It has too many moving parts and is more expensive to manufacture than other hybrid systems. Maybe that is why only 14 of these were sold last month.
14 weeks ago
I can't believe this vehicle is even legally able to be called a hybrid. There should be some standard or minimum mileage.
MrEnergyCzar
14 weeks ago
Actually this car gets better city millage than a Camey or equal.
My bigger question is why does this site sill promote Toyota when Toyota cars are now lower quality and technology than other manufactures..
I see that they are still making the Prius the highest millage car where the Volt millage is still superior. Very biased site.
Also where is the Chevy Cruze and new ford focus gas at 40 mpg close to the TDI
This site is so out of date.
14 weeks ago
Hi Zack - according to www.fueleconomy.gov the Malibu, Camry and Fusion get 22 - 23 mpg city and the Escalade hybrid gets 20 mpg city so it does NOT get better city mileage than midsized cars. This site is hybridcars.com and the best selling hybrid happens to be the Prius - its just a fact. This site does show the Volt and an article posted on this site compares the Volt favorably against the plug in Prius (which isn't even available yet) - so I am not sure what you are saying about this site being out of date. As I type this I see a GM ad for the Cadillac CTS Sports Sedan so GM seems to think this site is relevant or they wouldn't adverstize on it. Both the Escalade and the Volt cost over $40k. I am looking forward to seeing GM produce a hybrid Cruze that gets over 40 mpg city as well as over 40 mpg highway and that is afforable...
13 weeks ago
SUVs are not safe. They only make you feel safe. First of.all their greater mass makes them more difficult to control. Then their higher center of gravity encourages flipping over. The sense of safety encourages risky driving. They often think 4wd makes up for no snow tires. They driver dangerously in bad conditions. Now more importantly... Guns are dangerous... Primarily to others. So are suvs. They interfere with vision for other drivers. Their have longer stopping distances. They transfer more momentum because of their greater mass when they impact.
13 weeks ago
SUVs are not safe. They only make you feel safe. First of.all their greater mass makes them more difficult to control. Then their higher center of gravity encourages flipping over. The sense of safety encourages risky driving. They often think 4wd makes up for no snow tires. They driver dangerously in bad conditions. Now more importantly... Guns are dangerous... Primarily to others. So are suvs. They interfere with vision for other drivers. Their have longer stopping distances. They transfer more momentum because of their greater mass when they impact.
13 weeks ago
SUVs are not safe. They only make you feel safe. First of.all their greater mass makes them more difficult to control. Then their higher center of gravity encourages flipping over. The sense of safety encourages risky driving. They often think 4wd makes up for no snow tires. They driver dangerously in bad conditions. Now more importantly... Guns are dangerous... Primarily to others. So are suvs. They interfere with vision for other drivers. Their have longer stopping distances. They transfer more momentum because of their greater mass when they impact.
11 weeks ago
In cases where you have a large family....absolutely! We have 6 people in our home and we also enjoy the comfort that comes with a luxury vehicle. We had a benz but it does not compare to the Escalade when you are in need of space.
10 weeks ago
my dream like this.....
9 weeks ago
I was very pleased to find this site. I wanted to thank you for this great read!! I definitely enjoyed every little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post.!
Clubmz e-spy
7 weeks ago
This was a very special and helpful article to read. I really have enjoyed all of this so much its crazy. Thanks for sharing all of this great information. Trouser press
4 weeks ago
This was very interesting and fun for me to read. I really have enjoyed this great and fun information. This was so much fun. I love this car. Team development
3 weeks ago
What a great and fun article to read. I really do think that this was really so much fun and interesting. Thanks - Fabric Protector
3 weeks ago
I really have enjoyed reading all of this great and helpful information. This was really very interesting and fun to read. Thanks for sharing. Properties in turkey
2 weeks ago
It was pretty quick that GM came out with this large hybrid SUV once the Hybrid craze swept across America. I'm wondering how long it'll be until they put out an Electric SUV. Now THAT would take some battery technology. LA Fitness
1 week ago
The Volt has proven to be another big waste of tax payer money in case you haven't heard and production is on hold. I was in an accident when a dump truck pulled out in front of me with my children in my GMC full sized SUV which is the only thing that saved us. Two witnesses contacted me and said they would never again feel safe in a small car. If the hood of my car had been 4 inches lower, the bed of the dumptruck would have taken off the top of our vehicle including our heads.
1 week ago
The major strength of the Hybrid car is, its Significantly improved fuel economy over conventional Escalade, generous standard features and eight-passenger seating capacity.
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