2009 Cadillac Escalade: Road Test
2009 Cadillac Escalade ▼
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- MSRP: $61,130 - $75,685
- Invoice: $56,851 - $70,387
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Our road test for the 2009 Cadillac Escalade includes a full evaluation of the 2009 Cadillac Escalade from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2009 Cadillac Escalade, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2009 Cadillac Escalade help you decide if a 2009 Cadillac Escalade is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| AWD Base | ESV | EXT | AWD Hybrid | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 5.8 |
Non-hybrid versions have ample power for any situation. The transmission changes gears smoothly.
Hybrid accelerates from a stop and passes much like conventional models. The hybrid system suffers from subtle surging in low-speed cruising conditions, but it's not overly detrimental. In liberal throttle applications, the Hybrid transmission pauses longer before delivering full power.
FUEL ECONOMY
| AWD Base | ESV | EXT | AWD Hybrid | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 2.5 |
In Consumer Guide testing, regular-length Escalades averaged 15.0-15.6 mpg, and just 12.7 mpg in mostly city driving. ESV and EXT models averaged 13.8 mpg.
AWD Hybrids averaged an outstanding-for-the-class 18.9-20.0 mpg. The Hybrid uses regular-grade gas. Cadillac recommends premium for conventional Escalades, and those models can also run on E85 ethanol.
RIDE QUALITY
| AWD Base | ESV | EXT | AWD Hybrid | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 6.2 |
Escalade's ride is comfortably absorbent, despite its traditional truck-type design and available 22-inch tires. ESV and EXT models have a longer wheelbase and a smoother ride. The Hybrid's extra weight and standard 22-inch wheels have a detrimental impact on ride quality.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| AWD Base | ESV | EXT | AWD Hybrid | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.1 |
Though this is a large vehicle, Escalades are stable and confident in low-to-moderate speed changes of direction. The optional 22-inch wheels have little impact on steering or handling. Our testers are divided on the steering feel; some laud its feel and response, but others say it's vague and overassisted. Strong brakes have reassuringly firm pedal feel, but fast stops trigger lots of nosedive.
QUIETNESS
| AWD Base | ESV | EXT | AWD Hybrid | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 6.9 |
Quiet enough, but only midpack for the premium-large-SUV class. Escalade's V8 is subdued at highway speeds, but roars loudly during rapid acceleration. Its exhaust note is nearly always heard. Wind rush is noticed from the large door mirrors and around the front doors from 65 mph on up.
The Hybrid is nearly silent at ignition and at rest, but a subtle electrical whirring noise is heard during acceleration from a stop and while decelerating.
CONTROLS
| AWD Base | ESV | EXT | AWD Hybrid | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 5.9 |
Gauges are large but have blue pointers that can be hard to see in some light conditions. All major controls are within easy reach. The navigation system has a large, easy-read touch screen. It also absorbs, but doesn't complicate, audio functions.
The Hybrid's navigation screen features a helpful energy flow display that indicates the status of the vehicle's gas/electric system. Likewise, a gauge in the upper left corner of the instrument panel indicates the most efficient braking range to capture regenerative braking energy, which recharges the battery.
DETAILS
| AWD Base | ESV | EXT | AWD Hybrid | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7.6 |
Impressive assembly quality, and mostly top-notch materials, though a few plastic pieces, especially the lower inside door panels, disappoint at these prices. Hybrids have a ridiculous amount of special badging, including front and rear window applique and conspicuous lower door decals.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| AWD Base | ESV | EXT | AWD Hybrid | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8.6 |
Escalades have big-rig space on wide, comfortable seats, though the tallest drivers may want more headroom and legroom. Folding the midgate on the EXT requires moving the front seats forward slightly, reducing legroom. Power-adjustable pedals are standard. The new power tilt steering column is welcome, but the lack of telescopic adjustment remains a curiosity at this price level. Visibility astern and to the right-rear is hindered by the roof design, but standard rear-obstacle detection and rearview camera compensate. This is a tall truck, so some climbing is needed to get in.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| AWD Base | ESV | EXT | AWD Hybrid | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7.1 |
Another highish step to the 2nd row, where comfortable seats furnish good headroom and legroom. In either wagon body length, the thinly padded 3rd-row bench will cramp those over 5-ft-6, and accessing it demands a low crouch while clearing flipped 2nd-row seats. An available feature includes 2nd-row seats that fold and tumble at the push of a release button (for buckets) or lever (for bench). Unfortunately, the seats must be manually returned to the upright position. Note that Hybrid models lack the power folding 2nd-row seat.
CARGO ROOM
| AWD Base | ESV | EXT | AWD Hybrid | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 10 | 5 | 10 | 8.5 |
In the standard-length wagon, only grocery-bag space is available behind the 3rd-row bench. There's plenty of room with those seatbacks flopped down. ESVs have generous space behind the 3rd row. In both wagons, the 3rd-row seat is split into 50/50 sections that don't fold flush with the floor and are heavy and cumbersome to remove or install. (EXT shares Chevrolet Avalanche design, so see the Avalanche report for an evaluation of EXT cargo room.) Good cabin storage includes a large bi-level console bin.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| AWD Base | ESV | EXT | AWD Hybrid | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 6 | 7 | 5.3 |
Escalade wagons are basically GMC Yukon Denalis with Cadillac looks, and add a pinch more power, extra standard features, and higher prices. All of GM's large SUVs are solid choices in their market segments, and although Escalade wagons may not be worth every penny of their extra cost over the Denali, they are Recommended picks in the premium large SUV class.
The Hybrid model's price premium is steep, but so are the potential fuel economy savings. This premium large SUV delivers fuel economy comparable to many smaller crossover SUVs with no sacrifice in passenger or cargo capacity.
Total Score
| AWD Base | ESV | EXT | AWD Hybrid | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 78 | 78 | 70 | 76 | 68.5 |
Total Score: 76
Scores for all Premium Large Sport-utility Vehicles
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