Even those who can afford a full-size luxury SUV like the 2009 Cadillac Escalade are feeling the wallet pinch at the gas pump these days, so they'll be happy to hear that the biggest change to this powerful, truck-based, seven-passenger SUV comes in the form of a new hybrid version for 2009.
The two-mode hybrid system, taken from the Yukon, consists of a 6.0-liter V8 gas engine and two electric motors powered by a 300-volt battery. Together, they deliver 332 hp and can tow up to 6,000 pounds in rear-wheel-drive versions (5,700 in AWD). The two modes mean at low speeds (30 mph and under), the electric motors only supply power, but as you increase speed, the gas engine eventually kicks in and then takes over. Early driving tests report a seamless and imperceptible transition between power sources, detectable only by watching the power flow monitor on the dash. The system features regenerative braking and engine cutoff while idling or stopped, to improve fuel economy, as well as Active Fuel Management, which deactivates up to four cylinders when not needed. Mileage ratings have not yet been released, but the hybrid Escalade is expected to get 21/20 mpg, a slight improvement over the 13/18 mpg in the non-hybrid version.
The regular 2009 Escalade, available in both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive, also receives a few updates this year, including a blind-spot warning system and power tilt steering (oddly, no telescopic feature is offered). Under the hood sits a 6.2-liter, 403-hp V8, still one of the most energetic power plants in this segment. Paired with a 6-speed automatic with manual mode, the powertrain puts out 417 ft-lbs of torque at 4,300 RPM and achieves 0-60 times of 7.5 seconds. Towing capacity maxes out at 7,400 pounds, but carrying anything also drops fuel economy into single digits. Based on the truck platform shared by the Yukon and Tahoe, the 2009 Escalade delivers a solid, stable ride despite its large size. Braking is quick and responsive, though the large SUV tends to nosedive somewhat at sudden stops. Acceleration power remains top-notch, but the engine can be noisy at high speeds.
The roomy Escalade seats seven in three rows, with good legroom for first- and second-row passengers. An optional second-row bench makes room for an eighth passenger. The third row is cramped and not suitable for adults. Taking into consideration that they also do not fold flat and are cumbersome to remove, the third-row seats seem more a nuisance than functional. Cargo space starts at 17 cubic feet, but expands to 109. All the expected luxuries are there, including leather upholstery, power front seats and pedals, a power tailgate, wood trim, a 6-CD player with surround sound, and remote start. The Platinum trim adds Magnetic Ride Control, GM's new techno wonder that uses sensors to adjust the suspension according to road conditions.
The 2009 Escalade earns five stars in all categories of the NHTSA crash tests, except rollover ratings, in which it earns only three. All trims come equipped with ABS brakes, traction and stability control, dual front-side and side curtain airbags, and hill descent control. A standard backup camera helps tremendously with the rear visiblity problems caused by the thick roof pillars. Professional reviewers praise the Escalade for its superior power and handling, long list of standard features, and interior ergonomics. The use of plastics mars an otherwise luxurious interior, and the tiny third row and lousy fuel economy top the list of drawbacks.
I bought a extended warranty from warranty solutions from the dealer and started reading bad reviews about it. I purchased the Ecomind preowned 5 star with a $200 deductable, Bumper to bumper 3 year 32,000 mile.
i was looking towards buying a used escalade that has about 30000 miles on it. the only thing was that it has a 26 inch rims on it so then when you turn, the tires hit the inside plastic parts. and I dont know if the previous owner did any type of new suspension work. and when i took it for a test drive on the highway, the car rattled a lot. im scared to buy it because I talked to a guy from a cadillac dealer and he said 24 inch rims are okay, but he has seen people with 26 inch rims on an escalade with a lot of problems. Even far as the wheels just snapping off the car. Is this dealer guy just trying to scare me?
Does anyone know what years would work for 3rd row seat in my 2009 Escalade? I need to get them replaced.
I’m buying a premium car with higher mileage. I would like to buy an extended warranty. Who do I purchase this through? The dealer? What is the best extended warranty for a Cadillac Escalade?
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning · Third row air conditioning: with independent controls
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Rear headphone jacks · Wireless headphones · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · Rear audio: separate rear audio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 10
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.0 · Front brake width: 1.18 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.5 · Rear brake width: 0.79 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: leather · Dash trim: wood · Door trim: wood · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Adjustable pedals: power · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: second row · Cupholders: 7 · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: power tilt · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 14
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.42 · Locking differential: rear
Engine
Alternator: 160 amps · Oil cooler: auxiliary
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: chrome accents · Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Grille color: chrome · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: special factory paint · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Running boards: power folding
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2 · Number of third row headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Video monitor location: rear · Video monitor size: 8 · Video system: DVD player
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low oil pressure
Lights
Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: HID · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: auto-dimming
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 14
Rear Seats
Type: bucket
Roof
Roof rack color: chrome · Sunroof: power glass
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Third row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Third row seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather · Ventilated: front
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Mount Location: outside · Size: full-size
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Air Suspension: rear · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 36 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 28 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: solid live axle · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Suspension control: electronic
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: OnStar
Third Row Seat
Type: 50-50 split bench
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: aluminum
Towing and Hauling
Tow hooks: front
Wheels
Wheel locks: spare only · Wheel spokes: 7 · Width: 9
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: front · Rear wiper: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning · Third row air conditioning: with independent controls
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side airbags · Third row side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Rear headphone jacks · Wireless headphones · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · Rear audio: separate rear audio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 10
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.0 · Front brake width: 1.18 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.5 · Rear brake width: 0.79 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: leather · Dash trim: leather · Door trim: leather · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front and rear · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Adjustable pedals: power · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: second row · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: 2 driver · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: power tilt · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 14
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.42 · Locking differential: rear
Engine
Alternator: 160 amps · Oil cooler: auxiliary
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: chrome accents · Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Grille color: body-color · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: special factory paint · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Running boards: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2 · Number of third row headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Video monitor location: rear · Video monitor size: 8 · Video system: DVD player
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 14
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Roof rack color: chrome · Sunroof: power glass
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front and rear · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point · Third row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Third row seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather-appointed · Ventilated: front
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Mount Location: outside · Size: full-size
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Air Suspension: rear · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 36 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 28 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: solid live axle · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Suspension control: electronic
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: OnStar
Third Row Seat
Type: 50-50 split bench
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: aluminum
Towing and Hauling
Tow hooks: front
Wheels
Wheel locks: spare only · Wheel spokes: 7 · Width: 9
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: front · Rear wiper: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning · Third row air conditioning: with independent controls
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Wireless headphones · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · Rear audio: separate rear audio · Remote control: audio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 10
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.0 · Front brake width: 1.18 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.5 · Rear brake width: 0.79 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: leather · Door trim: wood · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: wood
Convenience Features
Adjustable pedals: power · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: cooled · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: power tilt · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 14
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.42 · Locking differential: rear
Engine
Alternator: 160 amps · Oil cooler: auxiliary
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: chrome accents · Door handle color: chrome · Grille color: chrome · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2 · Number of third row headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Video monitor location: rear · Video system: DVD player
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: automatic high beam dimmer · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power folding
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 14
Rear Seats
Type: bucket
Roof
Moonroof: one-touch open/close · Roof rack color: chrome
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Seatbelt force limiters: front and rear · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Third row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Third row seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Mount Location: outside · Size: full-size
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Air Suspension: rear · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 36 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Front shock type: monotube · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 28 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: solid live axle · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Rear shock type: monotube · Suspension control: magnetic
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: OnStar
Third Row Seat
Type: 50-50 split bench
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: chrome alloy
Wheels
Wheel locks: spare only · Wheel spokes: multi-spoke
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: front · Rear wiper: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning · Third row air conditioning: with independent controls
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front, rear and third row side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Wireless headphones · In-Dash CD: DVD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · Rear audio: separate rear audio · Remote control: video · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 10
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.0 · Front brake width: 1.18 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.5 · Rear brake width: 0.79 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: leather · Dash trim: wood · Door trim: wood · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: wood
Convenience Features
Adjustable pedals: power · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: 7 · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: power tilt · Steering wheel mounted controls: multi-function screen controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 14
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.42 · Locking differential: rear
Engine
Alternator: 160 amps · Oil cooler: auxiliary
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: chrome accents · Door handle color: chrome · Grille color: chrome · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2 · Number of third row headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Video monitor location: rear · Video system: DVD player
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: automatic high beam dimmer · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 14
Rear Seats
Type: bucket
Roof
Moonroof: power glass · Roof rack color: chrome
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Seatbelt force limiters: front, rear and third row · Seatbelt pretensioners: front, rear and third row · Third row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Third row seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Mount Location: outside · Size: full-size
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Air Suspension: rear · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 36 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Front shock type: monotube · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 28 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: solid live axle · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Rear shock type: monotube · Suspension control: magnetic
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: OnStar
Third Row Seat
Type: 50-50 split bench
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: chrome alloy
Wheels
Wheel locks: spare only · Wheel spokes: multi-spoke
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: front · Rear wiper: with washer