2011 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid

The 2011 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid receives an updated navigation system but is otherwise unchanged. In an era where fuel efficiency is environmentally chic, the 2011 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid offers prospective owners of a luxury sport-utility the promise of full-size utility that’s socially acceptable.

The two-mode gas/electric powertrain system (shared with similar vehicles from Chevrolet and GMC) is particularly effective in low-speed urban driving, where the two electric motors can operate independently under light load conditions. A 6.0-liter V8 kicks in to deliver more power when accelerating, pulling a heavy load or just traveling at high speed.

The 2011 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid has no competition from brands other than GM, although the smaller Lexus RX 450h hybrid and Porsche Cayenne Hybrid are reasonable alternatives as long as towing isn’t required. The 2011 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid is an eight-passenger, full-size luxury sport-utility vehicle offered in two trim levels: base and top-of-the-line Platinum.

Base models are well equipped with 22-inch alloy wheels, an adaptive suspension, xenon headlights, sunroof, roof rack, remote start and a power rear liftgate. Inside the cabin you’ll find all the expected amenities, including leather-trimmed seating, heated and ventilated power front seats with driver memory, second-row 60/40-split-folding bench seat, a removable third-row 50/50-split bench seat, power-adjustable pedals, tri-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth and a navigation system with real-time traffic. Also standard are a rear-seat DVD entertainment system, a 115-volt power outlet and a 10-speaker Bose surround-sound audio system with a six-CD changer and satellite radio.

The power-retractable assist steps are also available on the base model.

The Escalade Hybrid is powered by a 6.0-liter V8 (E85 compatible) working in conjunction with a battery pack mounted under the second-row seat and a pair of 60-kilowatt electric motors located inside the unique automatic transmission. The Escalade Hybrid went from zero to 60 mph in 9.3 seconds; the regular Escalade does it in 7.5.

A cylinder-deactivation system helps reduce fuel consumption, while regenerative braking replenishes the batteries while coasting or stopping. Estimated fuel economy is excellent for a large truck-based SUV at 20 mpg city/23 mpg highway and 21 mpg combined with rear-wheel drive or 4WD.

The 2011 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid is an outstanding performer in safety testing, and features standard antilock disc brakes, stability control, traction control and head curtain airbags for all three rows. Other advanced safety features on the Escalade Hybrid include a blind-spot warning system, rear parking sensors, a rearview camera and OnStar communications.

The Cadillac Escalade Hybrid’s cabin is nearly identical to that found in the conventionally powered version, boasting a stylish contemporary design with top-quality materials and finish.

The 2011 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid exhibits two distinct personalities depending on your motoring mode.