Cadillac Escalade Hybrid review: The pros and cons

What comes to mind when you think of the Cadillac Escalade? Good looks? Sure. Rap stars with a lot of ‘bling’? Possibly. Fuel economy of more than 20 miles per gallon? Doubtful, but that’s exactly what GM’s luxury division hopes to change with the introduction of the Escalade Hybrid.

While shooting 20+ MPG doesn’t sound very impressive at first, you have to realize that it represents more than 50% greater economy according to Cadillac. That’s pretty impressive when you consider that the Escalade Hybrid hasn’t sacrificed an ounce of the luxury and size that make it popular with 6-foot-plus sports stars and their entourages. The Escalade Hybrid hasn’t shied away from much of its legendary utility, either; 2WD models can still tow 6,000 pounds, while 4WD models can tow an impressive 5,700 pounds.

That’s not the plentiful 8,000/7,900-pound towing capacities offered by the 2WD/AWD models powered by the 6.2L Vortec engine, but both models get just 12 MPG in the city.

The Escalade Hybrid combines an advanced electric powertrain with a modern “high-performance” V8 capable of running on eight or four cylinders, whatever the situation demands. This gives the Escalade Hybrid excellent power when it’s needed and reasonable economy when it comes to city driving. The net result is that Escalade Hybrid owners won’t flinch every time they see a gas station.

Plenty of power, good looks, and reasonable economy in an iconic American luxury SUV? The Escalade Hybrid does it all and only sacrifices some of its ample towing capacity.