2009 Cadillac Escalade ESV

From larger cargo space and passenger room to an extended wheelbase, everything about the 2009 Cadillac Escalade ESV is huge. A carry over from 2008, the 2009 Caddy ESV features an upgraded interior with three rows of seating for up to eight people. Optional power-on fold-and-flip second row seats makes it even more comfortable and popular with family car buyers.

Front Seat:

Front Seat

The 2009 Escalade ESV simply spoils you with its premium leather upholstery with faux wood trim, tri-zone auto climate control, heated front seats, Bose 5.1 sound system, in-dash CD/DVD changer, power lift gate, remote control start and many other creature comforts. The Bluetooth connectivity, OnStar navigation with integrated back-up camera and real-time traffic update system makes driving easier on city roads.

Dash:

Dash

The 6000 pound ESV gets power from a standard 6.2L V8 yielding 403 horsepower and 417 lb-ft of torque. A flexible-fuel engine helps it achieve 12/19 mpg city/highway respectively. Thanks to its light rack-and-pinion steering, 6-speed automatic transmission and 18-inch wheel base, the Escalade ESV is surprisingly easy to handle.

Engine:

Engine

If you’re looking for more luxury, opt for the 2009 Cadillac Escalade ESV Platinum Edition featuring a sunroof, heated steering, adjustable headlamps, 22-inch chrome aluminum wheels, a rear-seat entertainment system and the highly advanced Magnetic Ride Control suspension. The platinum package costs an additional $20k to the base price, an already pricey $60k.

Image Courtesy: Edmunds

The 2009 Cadillac Escalade EXT is the sole luxury sport-pickup offered by GM. Design wise, Escalade EXT shares similarities with its corporate sibling, the Chevrolet Avalanche. However, what makes Escalade special is its Midgate mechanism, a folding partition between the cargo bed and the interior. With rear-seats folded, this Midgate opens up to extend the pickup bed further. A three-folded hard plastic cover converts the open bed into a trunk.

The 2009 Escalade EXT has 6.2L V8 that churns out 403Hp. It can accelerate quickly and tow up to 6000 pounds. A 6-speed Hydra-Matic transmission system and road sensing suspension with real-time computer control ensure a smooth ride.

Moreover, a removable rear window, excellent leather upholstery, Bose 5.1 Surround Sound and an optional Ultra Luxury package comprising DVD touch-screen navigation, a rearview camera and sunroof make Caddy Escalade EXT a highly sophisticated yet powerful utility vehicle.

World Report and U.S. News stated that the 2008 Cadillac Escalade was the best of its class. But this was just the beginning of a golden age for Cadillac. With Escalade, ESV and EXT, Cadillac improved upon the luxury and performance that has become synonymous with the brand.

The 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid is the ultimate luxury SUV. With its advanced technical features and power handling, Escalade surpasses the performance level of all other Cadillac models. The fuel efficiency of the Escalade Hybrid is up to 32 percent better than the non-hybrid model.

The 2009 Escalade has a 403-hp 6.2-liter V8 engine that can run on E85 ethanol-blended fuel. Advanced features like variable valve timing and race-inspired high-flow aluminum cylinder heads have enriched the performance level of the car. Escalade also sports a continuous all-wheel-drive system, automatically adjusting to potentially hazardous road conditions.

Other Standard Features

Other standard features include a rear-view parking camera, a DVD navigation system, and Bluetooth connectivity – allowing a Bluetooth enabled cell phone to make or receive hands-free calls via the standard Bose audio system of Escalade.

Safety Measures

Escalade ensures safe driving with its leading-edge security and convenience system – OnStar. One of the most interesting new features is Stolen Vehicle Slowdown, giving subscribers added security by allowing OnStar Advisors, who work with law enforcement, to send a signal to the stolen vehicle to gradually slow it down.

What Auto Critics are Saying

Here are some excerpts of 2009 Cadillac Escalade reviews from around the web:

“Seamless hybrid operation, lots of luxury, improved mileage.” –CARandDRIVER.com

“Depending on equipment chosen, the Escalade can tow up to 8,100 pounds and carry a payload up to 1,433 pounds.” —Cars.com

“Now with bold, new styling and a bank of standard equipment, the Escalade looks and feels really different.” —Cars.com

“Sporting a new two-mode hybrid powertrain, the 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid promises to offer a 50-percent increase in fuel economy around town and at least a 25-percent increase overall.” – Newcartestdrive.com

The 263hp CTS gives you the option of a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission with all-wheel-drive system and “Performance Traction Management”. CTS comes standard with 17 inch seven-spoke alloy wheels with optional 18-inch wheels.

Features like USB connectivity, auxiliary MP3-player jacks, and a Bose audio system with eight speakers make for a pleasant in-cabin experience. On top of that, the CTS provides Bluetooth connectivity and an advance navigation system. Sweet!

At $58,280, the 2009 Cadillac CTS isn’t cheap – but it’s an excellent ride.