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.

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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

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