New 2012 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid

Vehicle Overview
Cadillac's eight-seat Escalade Hybrid uses GM's 2-Mode Hybrid system to reduce fuel consumption yet retain the traditional capabilities of a full-size SUV. It's available in rear- or four-wheel-drive form, and its hybrid system works with a 6.0-liter V-8 gasoline engine. Primary competitors include the related Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid and GMC Yukon Hybrid.

New for 2012
Apart from some enhancements to the navigation system and more anti-theft features, there are no significant changes for 2012.

Exterior
The overall shape of the Escalade Hybrid differs little from its conventional counterpart, but Cadillac has added hybrid badges to the front fenders, C-pillars and liftgate. With all that extra trim work, there won't be any question in the minds of passers-by as to what type of vehicle you're driving. Exterior features include:

• Standard 22-inch chrome wheels
• Standard power liftgate
• Standard xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights
• Optional LED headlights
• Optional power-retractable running boards
• Standard rear parking sensors and backup camera

Interior
The cabin is largely the same as a regular Escalade's, but there are a few hybrid-specific features. The Escalade Hybrid's instrument cluster gains an additional gauge that monitors the efficiency of the vehicle, and the instrument panel gets some hybrid graphics, too. The standard navigation system screen can display a graphical representation of the hybrid system and its operation. Interior features include:

• Standard leather interior, Three rows of seats accommodate up to eight
• Standard power front seats, Standard heated and cooled front seats, Available heated second-row outboard seats
• Standard tri-zone automatic climate control
• Available moonroof, Available heated and cooled cupholders
• Standard USB/iPod port

Under the Hood
The 2-Mode Hybrid system allows the Escalade Hybrid to accelerate from a stop and cruise at slow speeds on electric power alone. When more power is needed, the gas engine will kick on to provide supplementary power. Like most hybrids, the Escalade Hybrid captures energy during braking and stores it in the hybrid battery pack for later use. Free scheduled maintenance for four years or 50,000 miles is included. Mechanical features include:

• 332-horsepower, 6.0-liter V-8 engine
• Engine uses regular gas
• Automatic transmission incorporates two electric motors
• Standard Magnetic Ride Control replaces mechanical shock absorbers with electronically controlled shocks that GM says react to the road more quickly
• 5,800-pound (2WD) or 5,600-pound (4WD) towing capacity

Safety

• Antilock brakes, Electronic stability system with rollover-mitigation technology
• Side-impact airbags for the front seats, Three-row side curtain airbags

*Overview courtesy of Cars.com