2010 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid Review
2010 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid Review





+3
Used Escalade Hybrid for sale
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Better fuel economy than the conventionally powered Escalade, handsome styling, luxurious and well-equipped interior, seating for up to eight passengers.
Cons
- Powertrain quirks take some getting used to, reduced towing capacity, cramped third-row seat has to be removed for maximum cargo capacity.
What’s new
Despite the fact that it debuted just last year, the Escalade Hybrid gets a number of significant upgrades for 2010, including a modified version of its 6.0-liter V8 that can now run on ethanol-based E85 fuel, a revised rear axle ratio for improved fuel economy, and a redesigned door structure for better occupant protection. Inside is a new USB input that allows you to play stored audio files through the stereo. Base models also get a new dash clock previously exclusive to the top-of-the-line Platinum model.
Edmunds says
The 2010 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid may be the only full-size luxury hybrid SUV on the market, but its shortcomings are significant enough that buyers should consider the full range of other "green" SUV choices carefully before committing.
2010 Escalade Hybrid Highlights
Base
- Combined MPG
- 22 MPG
- Cost to Drive
- $188/month
- Seating
- 8 seats
- Drivetrain
- rear wheel drive
- Engine Type
- Hybrid
- Warranty
- 4 years / 50,000 miles
Vehicle overview
In a world where driving a big gas-guzzling sport-utility vehicle has suddenly become uncool, the 2010 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid offers its owners a way to show the world just how environmentally friendly they really are. But is driving this green-tinged version of Cadillac's wildly popular yet politically incorrect land yacht really a wise and responsible choice? Well, the answer depends on what you're comparing it to.
To be sure, the Escalade Hybrid does manage to post better fuel economy numbers than its conventionally powered Cadillac SUV siblings. Its two-mode hybrid powertrain, which it shares with its Chevrolet and GMC cousins, combines a beefy V8 engine with two electric motors that can actually propel this gussied-up truck at slow speeds in all-electric mode. The system also incorporates several other fuel-saving bells and whistles to deliver surprisingly decent fuel economy, at least by full-size SUV standards.
While that upside may sound appealing, it comes at a cost. Buyers will have to get used to the powertrain's myriad quirks, from a range of odd noises to a surging feeling when you step on the brake pedal. If your primary reason for buying a full-size SUV is to tow a large trailer, you should also be aware that the hybrid version's towing capacity is 2,500 pounds less than that of the regular Escalade. Finally, there's a literal price to be paid for assuaging your guilt about driving such a supersized luxury vehicle, as this hybrid's MSRP is roughly $5,000 above that of the comparably equipped standard Escalade.
All of which leads us to encourage shoppers to take a hard look at all their options before they sign on the dotted line. The midsize Lexus RX 450h crossover is less roomy and capable, but it does provide significantly better fuel economy. The diesel-powered Audi Q7 TDI drives more like a normal vehicle, has comparable fuel economy numbers and greater towing capacity. The related and similar Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid and GMC Yukon Hybrid, meanwhile, can be had for thousands less than the big Caddy. If you still have your heart set on the 2010 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid, know that it will provide a luxurious hybrid experience. Just remember that a clear conscience doesn't come cheap.
Performance & mpg
Power for the 2010 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid comes from GM's two-mode hybrid system, which consists of a 6.0-liter V8 paired with two 60-kilowatt electric motors and an onboard battery pack. Total output is 332 horsepower. The combination is intended to deliver maximum miles per gallon in everyday driving while still offering sufficient muscle to tow trailers up to 5,800 pounds, something few other hybrids can claim.
The two-mode hybrid powertrain can accelerate this 5,700-pound SUV up to 25 mph using battery power alone. The system also incorporates several other fuel-saving technologies, including a cylinder-deactivation feature that essentially turns the big V8 into a less thirsty four-cylinder under light-load conditions, such as when cruising on a level freeway.
The unique automatic transmission uses a continuously variable design that allows the engine to operate in its most efficient rpm range. The extraordinarily complex unit also features four fixed gears that come into play primarily when towing or hauling heavy loads. Both rear- and all-wheel-drive versions are available. EPA fuel economy estimates for the 2WD version are 21 mpg city/22 highway and 21 mpg combined, a slight increase over last year's model.
Safety
The Escalade Hybrid's list of standard safety features includes antilock brakes, traction control, stability control, side curtain airbags that cover all three rows of seats and the OnStar emergency communications system. A redesigned internal door structure adds an extra measure of protection in broadside accidents.
In government crash tests, the Escalade Hybrid earned a top five-star rating for protection of front occupants in head-on collisions. Side-impact tests hadn't yet been performed as of this writing, but last year's model still earned a five-star rating for both front and rear passenger protection.
Driving
You don't have to drive the 2010 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid very far to discover its split personality. At low speeds, where it can motor along in all-electric mode, this big truck's interior seems almost serene. At higher speeds, though, you'll hear the various sounds of the hybrid powertrain at work while the ride quality suffers from the 22-inch wheels and low-profile tires that transmit every bump in the road directly to your backside.
The powertrain works well enough, though the only part of its operation that feels truly seamless is when the cylinder deactivation system automatically shuts down and restarts half the engine's cylinders. The regenerative braking system, which helps recharge the hybrid system's battery pack, is particularly distracting, as it gives the brake pedal a surging feeling that makes it difficult to come to a smooth stop.
Interior
The 2010 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid coddles passengers in the same stylish surroundings as the conventionally powered versions. The posh cabin is done up in soft leather upholstery and top-quality materials and features controls that are well-placed and intuitive to use. Standard second- and third-row benches provide seating for up to eight passengers. Unfortunately, the comfy second-row captain's chairs offered on the regular Escalade aren't available here.
The interior's biggest weakness is the 50/50-split third-row seat. Leg-room is scarce, making the way-back best suited to preteens. The fact that the seat doesn't fold into the floor also means wrestling each 60-pound section out the rear hatch and then finding a place to store them when you need additional cargo space. Once you get the third-row removed and the second-row seatbacks folded down, however, you'll find a cavernous 109 cubic feet of cargo room.
2010 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid models
The 2010 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid is a full-size luxury sport-utility vehicle that's now offered in two trim levels, including a new top-of-the-line Platinum model.
Even base models are well equipped with a long list of upscale standard features, including 22-inch chrome-clad wheels, xenon headlights, a sunroof, a roof rack, a power rear liftgate and rear parking assist. Inside are all the expected luxury amenities, including leather upholstery, heated and ventilated power-adjustable front seats with memory settings for the driver seat, tri-zone automatic climate control, a navigation system with real-time traffic info, a back-up camera, Bluetooth and OnStar. A rear-seat video entertainment setup with a drop-down screen, a 115-volt AC power outlet and a 10-speaker Bose surround-sound system with a six-disc CD/MP3 changer and satellite radio are also standard.
Step up to the Platinum model and you get distinctive LED headlight elements, a sophisticated Magnetic Ride Control suspension and power-retractable running boards. Interior upgrades include a heated steering wheel, power-release second-row seats, heated and cooled cupholders and dual video monitors mounted in the back of the front headrests.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2010 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid.
5 star(44%)
4 star(16%)
3 star(16%)
2 star(5%)
1 star(19%)
18 reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Smooth Ride
?, 01/01/2009
2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid 4dr SUV 4WD (6.0L 8cyl gas/electric hybrid 4A)
This is my third Escalade. Hybrid is very quiet. The 2007 was really loud. Very smooth acceleration. Ride is 75% better than 2007 vehicle. The bluetooth is great to have although should have been available on the 2007. Hybrid gets 18-19 on average which for me is acceptable. Love the vehicle. Do not drive like a full size sport utility. Best large SUV on the road. Have driven it 4K … miles. Flawless.
1 out of 5 stars
Buyer beware
mother8, 08/27/2013
2010 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid 4dr SUV 4WD (6.0L 8cyl gas/electric hybrid 4A)
The electrical system has gone out four times in 6 weeks. This means no power steering, power brakes, gas etc. No power! This makes the vehicle a liability on the road. I am getting very little support from the dealer to resolve this issue. This vehicle needs to be taken off the road before someone gets hurt or even worse killed. Traveling at a high speed on the freeway without power as … I experienced was quite frightening to say the least. Every time the system has failed I was traveling in traffic. Not sure if this is a Hybrid, Cadillac or Escalade issue?
4 out of 5 stars
HYBRID cadillac Escalade
Jennifer, 06/25/2016
2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid Platinum Edition 4dr SUV 4WD (6.0L 8cyl gas/electric hybrid 4A)
I was the second owner of my 2009 cadillac hybrid escalade, I have not enjoyed a suv of this size as much as this escalade ,it is still so classy looking it turns heads , love to drive it in any weather, handles snow with features like dial in 4 high 4 low and All wheel drive and hugs the mountain roads , I regularly carpool kids to sports in and out of state & love the comfort for all … ages accommodates my husband's 6'4 height w ease & a car full of people seats 8 ,still has room for moderate storage in trunk fully seated but any large luggage I have a travel case for roof rack , great gas mileage the Hybrid module recharges when you brake , the sound system & television are outstanding I have owned several suburbans as well as a Mercedes suv but this is my favorite.
4.88 out of 5 stars
Love It !
Frank, 04/14/2009
2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid 4dr SUV (6.0L 8cyl gas/electric hybrid 4A)
I traded in a 2007 Tahoe for the Escalade and so far I am very impressed with the performance. You step on the gas and the performance is much better than I was expecting from a hybrid. I am getting 20.7 MPG combined City/Highway driving with mildly conservative driving habits.The fit and finish is what you would expect from Cadillac and is fun to drive.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2010 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid, so we've included reviews for other years of the Escalade Hybrid since its last redesign.
More about the 2010 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid
Used 2010 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid Overview
The Used 2010 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid is offered in the following submodels: Escalade Hybrid SUV. Available styles include 4dr SUV 4WD (6.0L 8cyl gas/electric hybrid 4A), 4dr SUV (6.0L 8cyl gas/electric hybrid 4A), Platinum Edition 4dr SUV 4WD (6.0L 8cyl gas/electric hybrid 4A), and Platinum Edition 4dr SUV (6.0L 8cyl gas/electric hybrid 4A). Pre-owned Cadillac Escalade Hybrid models are available with a 6.0 L-liter hybrid engine, with output up to 332 hp, depending on engine type. The Used 2010 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid comes with four wheel drive, and rear wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 4-speed shiftable automatic.
What's a good price on a Used 2010 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid?
Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on used cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.
Which used 2010 Cadillac Escalade Hybrids are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2010 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid for sale near. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a used car from our massive database to find cheap prew-owned vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the Used 2010 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid.
Can't find a used 2010 Cadillac Escalade Hybrids you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
Find a used Cadillac Escalade Hybrid for sale.
Find a used Cadillac for sale.
Find a used certified pre-owned Cadillac Escalade Hybrid for sale.
Find a used certified pre-owned Cadillac for sale.
Should I lease or buy a 2010 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Cadillac lease specials
Check out Cadillac Escalade Hybrid lease specials
Related Used 2010 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid info
Vehicle reviews of used models
- Mercedes Benz A Class 2021 Review
- Mercedes Benz Amg GT 2020 Review
- Mercedes Benz Amg GT 2021 Review
- Mercedes Benz C Class 2020 Review
- Mercedes Benz C Class 2021 Review
Shop used vehicles in your area
- Used Volvo V90 2018
- Used BMW Z4 2013
- Used Toyota Avalon 1996
- Used Ram Dakota 1998
- Used Audi A6 2009
- Used Volkswagen Golf GTI 2011
- Used Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2012
- Used Ford Expedition 2012 For Sale
- Used Maserati F-350 Super Duty 2009 For Sale
- Used Kia Optima Hybrid 2018 For Sale
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- 2022 iX
- 2022 Wrangler
- Hyundai Santa Fe Plug In Hybrid
- 2023 Santa Fe Hybrid
- 2023 Durango
- 2022 BMW 2 Series
- 2023 Maserati Countryman
- BMW X6 2022
- 2022 Audi A4
- 2024 Audi A4 News
Research recent models from same make
- Cadillac Lyriq
- Cadillac CT5 2022
- Cadillac CT5 2022
- Cadillac CT4
- CT4 V Blackwing
- 2022 Cadillac XT6
- 2022 Cadillac XT4
- 2023 Escalade
- 2023 Cadillac CT4
- 2022 Cadillac CT4
Research similar vehicles
- 2023 Ford Escape
- BMW 3 Series 2023
- 2022 Volvo S60
- Hyundai Ioniq Plug In Hybrid
- 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
- 2023 Tucson Plug-In Hybrid
- Porsche Cayenne 2022
- 2023 Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid
- 2023 Santa Fe Hybrid
- 2022 5 Series
Recommended
- Best BMW X5 M Lease Deals in Port Saint Lucie, FL
- New Audi Q5 for Sale in Jonesboro, GA
- New Audi A6 for Sale in Clinton, MD
- New Audi A4 Allroad for Sale in Brighton, MI
- Best Genesis GV70 Lease Deals in Bellevue, WA
Other models
- Used Mazda Tribute-Hybrid in Riverdale, GA
- New Genesis Electrified-G80 for Sale in Rockford, IL
- Used BMW 1-Series-M in Evansville, IN
- Used Audi E-Tron-S-Sportback in Parker, CO
- Used BMW 1-Series-M in Lake Orion, MI
- New Mazda CX-90 for Sale in Arcadia, CA
- Used BMW 1-Series-M in Cleveland, OH
- Used Mazda Tribute-Hybrid in Lincoln, RI
- Used BMW 1-Series-M in Belgium, WI
- Used Audi E-Tron-S-Sportback in Sulphur, LA
- Used BMW 1-Series-M in Kent, WA
- Used Mazda Tribute-Hybrid in Lafayette, CA
- Used Subaru Solterra in Hudson, NH
- New Honda Ridgeline for Sale in Elmwood Park, IL
- Used Audi E-Tron-S-Sportback in Woodbury, NJ
- Used Mazda Mx-5-Miata-Rf in Saginaw, MI
- Used Tesla Roadster in Janesville, WI
- Used Mazda Tribute-Hybrid in Christiansburg, VA
- Used Saab 900 in Gilbertsville, PA
- Used Bentley Continental-Gt-Speed-Convertible in Denton, TX
- Used Lotus Exige in Martinez, CA
- Used Lotus Exige in Cerritos, CA
- New Ford Shelby-Gt500 for Sale in Hampton, NH
- Used BMW 1-Series-M in Gloucester, VA
- New Jeep Gladiator for Sale in Chagrin Falls, OH
- Used Audi E-Tron-S-Sportback in Covington, GA
- New Genesis Electrified-G80 for Sale in Mentor, OH
- Used Ferrari 456M in Fort Walton Beach, FL
- Used Mazda Tribute-Hybrid in Towson, MD
- Used Mercury Tracer in Sidney, OH