2009 Cadillac Escalade Review
2009 Cadillac Escalade Review





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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Plenty of curbside presence, decadent interior, ample V8 power, surprisingly civilized road manners for a truck-based SUV.
Cons
- No fold-flat rear seat, predictably abysmal fuel economy.
What’s new
The 2009 Cadillac Escalade receives a few changes and upgrades, including E85 "FlexFuel" capability, optional LED headlights, an available blind-spot warning system, a navigation system with a rearview camera and real-time traffic updates, Bluetooth connectivity and a revised version of OnStar.
Edmunds says
Imposing, luxurious and powerful, the 2009 Cadillac Escalade is one of the best full-size luxury SUVs on the market, though rising gas prices may temper its appeal.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2009 Cadillac Escalade 4dr SUV (6.2L 8cyl 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.11 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$257/mo for Escalade Base
Escalade Base
vs
$238/mo
Avg. Large SUV
Vehicle overview
It's probably best known as the venerable ride of choice for hip-hop stars and professional athletes, but the 2009 Cadillac Escalade is much more than just a fashion accessory. In fact, you'd be hard-pressed to find a more capable and appealing full-size luxury SUV in today's marketplace. Given the upward trajectory of gas prices, some would-be Escalade owners may elect to look elsewhere for rolling testaments to their wealth and influence. But realistically, folks who can afford to drop anywhere from 55 to 80 large on a people hauler probably aren't too concerned about what they're paying at the pump. What they want is status-symbol styling, coddling luxury and physics-defying power -- and few vehicles deliver on all counts as resoundingly as the Escalade.
Some might be tempted to write the Escalade off as a mere "badge job," given its shared lineage with the relatively plebian Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon. This was uncomfortably true of previous Escalades, which were basically Tahoes in tuxedos. But the current third-generation Escalade clearly stands apart from its more basic brethren thanks to distinctive exterior styling, a unique interior layout and an exclusive 403-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 (though the nearly-as-expensive Yukon Denali does offer a detuned version of this engine). Of course, blatant badge engineering didn't exactly hurt the sales of the first- and second-generation Escalades, but owners of the third-generation model should have a much easier time explaining why they anted up for the top-dollar Cadillac.
For many buyers, the Escalade's unmistakable look will be enough to clinch the deal. Edgy and intimidating, this is hands-down the best-looking Escalade ever. And now that Cadillac has wizened up to buyers' lust for 22-inch wheels, you don't even have to resort to the aftermarket to pimp your 'Slade. For those not immediately smitten with the Escalade's shape, the cabin makes a case of its own with an exclusive dash design, sumptuous leather seating and mostly high-quality materials. And then there's that beefy 403-hp V8, which whisks the 5,500-pound Escalade past the slow-moving masses with almost frightening ease.
We don't hesitate to recommend the 2009 Cadillac Escalade to those who need the functionality and/or tough-guy image of a full-size luxury SUV. The Lincoln Navigator is underpowered and stylistically overwrought by comparison, and the Infiniti QX56 is competent but frankly rather uninspiring next to the iconic Caddy. The Escalade's stiffest competition comes in the form of the Mercedes-Benz GL450, which is quicker, equally comfortable and generally more rewarding to drive; it's also blessed with an opulent interior that trumps the Escalade by offering a fold-flat third-row seat. But if you want to flaunt your prosperity in the boldest way possible, there's still nothing quite like a 'Slade.
Performance & mpg
All 2009 Cadillac Escalades are equipped with a 6.2-liter V8. It cranks out 403 hp and 417 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission with a manual-shift mode routes power to either the rear wheels or all four, depending on whether buyers check the box for all-wheel drive. AWD versions feature a default 40/60 front/rear power split. Escalades aren't meant for off-roading (don't want to scratch those dubs), so there is no dual-range transfer case. Towing capacity for a properly equipped AWD model is 7,400 pounds. EPA fuel economy estimates stand at 12 mpg city/19 highway and 14 combined for 2WD models; AWD Escalades drop to 18 mpg highway but otherwise share the 2WD model's ratings.
Safety
Stability control with a rollover sensor is standard, as are antilock disc brakes, traction control, side curtain airbags for all outboard occupants and the OnStar telematics system. Front seat-mounted side airbags are not available. In government testing, the Cadillac Escalade received a perfect five-star rating for front- and side-impact collisions.
Driving
The 2009 Cadillac Escalade is eerily quick for such a heavy vehicle -- that's what 403 hp will do for you. We've clocked the AWD version at 7.5 seconds to 60 mph, but even that relatively impressive number can't convey the broad-shouldered responsiveness of the Escalade's 6.2-liter V8 at all speeds. The 'Slade isn't the sportiest SUV around, but its handling is surprisingly well sorted given its humble beginnings as a GM truck. Thanks to a relatively tight 39-foot turning circle, parking is easier than you might expect; however, the Escalade's massive measurements mean that maneuvering in tight spots is still nerve-wracking, even with the optional rearview camera. While the ride is admirably hushed and supple over most surfaces, keep in mind that ride quality will suffer with the optional 22-inch wheels.
Interior
While first- and second-generation Escalade interiors were hardly more than tarted-up layouts from Chevy pickups, the 2009 Escalade is easily distinguishable from its lesser GM siblings. Tasteful alloy trim, faux walnut inlays and high-quality materials imbue the big Caddy with an appropriately luxurious feel, and the buttons and controls exemplify ergonomic excellence.
Depending on its second-row configuration, the Escalade can seat seven or eight people. One of the Escalade's few obvious flaws is found in the third-row seat, which doesn't fold flat into the floor like a Lincoln Navigator's or Mercedes-Benz GL450's. This hampers cargo capacity and requires owners to remove the exceedingly heavy 50/50 sections if more space is required. On the bright side, the Escalade boasts class-leading cargo capacity with those seats removed -- 60.3 cubic feet -- and it balloons to 108.9 cubes with the second row folded.
2009 Cadillac Escalade models
The 2009 Cadillac Escalade is a full-size luxury SUV that's available in the base or an upgraded, "Platinum" trim. Beyond the expected smorgasbord of standard amenities, the base Escalade comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlamps, a power liftgate, an adaptive suspension with electronically controlled shock absorbers, park assist and even a heated windshield washer fluid feature. Inside, there's triple-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, power-adjustable pedals, heated first- and second-row seats, remote starting, Bluetooth connectivity, and a navigation system with real-time traffic and an integrated rearview camera. Additionally, the 2009 Escalade is equipped with the latest incarnation of OnStar, which can download updates to the navigation system. A premium stereo with satellite radio, MP3 playback and an in-dash six-CD/DVD changer is also standard.
The V8 Ultra Luxury Collection package adds adaptive headlamps, a blind-spot warning system, heated and cooled front seats, a heated steering wheel, power-release second-row seats, a sunroof, 22-inch chrome aluminum wheels and a Magnetic Ride Control suspension system that utilizes more sophisticated electronically controlled fluid-filled shocks to adjust damping continuously. Additional options include power-retractable running boards and a rear-seat entertainment system; the sunroof is also available as a stand-alone option.
Much of the base model's optional equipment comes standard on the thoroughly pimped-out Escalade Platinum. Anteing up for this exclusive (and exclusively priced) trim level yields unique 22-inch chrome wheels, LED headlights, upgraded interior leather upholstery, a special rear-seat entertainment system with additional video monitors and even heated and cooled cupholders.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2009 Cadillac Escalade.
5 star(41%)
4 star(32%)
3 star(11%)
2 star(14%)
1 star(2%)
44 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.38 out of 5 stars
After 4 yrs of ownership, I still love my Escalade
rydan93, 05/26/2011
2008 Cadillac Escalade Platinum Edition 4dr SUV (6.2L 8cyl 6A)
I bought my 2008 Escalade brand new. After 4 yrs I still love this vehicle. It is super comfy and I have had no issues with it other than a few nit picky cosmetic replacements. The engine and computer system have never given me any trouble. I would have expected a vehicle of this price range to come with blue tooth, but they did finally add it on the 2009. My favorite thing about this … truck is the engine! I love that loud roar of my 6.2 liter when I crank it up. The 22" wheels aren't to bad either! I have always felt safe driving it and long trips are easy.
5 out of 5 stars
SIMPLY AMAZING!!!
Aviad, 02/01/2009
2009 Cadillac Escalade Platinum Edition 4dr SUV (6.2L 8cyl 6A)
traded my ugly lexus lx 430 for this and cant be happier. FIRST OFF i cant stand when people like the guy below me complain about GAS this is a 403 hp beast of a car u know its not an econobox when u buy it so dont complain about GAS! i love this car their is nothing that compares to it its my 3rd escalade and truly the best the ride and handling are amazing and its so fastt!! i love it … do yourself a favor and test drive it you wont be dissapointed and best of all its AMERICAN!
2.38 out of 5 stars
BUYER BEWARE
Concourse, 11/01/2007
2008 Cadillac Escalade 4dr SUV AWD (6.2L 8cyl 6A)
Transmission went bad with 2000 miles on it.After 5 attempts to have it fixed they finally found the problem. It is an engineering flaw that GM said do not repair,there is no repair and it is on all 07 & 08 models. I'm crushed I paid $68k and no fix for Cadillac's engineering flaw, I asked them how much on trade they said $48k so a $20k loss on a problem that GM knows about and will not … repair and will not warn potential buyers, how low can you go? Learn thru my mistake on trusting Cadiilac, and ask about this engineering flaw, the service dept. knows about it they have documents in their file that they can show you but you can't make a copy of it.
2.25 out of 5 stars
Don't drink the Cadillac koolaid!
bobby, 10/15/2008
2008 Cadillac Escalade 4dr SUV AWD (6.2L 8cyl 6A)
This may be the nicest looking large SUV, however the trade off for reliability, build quality/materials, and lack of basic amenities leave this owner regretting every drive. I only have 7 thousand miles and the things spends more time at the dealer than my garage. GM clearly rushed this vehicle to market before it was done. The interior materials are cheap and not color matched. The … metal is different colors and burns your hands. My door panels are turning purple from black. Only 2 windows auto down. the third seat is a pain to store. The onstar drops calls in the city, god forbid I need it out of town. Buy something else!
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2009 Cadillac Escalade, so we've included reviews for other years of the Escalade since its last redesign.
2009 Escalade Highlights
Base
Base MSRP | $62,205 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Flex-fuel (ffv) |
Combined MPG | 15 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $257/month |
Seating | 7 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 16.9 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover3 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
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