2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid
Prices: $71,915-$74,465

America is a big country with wide-open roads, and many vehicle buyers want lots of roominess despite the scare of last summer's high fuel prices. If you can give them prestige and improved fuel economy, all the better.

The posh Cadillac Escalade sport-utility vehicle (SUV) continues to be a prime ride, and the 2009 line adds a gas/electric hybrid version that delivers an estimated 20 mpg in the city and 21 on highways with either rear-wheel or all-wheel; drive.

That's a big jump in estimated city fuel economy from 12 mpg for the regular rear-drive Escalade, which delivers an estimated 19 on highways.

Those figures give the Escalade Hybrid rear-drive model estimated city economy numbers comparable to those of smaller upscale crossover vehicles with conventional gasoline engines.

Escalade economy with all-wheel drive (AWD) gets one or so mpg less in city or highway driving.

A plus that that the Escalade Hybrid only requires regular-grade gasoline, while regular Escalades call for premium fuel--although those models also can use E85 ethanol, which provides lower fuel economy.

Hybrids almost always cost more, and a drawback with the Escalade Hybrid is that it costs $71,915 with rear-drive and $74,465 with all-wheel drive. Regular Escalades cost from $60,985 to $66,065. (There's also a $59,920 Escalade EXT pickup truck, but only regular four-door hatchback Escalades are considered here.)

The Escalade arrived in 1999 and soon became the darling of image-conscious rappers, athletes, music industry icons, movie stars and what once were called "jet setters."

This Cadillac, which was a shock to older Cadillac owners who never thought Caddy would build a truck, was redesigned for 2007. It got a larger chrome grille and was about 4 inches longer and a bit wider and taller, with a wider track and improved body panel fittings. A leather-upholstered interior was far more opulent than the old one, which never was mediocre.

The Escalade was essentially unchanged for 2008 and remains virtually the same for 2009, except for the new hybrid model, which is visually distinguished by a few "hybrid" badges.

The regular Escalade has a 6.2-liter gas V-8 with 403 horsepower and a six-speed automatic transmission. The Hybrid has has a 6-liter gas V-8 paired with an electric motor for 332 horsepower. Cylinder deactivation helps enhance economy. It can use one or both of its power sources for the best acceleration and fuel economy.

The hybrid system works seamlessly, and a smooth continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is used.

The Escalade Hybrid isn't as fast as the regular model, but is reasonably fast for a big, 5,727-pound SUV (0-60 mph in 8.5 seconds) and can tow 5,800 pounds.

Steering is responsive and handling is good for such a tall truck. It's almost as if you're at the wheel of a big luxury car.

The ride is smooth, thanks partly to General Motors' Magnetic Ride Control system. However, some road imperfections bring out the fact that this is a truck. Electronic stability control and traction control are standard, as are huge, handsome 22-inch chromed aluminum wheels. However, there's no spare tire--just a tire sealant and inflator kit.

The brake pedal has a firm, reassuring feel, and stopping distances with the anti-lock brakes are OK.

Large door handles help make it easy to enter the luxurious interior, which seats up to eight persons. But most will want the optional ($1,095), fast-acting power-retractable running boards--officially called "assist steps"-- to help enter this 74.3-inch-high SUV fairly easily.

Once inside, you've got big-rig room and comfortable seats in the first and second seating rows and are surrounded by leather seat surfaces and first-rate materials. Cadillac has equipped the Hybrid with nearly every luxury car comfort and convenience feature known to man. For instance, both 14-way power front seats are heated and cooled and the split-folding second-row bench seat is heated. Features include a power sunroof and DVD entertainment system.

However, the low, thinly padded third-row seat is for kids or shorter adults. It's difficult to reach, and nobody will want to spend much time in it.

Gauges have blue pointers that seem more stylish than functional, but somehow add a touch of class. Controls are easily reached. Power-adjustable pedals and a power tilt steering wheel allow the Escalade Hybrid to accommodate drivers of various sizes, but--oddly-- there's no telescopic adjustment for the wheel.

Occupants sit high, but a driver will welcome the rearview camera and rear-obstacle detection system when maneuvering in tight spots. The large heated outside rearview mirrors have turn signals and fold against the side windows to prevent costly damage in parking areas.

Safety features include side curtain air bags with rollover deployment.

There isn't much cargo space with the folding third-row seatbacks in an upright position, but they flip forward . The standard power hatch works rather slowly, but often can be handy.

The Escalade has a lot more competition than when it was introduced. But it's still desirable, and the new hybrid version gives it significantly added fuel economy with no sacrifices in occupant or cargo capacity.