Cadillac entered the SUV market in 1999 with the Escalade,and the model has grown larger and more luxurious since that time. The 2010 Cadillac Escalade is a high-performance seven- or eight-seat vehicle powered by a V8 engine. A hybrid version is also available. In either configuration,design and features mostly carry over from 2009,but the 2010 Escalade adds cylinder-deactivation technology and several safety features.

The 2010 Cadillac Escalade comes in four trim levels as a gasoline-powered vehicle. As a hybrid,it?s offered only in the base and Platinum trim levels. Standard equipment on the base level includes 18-in. wheels,adaptive suspension with electronically controlled shocks,rear parking sensors,automatic climate control,leather upholstery,heated 14-way power front seats,and many other power features. A navigation system and a rear-view camera are also standard. The Luxury and Premium levels add features such as upgraded wheels,suspension,and running boards,as well as a rear-seat entertainment system. The Platinum level includes all the features of the Luxury and Premium trim levels,plus heated and cooled cupholders,a dual-screen entertainment system,and LED headlights.

The powertrain for all gas-powered Escalades is a 6.2-liter 403-hp V8 engine,coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift capability. Rear-wheel drive is standard,with all-wheel drive available. EPA estimates are 14 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway. The hybrid receives a 6.0-liter V8 engine that generates 322 hp,along with two 60-kilowatt electric motors and an onboard battery pack. The EPA estimates that the hybrid delivers 21 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway.

Properly equipped,the gas-powered Escalade can tow up to 8,300 lbs,and the hybrid can tow 5,800 lbs. Each features a full complement of standard safety features and receive five stars in frontal- and side-impact testing from NHTSA.

Base MSRP for the Escalade ranges from $62,495 to $84,125.