Cadillac Escalade Hybrid vs Porsche Cayenne Hybrid 01/07/2011
In the past, an SUV that was also good for the environment was an oxymoron. But with the advent of SUV hybrids, drivers who need the extra space but also want to reduce their carbon footprint can have their cake and eat it too.
The Porsche Cayenne Hybrid and Cadillac Escalade Hybrid are two of the top choices for eco-conscious drivers in the market for a luxury SUV. Which of these two vehicles is the better buy ultimately comes down to what a driver is looking for in their vehicle.
For starters, shoppers should realize that the Cayenne is significantly smaller than the Escalade. While this means less room for family and gear, it can also be seen as an advantage, as its more maneuverable than its bigger counterpart.
Puzzlingly, the Escalade actually gets better fuel economy when it does switch to gas, despite the fact that it's so much larger and features a V8 engine as opposed to the Cayenne's V6. The Cayenne ends up winning all the performance tests, however, with better torque, horsepower and an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
Overall, the Escalade is still the winner because of its interior features. Drivers get an iPod hookup, OnStar, rear seat DVD and heated seats standard - amenities that shouldn't be mere options on the Cayenne, given its $67,700 price tag. Even though it starts more expensive at close to $73,000, the Escalade is ultimately the better buy.