When most people think of the Cadillac Escalade, two words generally come to mind: power and luxury. The 2012 Cadillac Escalade ESV is no different. However, with this model, you can throw in another word: efficient. This hybrid carries all the hallmarks you’ve come to expect from the name Cadillac, except the anxiety you’d anticipate at the pump.
Key Features
Obviously, the hybrid factor should get brought up as a key feature, but it’s also worth bringing up that it’s paired with a 6-liter V8. All the power is there, except that you’ll enjoy 33% better efficiency. That’s thanks to a 300-volt battery and Cadillac’s standard Active Fuel Management tech.
22-inch chromed-aluminum wheels aren’t subtle, but they are a great feature that adds to this vehicle’s overall look.
Changes for 2012
The 2012 Escalade ESV has a pretty distinctive front end, even by this model’s standards. There are two grills and a slew of badges that identify the vehicle as a hybrid.
What We Like
For a vehicle this size, getting 20 mpg in the city and 23 on the highway is pretty impressive, especially when you consider what the standard Escalade is limited to.
No matter what you generally prefer, it’s impossible not to enjoy the interior of the 2012 Escalade ESV, which is more comfortable than a lot of hotel rooms.
What Concerns Us
Most people won’t enjoy all the attention they’ll get from this huge vehicle, with its dynamic design, hybrid badges and 22-inch wheels. For them, something like a Denali probably makes more sense.
The lack of a spare tire probably isn’t going to be a deal-breaker, but it is an odd thing to leave out.
Available Models
The 2012 Cadillac Escalade ESV doesn’t have multiple models.
Major Recalls
There was a recall put out for this model at the end of 2014 because of issues with the ignition. The ignition lock actuator could become stuck which would keep the key locked in place.
If you were driving when this happened and the actuator moved to “Accessory”, the steering wheel and/or brakes could quit on you, making a crash all but inevitable.
Common Issues
Trying to park an Escalade is no easy task. A lot of people don’t understand what they’re getting themselves into until they arrive at a parking lot.
Also, some owners have reported a poor resale value, despite how much you pay for the vehicle when it’s new.
