Financial crises, lackluster sales, and competition from Asian and European automakers have shrunk Cadillac’s market shares in recent years. The former top name in American luxury seemed content to let others take the lead, especially when it came to green technology. If you’re set on an eco-friendly Caddy, you’re either going to have to buy one that’s at least five years old or brand-spanking-new.

Let's take a look at Caddy hybrids of recent years with this complete guide to the greenest and most luxurious cars on the American market. Trust us, you don’t want to miss it!

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Cadillac’s hybrid troubles

Cadillac has traveled quite the bumpy road to release an eco-friendly vehicle. Following the unveiling of the Converj concept car in 2009 (which was based on the

Chevrolet Volt

), GM spent several years trying to bring the technology to production before abandoning the project. Its successor, the hybrid Cadillac ELR, was approved in 2014 and ran only until 2016—buyers weren’t keen on the same Volt platform with a $35,000 markup.

The 2009

Cadillac Escalade Platinum Hybrid

proved to be a bigger best-seller. By August 2009, 20% of all Escalades sold were hybrids. Celebrity endorsements and positive public reception sent its popularity skyrocketing, but its design proved more enduring than its fuel economy. In 2013, the hybrid trim was quietly discontinued, leaving eco-conscious Cadillac fans without an option.

However, a new Cadillac will soon hit the market: the 2023 LYRIQ. Named for the fact that Cadillac has received more musical shout-outs than any other car brand in history, it’ll be the first all-electric vehicle (EV) in the Caddy catalog. Here’s what we know so far.

2023 Cadillac LYRIQ

MSRP: starting at $59,990

Trims: Debut Edition, Single Motor RWD, Dual Motor AWD, AWD Luxury

Classification: Mid-size crossover SUV

Driving range: 312 miles

Towing capacity: 3,500 lbs.

Wheel options: 20-inch standard, 22-inch optional (available for RWD models)

Extras: hands-free Super Cruise technology, 33-inch curved LED front display, Google Built-In (integrated suite includes Assistant, Maps, and Play), Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, 19-speaker AKG sound system with active noise cancellation

While details on the powertrain remain scant, the AWD LYRIQ’s dual motors can reportedly achieve 500-horsepower, while the RWD single motor achieves a more modest 340-hp. The Ultium battery from GM distributes battery packs throughout the undercarriage to balance the weight of the vehicle and lower its center of gravity for better handling. Buyers have the choice between two years of unlimited charging at EVgo stations, or a $1,500 credit towards the installation of a charger at home.

So is Cadillac’s future road paved with green? Only time will tell.

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Hybrid, plug-in hybrid, electric car: what’s the difference?

If you’re lost in the weeds when it comes to green technology, you’re not alone: the rapid pace of development means there’s something new to learn every day. Let’s dive in!

A hybrid car’s powertrain makes use of both a gasoline engine and an electric motor. How these power sources interact depends on whether it’s a mild hybrid (whose motor powers acceleration and cruising only) or a full hybrid (whose engine and motor work in tandem at all times). The battery that powers a hybrid’s electric motor can only be charged by regenerative braking, which derives power from the friction caused by applying the brakes.

A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), on the other hand, uses an external power source to recharge. It can do everything a regular hybrid can do, plus take the car on all-electric, limited-range journeys. If you remove the gas engine, enlarge the battery pack, and extend the range—that’s an electric vehicle (EV). From mild hybrid to EV, you could save 15-100% of your gas bill! Just remember electricity isn’t free, either.

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The best Cadillac hybrids

Unfortunately, when we’re looking at the best of green Cadillacs from hybrids to PHEVs and EVs, we’re also looking at the only green Cadillacs that have ever been produced for each category. Here are all the hybrids and more from the Cadillac line-up

Cadillac hybrids

The one and only Cadillac hybrid was a part of the Escalade lineup. The line might still be going strong at present, but the last mild hybrid to be sold dates to 2013. And with an $11,300 markup over the base trim ($63,745), you might start to wonder why you’d hybridize a full-size luxury SUV in the first place.

True, it manages a better-than-average 20 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway, with a 6.0L V8 engine, 332-horsepower, and 367 pound-feet of torque. But because it’s such a gas-guzzler, you’d need to own it for at least five years to make your money back. Any modern specimens you can find are at least that old, which offsets the fuel savings with the cost of repairs. The Escalade is best understood as a status symbol—if you’re gonna spend that much just to look good, you probably aren’t worried about gas.

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Cadillac PHEVs (and best used)

In this category, we have the ELR and CT6. It’s not much of a competition and not just because there are only two contestants—Cadillac didn’t go big or bold enough for their first hybrid experiment, making it hard to justify the ELR’s high price for what was essentially a reworked Chevy Volt.

Picking up the electric baton, the 2017-2018 CT6 PHEV could sprint to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds. It placed two electric motorsalongside a 2.0L inline-four for a total of 335-hp and 432 lb-ft of torque. The CT6 lacked power and style, but with 26 combined mpg, 62 MPGe, 31 miles of all-electric driving, and a BOSE 8-speaker sound system, it was a value-packed choice.

Cadillac EVs

Like the Escalade, the LYRIQ received the title of “best” in its class by being the only Cadillac EV to choose from! Not that it doesn’t look amazing—the gorgeous glass roof and ambient lighting promise a transcendent driving experience.

If you’re still craving more from a Cadillac EV, don’t worry—the highly-anticipated 2025 Celestiq is coming with 300 miles of all-electric driving range. Starting around $90,000, it’s already being billed as more spacious, more luxurious, and more cutting edge than its older sibling. A huge, curved infotainment display runs the length of the dashboard, with more screens in the back for passengers. Four glass panels make up the cabin, each one independently adjustable for transparency.

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Are Cadillac hybrids worth it?

Cadillac still has a ways to go before regaining its reputation for best-in-class luxury in the eco-friendly market. We can’t wait to see how the LYRIQ measures up against the

BMW

i7,

Mercedes

-EQ, and

Tesla Model Y

. Here’s the word on the company’s hybrids so far:

Performance

The Escalade hybrid engine was criticized as feeling too “spongy.” The CT6 was better, but overall somewhat weak. Cadillac’s electric offerings have yet to achieve the same heights as its much-vaunted Blackwing models, and much will depend on the LYRIQ and whether or not it can electrify the domestic market.

Reliability

GM has recently focused much of its attention on the Chinese market—perhaps that explains the scarcity of good press in North America. The 2013 Escalade received the J.D. Power Award for Initial Quality, but Consumer Reports’ surveys note Cadillac’s declining image as a brand. On RepairPal, Cadillac manages an average reliability rating of 3 out of 5.

Cost of ownership

Imagine that Christmas came early to

Palo Alto, California

. Jerry headquarters decides to buy a 2017 CT6 Hybrid, which we’ll drive 15,000 miles each year—hey, we can dream! Since the car is used, the federal EV tax credit of $7,500 doesn’t apply, but are there any other savings to enjoy? Let’s take a look, pitting the hybrid against the similarly-furnished

Premium Luxury

trim:

5-Year Ownership Costs	CT6 PHEV	CT6 Premium Luxury
Tax Credit	$0	$0
Insurance	$9,057	$9,407
Maintenance	$7,929	$6,892
Repairs	$7,437	$7,331
Taxes & Fees	$6,822	$3,976
Financing	$4,094	$3,291
Depreciation	$20,890	$20,232
Fuel	$6,488	$17,967
Total Cost to Own	$59,293	$69,096

As you can see, the $10,000 difference in true cost to own comes down to fuel costs. Compare the gas-powered V6’s 21 combined mpg to the hybrid’s 62 MPGe (or 26 mpg using pure gasoline). Considering the price margin between the two trims has narrowed considerably ($37,328 on average versus $38,537 for the hybrid), the green powertrain makes a sustainable buy.

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FAQs

Do you pay less tax on a hybrid car?

Brand-new hybrids or electric vehicles are eligible for a

federal tax credit of up to $7,500

How much does it cost to replace a Cadillac hybrid battery?

Depending on the model and its age, a Cadillac high-voltage hybrid battery replacement could cost you between $6,000-$9,500. Before you attempt to DIY, know that the new battery represents the majority of the cost, while the operation is dangerous to attempt untrained.

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