Overview & Reviews
The Cadillac Escalade EXT is a luxury pickup truck, which at first might come off as a strange vehicle classification. But when Cadillac revamped the Escalade in 2002, the company explored different ways to take advantage of the luxury SUV's street cred and runaway popularity. So it spun off the model every which way to maximize the Escalade badge -- hence, the EXT.
One part full-size luxury SUV and one part crew-cab pickup, the Escalade EXT makes for a uniquely useful high-end vehicle. Overwhelmingly massive and surprisingly functional, the EXT is, for some Cadillac fans, the ultimate Escalade.
Used Cadillac Escalade EXT Models
There were two generations of the Escalade EXT. The most recent was produced from 2007 through 2013. Mechanically related to the Chevrolet Avalanche of the same time period, this Cadillac Escalade EXT was typically available in three trim levels (base, Luxury and Premium) and one body style: a four-door crew-cab pickup.
From the rear doors forward, the Escalade EXT it is essentially a standard Escalade and is equipped with the same suspension and powertrain. The latter consists of a 6.2-liter V8 (403 horsepower and 417 pound-feet of torque) mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. From the rear doors back, the EXT is a pickup. A special "Midgate" system allows greater cargo capacity -- the rear seats, rear window and rear bulkhead all fold down, which enables the transportation of longer items. An automatic tonneau cover protects cargo from the elements. The EXT is also equipped with 18-inch wheels, xenon headlights and automatic suspension damping.
Inside the cabin, the EXT is all luxury as leather upholstery, wood trim, heated seats, tri-zone climate control and a 10-speaker Bose surround-sound audio system all come standard. On later versions, a navigation system and a rearview camera were also included as standard. Moving up through the trim levels adds more luxuries such as a heated steering wheel, 22-inch chrome wheels, adaptive suspension, power-retracting side steps and a rear-seat entertainment system.
In road tests, we found that the Cadillac Escalade EXT offered a gratifying driving experience, especially for a large luxury truck/SUV. Given its size and mass, you'd expect some difficulty in the handling department, but the EXT's steering is light and predictable. By no means is it a nimble vehicle, but it's stable and controlled over all but extremely rough surfaces. With its big-time V8, acceleration is brisk from nearly any speed, which is remarkable for an SUV that weighs nearly 6,000 pounds. As one would expect, gas consumption is quite poor.
Changes throughout this generation's run were minimal. For the first two years, navigation was optional and several features were unavailable like the blind-spot warning system, satellite radio, Bluetooth and adaptive dampers with the 22-inch wheels. Prior to 2010, the EXT was only available in a single trim, while the USB audio port and the V8's cylinder-deactivation function (which boosted fuel economy by a single mpg) were not available.
The original 2002-'06 Cadillac Escalade EXT wasn't as refined as the newer model but it did establish itself with its innovative Midgate. It was powered by a smaller 6.0-liter V8 that made 345 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque. A four-speed automatic transmission was standard. And while the second-gen EXT was equipped with rack-and-pinion steering, the first-gen model had a recirculating-ball setup, which meant the vehicle had a less responsive steering feel.
Because of a number of upgrades in 2003, passing on the '02 model might be wise. The '03 and up EXTs came with an improved interior, better safety equipment and new features like HID headlights and an optional rear-seat entertainment system. The power-operated tonneau cover first appeared in 2006.
User Reviews:
Showing 91 through 100 of 141.00-
Good Vehicle, Overpriced - 2009 Cadillac Escalade EXT
By GregS96 - July 28 - 12:53 pmAt 5,000+ miles, driven in a wide range of weather conditions, terrain, and road conditions, I can honestly say that I am happy to own this American vehicle...at the price I paid for it (below invoice, 0%/5yr financing, business tax deduction). Traded on a 08 Toyota Tundra (great vehicle), it compares favorably in comfort, ride, performance, handling and economy. However, with a $15k higher list price, it should be much better, with more modern features (i.e.; adaptive cruise, lane departure warnings, etc).
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NOTHIN COULD EVER STOP YOU - 2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT
By J.C - July 26 - 2:00 amWHEN YOU RIDE IN A CADILLAC ESCALADE EXT YOU FEEL LIKE YOU CAN DO ANYTHING LIKE NOTHIN COULD EVER STOP YOU.LIKE YOU COULD RIDE ALL AROUND THE CITY WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY AND SHOWOFF YOUR BRAND NEW EXT YOU COULD TURN ON THE RADIO AS LOUD AS YOU WANT WATCH DVDS YOU COULD EVEN INSTALL A PLAYSTATION 2 OR ANY SYSTEM THE RIDE IS SO SMOOTH THE PERFORMANCE OF THIS VEHICLE IS EXCELLENT.
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Cadillac, worth every penny - 2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT
By Saleenster - June 25 - 4:40 amMy Escalade has been a very dependable truck. If you are looking for luxury, but still want the ruggedness of a truck, this is it. I highly recommend it. The Bose audio is decent, but you really need a sub to go with it. It is fun to drive. The factory chrome wheels will do for a while, but I really need to upgrade to bigger rims. Overall, I like the exterior and interior styling and the performance is there when you need it.
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Great Luxury TRUCK - 2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT
By 31 Vette - June 12 - 2:00 amCadillac has done wonders with a "heavy half ton truck". Despite all of its power and luxury items, it is still a truck. I knew I wasnt buying a DeVille, but the ride and handling are great for this size vehicle. I have been a Suburban owner for many years and now have found a great vehicle to haul big things and people in style. I dont plan on screwing up the ride, handling or looks by putting on those stupid looking 20" wheels. I can think of 100 better things to do with that $6000. The looks are great,it makes the Avalanch look like it was exposed to nuclear fallout.
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Cant believe I bought a GM product - 2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT
By Whiteparty - June 6 - 10:00 amI owned 2 GM products in the late 80s and early 90s that had to be bought back through Better business bureau arbitration. After Driving for the past 1o years Range Rover, Lexus, Toyota Supra, Porsche, and Acura I needed to trade my 99 Acura 3.5 RL for something that can tow a jetski.(cried when I traded the 3.5RL) It was between Landrover Discovery and Escalade EXT. Chose the EXT over Discovery on all levels. The interior trim is totally GM cheesy with more fake woodgrain than you can shake a paint can at. Pricing on Diamond White with Sunroof MSRP 52K and change. Negotiated 11K off of MSRP for total of about 4K under invoice. Im satisfied.
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Transmission -Throttle - 2008 Cadillac Escalade EXT
By snowball3 - April 15 - 9:04 amHave a 2008, bought new 26 months ago, worst investment, Ive bought 4 Avalanche 2002, 2003, 2005, 2007 all I have enjoyed, but this Cad is the pitts. It not bad during winter but I live in Texas and you know it get hot. When A/C is on this truck will not shift right (been in to dealership repeatly, even the Owner of Dealership took it for a week and GM refuses to to fix it, told me to live with it or they would trade me out with imtimidation as trade difference.(I have bought several CADS. FROM THIS DEALERSHIP) GM knows they have a problem with the shifting and throttle body. you press petal to floor and get it to jump into first gear-then you are getting on brakes and transmission locks up
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the Best truck ever!! - 2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT
By ed jar - March 19 - 2:00 amNo truck can compare with it!! Ford- Chrustler (not a misprint)cant compare. Fuel mileage well its a truck. Rides like a dream, handles excellent,test drove the new F-150 and my mind was made up before I hit the street..Cadillac Rules!!
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somewhat disappointing - 2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT
By mikethedentalguy - March 19 - 2:00 amfrom the service at the front to the wheeling and dealing at the end we werent very pleased with any of it. we bought it b/c my wife really wanted a truck of her own. now we are very disappointed with not only the service at time of sale, but also the truck itself. i have since been in the market to buy a SUV for myself and ive looked more closely at the bulkiness of the vehicles in test-drives. the cadi definately isnt what it used to be. we will never buy one again. thanks!
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The EXT is for the 1-car family... - 2005 Cadillac Escalade EXT
By Bismarck - March 3 - 6:10 amAt first I didnt even consider buying a Cadillac -- much less a Cadillac "pickup". But I definitely wanted something utilitarian, good looking, and well built. It also would have to provide a comfortable ride if I chose to drive it on out-of-town trips. Then one evening...just before the dealership was about to close, I walked into the indoor showroom of our local Cadillac dealership and....voila. The EXT really struck both myself and my wife as something to consider. Within a few days we struck a deal (a little pricey, but fair...). Now we marvel at how close we came to our targetted goals in purchasing a new SUV-type vehicle. Its a neat package. If only everyone might want to buy one
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Willing To Buy A Car - 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT
By Darius Walker - December 30 - 10:00 amFrom my experience i had alot of fun driving it around everyday the interiors in great shape the car runs fine Brand new so come on by.
