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:
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Ford Escape - 2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT
By NUTCRAKKER - November 18 - 10:00 amit has a really nice ride and is loved by everyone in the family especially me.
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Wow! - 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT
By car kitten - October 17 - 10:00 amWow! This is an all around great car to buy. Even though it is quite expensive-it is GREAT! I love everything about my Escalade. I was hesitant at first about buying this car. It was between the Cadillac Escalade and the Lincoln Navigator. The features are great with this car!!!
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A CLASS ACT... - 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT
By JEN3NASCAR - October 17 - 2:00 amThe Cadillac EXT is a truly dream machine...my husband ordered this vehicle as a surprise, and had every available option put on it (we had admired them ever since they hit the market)...the attention to detail is something to be appreciated. The thing is a class act, from bumper to bumper, and the interior is total "Cadillac comfort" throughout. It is amazing how agile this vehicle is, considering its size...you have to drive an EXT to experience how well it handles. It has plenty of "get up and go"...very responsive. Be warned-If you decide to take and EXT for a spin, it will be love and first drive, and you will be hooked! :)
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Initial Thoughts - 2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT
By o2b ski n - September 19 - 10:00 amWeve only had our EXT a few weeks but can say its a hoot to drive. My wife had a Lexus RX300 and I had a Tahoe Z71; the EXT is a solid compromise for both of us to consolidate our needs into one vehicle. It handled the winding up and down curves of the Sea to Sky highway on the Canadian coast extremely well. Were not looking back, NO regrets on our decision to buy our EXT!
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unknown - 2005 Cadillac Escalade EXT
By fredjones - September 13 - 10:00 amThis truck is really comfortable and fun to drive. The reliability is awesome. The build quality is pretty good , but its sort of plasticky inside. There are some plastics which should not be there, because of the price, and because its a Cadillac, but its alright. This is a really nice car if youre looking for a comfortable truck. Its a pretty good performer for a truck.
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Just little probs.... - 2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT
By The Naked Truth - August 25 - 6:30 pmThe Ext is great, but it does have its problems. The knobs on the midgate window support (when folding down the back seats) are prone to break off, leaving your glass "less than secure" while hauling. The power windows sometimes seem to work harder than necessary (mine was on the front pass. side). The locking mechanism on the embedded side boxes have failed on both sides, never staying quite locked, and will blow open at highway speeds(however, Ive only experienced this while riding without the cargo securing sections on the truck). The leather is nice, but the carpeting is 2nd grade. Drivers side control for outside power mirrors is "jinky" for lack of precise movement
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Outstanding - 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT
By Gator - July 6 - 2:00 amGreat vehicle but some suggested improvements. One be sure and check on delivery for a trailer hitch pkg, this is not a standard feature? I got it thrown in after purchase with little effort but could have been a $400.00 mistake. Also more ground clearance would be nice.I understand this is not a true off road vehicle but for $57,000 loaded with all wheel drive you should have better off road options.(Standard Ford or Dodge 4X4 ROAD clearance would make this vehicle perfect 3-4 inches higher.)
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its about time - 2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT
By mills - June 30 - 2:00 amhey i stayed away from cadillac for over twenty years since they stopped the 79 seville and went to la la land building cadillacs so i went to mercedes benz and after five benzs later i came back to cadillac now i can finally say what my father said in the sixties with his cadillacs he owned he told people who didnt drive a cadillac but other brands of cars he would say IT ISNT NO CADILLAC lol to the none cadillac drivers who tried to say there car was as good
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Top of the Line Avalanche! - 2008 Cadillac Escalade EXT
By Steve Hays - June 26 - 3:30 amIve had two Avalanches before buying a Ford Super Duty for the diesel engine...what a mistake! Dont know if it was the new 08 diesel 6.4L or what, but fuel economy was miserable, 12mpg in town, 16mpg on interstate with no towing. I also missed the versatility of the Avalanche: side cargo bins, heavy duty covers, waterproof rear bed, and the expandable bed size. Not only that, but the EXT adds significant comfort and features: NAV, DVD entertainment, heated/cooled seats, luxurious and beautiful interior, and great looks. Take it easy on the gas pedal and youll be getting 15-16mpg in town, 20mpg on the interstate. Hauls tools, gear, toys, and projects with ease. The ultimate upgrade!
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Bad Boy Toy - 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT
By abadboy - June 11 - 2:00 amINCREDIBLE! The room, the power, mine is scharged with almost 600 hp. The look, black with 24" ASA wheels from the Tire Rack(a must have). Everyone wants a ride or there picture with it. Like being a rock star. Dont buy one if you dont want the attention. No one can get enough of this BAD BOY! Never considered a Cadillac before. Everyone said Cadillacs are old guys cars, now everyone looks to me for a ride. The ultimate in excess, over the top in your face truck! This BAD BOY ROCKS! Made a trip to Vegas the first weekend I had it, couldnt beleive the looks we got, or how everyone moved to the right to let this BAD BOY go past. INCREDIBLE!
