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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  THEY ARE WRONG - 2008 Cadillac Escalade EXT
  By KING RALPH - June 9 - 3:50 am

  Perfect .... No bed cover leaks ever..nothing has been better than my 2004 silverado SS for doing it all but this CADILLAC ESCALADE EXT. Yes they fixed everything in the 2009 model, telescoping steering wheel,side radar enhancement and a few other small details. BOSE sound is the BEST of the CLASS!!! RIDES like a dream,and handles well too. BIG TRUCK WITH BIGGER HORSEPOWER. Will pull anything you want and all wheel drive gets it done. Add a supercharger and look out, Have you got one fast and furious ride! This truck is almost perfect and I will have another one in a few years. DA KING has SPOKEN...LONG LIVE THE KING.

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  Dynomite Truck, but... - 2007 Cadillac Escalade EXT
  By winterhawk - June 5 - 5:13 pm

  I bought this truck just before Thanksgiving after haggling with the uncooperative dealer for a month. It was well worth the wait. It has superb styling and comfort, beautiful Diamond White paint, 22" wheels and best of all NO sunroof! The Escalade EXT has excellent power and great handling for a truck, but terrible fuel economy. Also, the lack of interior storage space is disappointing, it does not even have a sunglasses holder like my Suburbans had. The console storage is very limited and anything stored in the top part is dumped around every time the lower console is accessed. It has a great instrument panel layout. The heated/cooled seats are very comfortable. I love the heat for my sore old back! This truck has superb headlights and driving lights.

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  What a truck! - 2007 Cadillac Escalade EXT
  By TBK - May 18 - 4:26 am

  Wow! What a beautiful truck! Powerful, functionality as a truck, but luxurious appointments, all in one. The exterior turns heads and receives many compliments. But the interior is wonderful -- great style, nice materials, an incredible Bose surround sound system. Life is good in this truck.

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  N/A - 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT
  By frostyreynolds - April 30 - 2:00 am

  Very comfortable and roomy ride. Cargo/Bed converts very quickly for hauling - great place to keep your golf clubs and towing items locked up safe and sound. Loading up the cargo area made no noticable impact on driving characteristics. Hauls my 6000 lb. boat very well.

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  Over the top - 2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT
  By jamesdane - April 4 - 10:00 am

  If you drive it, you will want it.

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  2007 Caddy Escalade EXT - 2007 Cadillac Escalade EXT
  By Steve - March 6 - 1:46 am

  I have bought two new Escalades. An 02 and an 04, but I have to tell you, Cadillac out did themselves with the 07s. This truck drives and handles like you cannot believe. The dealer gave me a new Escalade SUV to drive until my EXT came in two weeks later. It drove fantasticly as does my EXT. The driving experience is night and day between the earlier models and the redesigned 07. This is my first EXT and it is a blast. I have been given a lot of "nice truck" comments with the SUVs, but man they are coming fast and furius with the EXT...heads turning every which way. Only bad thing...I paid full list for the EXT. Ouch! Well to be the first on the block I guess you have to pay to play...lol.

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  The EXT - 2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT
  By shinjitsu - February 18 - 10:23 am

  This Truck has been nothing but good to me. I have a little over 100k now and have had to replace rear air shock/struts, under warranty the rotors and two brake calipers. This thing runs like a champ with that 6 liter under the hood! Even with the newer body styles running around I still get the occasional thumbs up from folks. Keep your foot out of it and MPGs are alright.

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  EXT BEAST - TOTALLY UNIQUE - 2008 Cadillac Escalade EXT
  By briefboy - February 16 - 11:36 am

  Its a beast.. but totally fun and decadent. Nothing better to impress. Stereo is inceiable, seats are better than my living room. Bed cover leaked on delivery but was quickly fixed by dealer. I LOVE THE EXT BEAST!!!

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  2007 Cadillac Escalade EXT - 2007 Cadillac Escalade EXT
  By Dave - January 24 - 1:50 am

  The 2007 Escalade EXT is my 3rd Cadillac truck. I miss the sun visors from prior models. My 2003 had two visors with a pull out for the 3rd visor. Now there is only one and you are forced to set in a different position to keep the Florida sun out of your eyes. The tailgate is a total design flop. The painted surface sticks up higher than the black deck. If you use it as a TRUCK you will soon see all the paint gone on the edge of the tail gate. Probably like all vehicles the price went up and the quality went down hill.

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  Caddy With Style - 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT
  By JamesS - October 30 - 10:00 am

  This is a very luxurious SUV! It has awesome pulling power. Bvlgari adds a nice look to the Escalade EXT. This is a must have vehical!