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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  Nice Truck - 2007 Cadillac Escalade EXT
  By jkainey - October 18 - 5:20 pm

  I traded in my 04 EXT for this 07. The 07 has much better fit and finish and the new engine is very powerful. I am not crazy about the 6 speed trans. because it is always shifting, and I am experiencing a severe vibration when in overdive. The dealer I bought this from has a top notch service department and they think this might have something to do with the trans. or the differential, either way it only has 1,000 miles on it and there shouldnt be anything wrong.

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  brakes 2012 Escalade EXT - 2012 Cadillac Escalade EXT
  By gam7 - October 4 - 11:56 pm

  Recently purchase a 2012 Escalade EXT. Only had 690 miles. Thought I was getting the cream of SUVs. Find the car lacking in several areas based on the purchase price. However what I consider to be a major issue is the brakes. The EXT is a 6,00 pound truck. The brakes are way to small to stop the EXT in a panic stop. GMC should be ashamed to put that truck on the road with the brakes it has. Have had two near crashes. Im 77 years old and have never experienced a near rear end collision before. When compared to a Chrysler product the EXT in the area of brakes gets a solid "D" ! Would be interested in other Escalade owners experiences. Gary...

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  THE ALMOST EVERYTHING VEHICLE - 2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT
  By fugee88c - August 19 - 10:00 am

  THIS TRUCK IS FUN TO DRIVE,WORKS HARD WHEN YOU NEED IT AND LOOKS GREAT WHEN YOU NEED TO GO OUT ON THE TOWN

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  Forget the back seat - 2008 Cadillac Escalade EXT
  By Eddie Mae - July 20 - 6:36 am

  Wanted comfortable towing vehicle, I got that. Bed cover leaks, dealer does not tell you that, but, it is in the vehicles manual (now who reads this before buying). The back seat is useless. I am 52" and rode in the back seat for 200 miles and was never so uncomfortable! Maybe a child could, I say maybe! I am pleased with the towing ability that is great. As far as 14 mpg. I consistently get 12.5

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  A WOMANS DREAM - 2005 Cadillac Escalade EXT
  By keysrealtors - May 20 - 10:00 am

  Your Cadillac is high above other cars. You have a safe picture of who coming at you and your family. Very flashy. I can haul all my stuff. I look at a small car as a death trap. nothing like the Cadillac comfront. You drive it once and your done. never will I drive anything else. I love it. Misty Pace.

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  o.k. truck for lots of dough - 2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT
  By yota - April 17 - 10:00 am

  own a new toy tundra limited, my father bought the caddy. The caddy has good accelaration and corners well for such a big truck, but ride and smoothness equal to my tundra.Caddy has been in the shop 5 times already tundra ZERO!He wanted to buy a lincoln blackwood at first but since it does not have 4wd and i told him to stay away he bought the caddy. he likes the caddy very much so much that his new audi S8 sits and collects dust.

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  Excellent - 2010 Cadillac Escalade EXT
  By Richard - April 8 - 8:33 pm

  Overall very pleased. I do a lot of highway and city driving, and the the EXT belies its body-on frame truck body as it is a dream on the highway and is more then manageable in the city. Tow and 9500 Pound trailer and the engine never strains at all, its very easy to forget youre towing anything.

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  Cadillac for the young!!! - 2008 Cadillac Escalade EXT
  By lberk - January 26 - 10:30 pm

  Living in South Florida presents some unique driving experiences and obstacles. So I traded in my 2006 Mercedes Benz CLK 350 convertible for something more utilitarian and safer for the wild roads of South Florida, my 2008 Escalade EXT. I love this truck. The buying experience was great as the dealership, coral cadillac, was a pleasure to deal with to the drive of the truck anything but that of a truck. Smooth over any type of road. It looks great (Black with the 22" chrome rims!). I can put my sons go-kart in the back and makes trips to Home depot easier. In sum, this is great truck and I look rugged pulling up to the court house next to the other attorneys driving there puny Benzs.

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  CADILLACS - 2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT
  By JENNIFER - December 23 - 10:00 am

  I USED TO HAVE A JEEP AND WITH THIS NEW VEHICLE I AM NOT LIMITED JUST TYPICAL SUV FEATURES (CAN USE THE TRUCK BED TO HAIL). IT IS ALSO ONE OF THE MOST QUITE SUV I HAVE EVER BEEN IN!

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  ahjdsgkjd - 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT
  By alias15986 - November 21 - 2:00 am

  I love this car!