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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Best Overall Truck I have owned - 2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT
By Corvette54 - November 20 - 8:43 pmThere is not a week goes by that someone does not tell me that my truck is one of the sharpest looking they have seen. I have never owned one like it and I love driving it under any conditions. I have pulled a 32foot boat with a triple axle trailer, and it goes up steep grades with no problem. Mine has the Diamond Pearl paint, and it is gorgeous if I do say so. I cant fault this vehicle,except, the gas mileage is not very good. But if you "want the music, you have to pay the piper". To me, the music is worth it.
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You get what you pay for... - 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT
By Lovemyext - November 4 - 2:00 amIve only had this truck for less than a week and I am totally in love. Ive owned numorus Cadillac cars over the years and I was always impressed with the level of comfort. However, I have always owed a pickup truck as well. Now, this way I can kill two birds with one stone. My EXT might not get as many looks as an H2. But I know for a fact the guy behind the wheel of that H2 is not NEARLY as comfortable as I am in this truck. And the H2 might be bigger but I also know I can out run him with the awsome power this caddy has under its hood.
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Best Car Ever - 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT
By KayKay - November 4 - 2:00 amThis is the best car I have ever driven it has every thing. I get great mileage on the escalade and have lots of fun driving around town in it. The seat are comfortable and the color of the outside and the inside are outstanding. As much money as I have out into this vehical it has givin me so much more back. I think every body needs to have a cadillac escalade you will never regreat buying this vehical it is such a good car. I want to thank the company for making such a realiable truck. Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Awesome Truck! - 2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT
By John - September 16 - 7:20 amI have had this truck for six months and 8,000 miles. Great ride and handling. This truck has excellent power, I have towed a 7,000 lb. trailer and it felt like there was nothing behind me. The only problem I have had is with the navigation system not working correctly and a whining in the front drivetrain but they were both fixed by the dealership.
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ext. review - 2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT
By serg - July 31 - 10:00 amlove the car. I got the big rims and tires on it, get attention every where i drive it. Enjoy the the way i could convert it to a classy car at night and enjoy the pick up truck option.
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Great Truck - 2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT
By Jimmym - July 31 - 10:00 amFantastic vehicle. Very utilitarian, yet provides full luxury features. The truck would rate a 10 if it were not for the poor fuel economy. 13.8 mpg average. Will do 17mpg on highway. They should put a diesel in this truck. Diesels have become much cleaner and quieter.
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LOVE EVERYTHING EXCEPT DEALER - 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT
By richclick1 - June 3 - 2:00 amI feel like a teenager (now 50) with my first love(auto).The neighbors chat, and Men and WOMEN everywhere have to comment on the truck.The seats, sound system, and utility are all A+++. Long drives are tireless. We did Christmas shopping for eight in one day in the rain. We had a 12 ft tree tied to the bed and must have looked liked Santas modern Sleigh (w/345 reindeers under the hood)! It will tow 6,000 pounds on a 6% grade uphill at well over the speed limit, while having sufficient chassis, suspension, and brakes to make it safe, easy, and fun. It drives in the rain like its on rails. Id buy another.
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Lovely Ride - 2006 Cadillac Escalade EXT
By VHP - May 14 - 4:33 amI really like my 2006 Cadillac Escalade EXT a lot more than I did my 2003 Cadillac Excalade EXT. I drove the 2003 for two and a half years, before trading it for my 2006. The 2006s ride is a lot smoother, and is more comfortable. I drive from Georgia to Florida a least once a month, so the comfort and room that the EXT provides definately suits my needs. When I am at home, I use the EXT around our farm to carry feed and hay, it is a workhorse also.
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Great truck - 2005 Cadillac Escalade EXT
By Stephen Blankenship - March 27 - 10:53 pmWe love this truck. Try driving a F150 and compare gas mileage! Or a Tundra. What do people expect when they drive a truck? Were getting over 18 on the hwy with over a 100,000 problem free miles! In fact, we are buying a new one.
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truck heaven - 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT
By proud owner - March 4 - 10:00 ami think that this vehicle so far has inpressed me more the i could have expected even though the gas mileage is not great the performance of this truck is worth it and if your buying this truck your not buying to get good gas mileage anyway. cant say enough good things about and i love my color [out of the blue]
