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 21 through 30 of 141.00-
Lots to Love About an Escalade EXT - 2005 Cadillac Escalade EXT
By miriam wright - October 28 - 6:56 amI purchased my 2005 Cadillac Escalade EXT on September 25, 2004. It has been the best and most fun vehicle I have ever owned. It handles like a dream and looks fabulous!!!
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The Escalade EXT is in a league of its own. - 2007 Cadillac Escalade EXT
By Just_Mike - October 4 - 12:36 amI must say I am very impressed with this truck! Although you can feel the weight behind the truck, the ride comfort and performance are excellent. I love the functionality of having a truck for the occasional tow and the ability to haul the periodic large purchase. I traded my 2004 Silverado LT for the refinement of the Cadillac. Despite the fact that the two vehicles are completely incomparable the only downfall to the Cadillac is that it is too gorgeous to get dirty. The EXT is definitely a head-turner. I think GM has the most market for the high-end truck. However, if the functionality of having a truck didnt prevail, my wife liked the BMW X5s interior over the Escalades.
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love it - 2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT
By Mohamed - September 21 - 10:00 amit is the best itlooks good it handle great
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Airola - 2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT
By aloan4u - September 9 - 2:00 amGreat looking, great for business, fun to drive, lots of luxury. I wish I had more immediate power and a little better milage. Overall the trade off is worth it.
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the best - 2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT
By caddy 4ever - June 10 - 2:00 amThis is the best truck thats out there peroid!So much to offer, and do with. The ride is awsome, driving so much fun , you look for reasons to take the kids with you. Real head turner. Black the way to go best choice i think . Everthing is a 10 plus , except for the clock dont like where it is , and poor gas milage . But with just that who really cares if you want the best . Caddy 4ever.
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Escalade EXT - 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT
By bball4eva105 - May 17 - 10:00 amThis car is a joy to ride. It is a quality built like any other Cadillac.
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Cloud Nine - 2005 Cadillac Escalade EXT
By Fred Maczynski - April 27 - 6:33 pmI wanted a Pickup truck and my wife drives and loves her Cadillac DeVille DTS. Well to make a long story short she tricked me into going to the Cadillac dealer to look at the new STS well I saw the EXT in Black with Nav System & moonroof I just fell in love next thing I know she says happy birthday honey that one is yours! Well, after crying like a little girl I have been on cloud nine ever since. Im 55 years old and a real car person but nothing I have ever owned can come close to this vehicle its amazing!
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Just what your looking for - 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT
By Davidw - March 9 - 10:00 amIf youve come this far in your Escalade research... YES, its worth it! This truck/suv is the best. Yeah its bulky, bad on gas, tough to park, but did you expect anything less? Oh, and not to mention the looks you get in this, the monster under the hood is out of this world, this baby moves!
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2004 Escalade EXT ownership - 2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT
By William J Mammone - February 11 - 3:33 amVery glad I purchased this vehicle. It rides and handles and tows great. Comfortable and easy to drive. It can carry people or items 8 long with the midgate down. Suits all of my needs.
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Ideal Truck for Me - 2008 Cadillac Escalade EXT
By pfromd - January 6 - 6:55 pmLove my 08 truck. It turns heads even in Texas where trucks are dime a dozen. Bought it used with 60k, driven 12k in 6 months, no complaints. Pull a boat, take it off the pavement, rinse it off, go to dinner and have it valeted in front row next to all the "me too" luxury cars. Enjoy!
