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 41 through 50 of 141.00-
Country Cadillac - 2005 Cadillac Escalade EXT
By ray tordoff - July 25 - 9:10 pmThis is the third EXT I have owned. The vehicles are used for work & pleasure. They are very luxurious workhorses. I use the cargo space extensively to haul building materials & antiques. The vehicle is quick, responsive, & fun to drive. My average mileage over the first 4000 miles is 16.1mpg. I dont baby it & usually drive 9 miles an hour over the posted highway speed limit. I highly recommend this " Country Cadillac"
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Stud Truck - 2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT
By Caddyboy - July 10 - 10:00 amThis is a head turner. I have a blast driving it. I added some performance from a customizer and this thing does 12:66 at 104mph in the quarter now
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Excellent - 2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT
By Michelle - June 15 - 5:00 amGreat car! I recommend it to everyone, especially those with children and those who travel!
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Great truck - 2006 Cadillac Escalade EXT
By ALAN - June 1 - 8:06 pmI bought yj his truck to replace my avalanche, it is great,use it on my ranch for everything, much more power than the avalanche, have had no problems with it.Bought it certified with 36,000 miles and really enjoy driving it, and it looks great.
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Class Truck Style - 2008 Cadillac Escalade EXT
By Monty - May 5 - 2:16 pmThis is the best truck that I have ever owned. The power, the ride, the look is too much! The heated seats, retracting side step, Nav, DVD all of which is very nice in a truck. Only problem that I have had is when you have the passenger air bag replaced (due to lite comming on and dealer said that it need to be replaced) they were unable to get the airbag flush with the dash. They have put 6 in and none of them will lay flush.
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ABSOLUTLEY AWSOME AND EXCELLET!!! - 2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT
By John E. - March 29 - 10:00 amI Love this truck and so does my wife and 13 and 8 yr. old daughters.
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Escalade EXT - 2005 Cadillac Escalade EXT
By Cheryl - March 26 - 1:53 amI was very lucky to have won my Cadillac Escalade EXT in the GM Hotbutton contest. I have found that the driving experience with the EXT has been nothing short of great. It will turn on a dime and I have found that when parking in tight spots it handles beautifully. If I were going to buy another vehicle I would seriously consider buying another EXT. The power of the engine will get you out and about without any hesitation. I have also noticed that in the year that I have driven it the gas mileage has increased substantially.
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Could be Better - 2005 Cadillac Escalade EXT
By Chad Mollenhauer - December 3 - 12:03 pmI really like my 2005 Cadillac Escalade EXT until I started to have issues with it. With only 12,000 miles I had had problems with the seat controls, navigation system (x2), rear differental, and cruise issues with wiring. So it to recap it has been less than a good ownership expierence.
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cadillac escalade ext - 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT
By geoffpmo - November 19 - 10:00 amThe rating system here doesnt do this truck justice. It definitly deserves a rating higher than 10. This vehicle is in a league of its own.
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Escalade EXT = HOT, HOT, HOT - 2007 Cadillac Escalade EXT
By CadillacCasey - October 24 - 10:53 amThe new Cadillac Escalade EXT is the phattest Cadillac ever! It is a major upgrade over the 06 model. Everything from the styling, engine, and cabin is better. Its by far the hottest vehicle on the road!
