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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Its a true Cadillac - 2005 Cadillac Escalade EXT
By David G. - November 11 - 8:26 amThis is my fourth Cadillac but my first Escalade. Ive got say now that I am truely spoiled. Nothing else in its class will ever match it. I started to buy an H2 but after driving each...Arnold can have his Hummer. Ill drive a Cadillac thank you.
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Cadillac EXT - 2008 Cadillac Escalade EXT
By bodekorte - October 23 - 4:03 pmThis has to be one of the best if not the best trucks on the market today. This truck has excellent steering and handling very fun and easy to drive. Also comes with many optional features to enhance your driving experience with this truck.
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cadillac escalade review - 2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT
By DWIGHT - September 14 - 2:00 amSecond Escalade and very happy. Fuel economy only drawback.
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EXT - 2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT
By Lindy223 - July 31 - 10:00 amThe first time I saw that this car was going to be relesed I wanted to get it. I was looking for a new vehicle to that was functional and also had style. I was trying to chose between a suv or a pickup truck. I wanted something that I could put an atv in and also something that I could take at least five people and go on a long trip and we would all be comfortable. The EXT can do all that and more. When towing in the EXT you forget that the trailer is even their. When I went to the dealer and test drove it I knew I had to have it. The seats are like the recliners I have in my living room.
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ext experience - 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT
By david minarik - May 14 - 2:00 amReplacing my pickup, i bought the ext. a good and bad move. The first month, I didnt see it. Three times it stranded me, and had to file a complaint with the BBB. The truck is now running fine, but GM still hasnt called back. The truck is a good ride with lots of power, and Ive hauled 12 ft lumber in it without a problem. Definitely overpriced!
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My Caddy - 2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT
By Nelson Alves - May 9 - 2:00 amthe vehicle is great no complaints other than its a juiced up chevy avalanche which is half the price...haha but it needs more torque and take off.
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Love it - 2007 Cadillac Escalade EXT
By Rod - May 7 - 12:40 amThe vehicle is stunning. A real head turner. I love the ride and quietness. I previously owned two Avalanches and there is no comparison. I do miss the captains chairs and the storage theAvalanche had with all the cubby holes etc. I dont like the center console setup of the Escalade.
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Elegant But Not Afraid To Work! - 2006 Cadillac Escalade EXT
By grutzius - March 6 - 10:10 amI travel long distances, and often have to haul heavy loads. My EXT can work hard, and feel as though Im carrying nothing! Clean her up and she is ready for valet parking at Neimans, or the best of five star restuarants. I just love my EXT.
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R.I.P. This is the ultimate SUV/ Pickup - 2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT
By michaelcr7 - February 15 - 2:00 amThis is hands down the most comfortable four door truck out there, AND is NOTHING like the Chevy Avalanche. 30% of the exterior of the avalanche is unfinished plastic, the suspension is terrible- Very unsteady, tends to bounce quite a lot and side to side rocking motion is nausiating. The Cadillac EXT has completly different ride qualities. Very stiff suspension, excellent stable (not hard) ride. Bumps are completly absorbed by the drivetrain. Virtually no nose dip under hard braking, and not a hint of side to side rocking motion. Good gas mileage, and low noise at high speed- a true cadillac, And a true truck.
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True Blue EXT - 2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT
By M4pet - November 14 - 10:00 amI really like my new EXT. It stands out being bright blue (Out of the Blue) and I love the performance. I have been given compliments every day I have driven it. But the best part is how great I feel because of all the great standard features on the vehicle including StabiliTrack, AWD, heated seats & mirrors, soft leather everywhere, excellent Bose stereo 6 disc CD, adjustable pedals, ON STAR, voice activated phone, on and on. This vehicle is utility, luxury, sportiness, ruggedness, and attention-getting all rolled into one and a blast to drive. It handles better than most sports cars Ive had.
