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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  Class Truck Style - 2008 Cadillac Escalade EXT
  By Monty - May 5 - 2:16 pm

  This 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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  Sweet ride, but can be better - 2007 Cadillac Escalade EXT
  By Rob - September 29 - 11:13 pm

  This is my second EXT and I think this truck looks and rides great. I kinda liked the "body armor" that the 05 had but Ill get used to it. As far as mileage, you dont buy a truck like this for economy. Still, Cadillac needs to stop cutting corners and go all out, we will buy it even if it cost more.

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  2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT - 2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT
  By Clarence Bell - August 28 - 10:00 am

  This is a great vehicle. Spacious and well appointed with the Cadillac rebates and special offer for DVD Navigation, Chrome Wheels and Sunroof. The paint is amazingly soft and smooth. The performance on this vehicle is almost legendary. The ride is smooth and solid. Steering effort is nearly sports car like, firm and responsive. The craftsmanship that went into construction is apparent. Closing the tailgate is like closing a refrigerator door, smooth and soft. Not clunky-cranky like an old pick- up.

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  High Price, High Pleasure! - 2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT
  By Jack Montgomery - July 21 - 2:00 am

  The "bigness" of the vehicle is a desireable feature -- not only the numerical dimensions, but the sense of a very comfortable "room on wheels." Greatest crossover for the tall driver. Its hauling capacity, both internal size, convenience and ease of space expansion, but also its towing muscle. Quiet as an ES300 (Lexus) and easy to control in snow and ice -- and off road. Wed do it again, despite the high price tag

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  Its a true Cadillac - 2005 Cadillac Escalade EXT
  By David G. - November 11 - 8:26 am

  This 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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  ext experience - 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT
  By david minarik - May 14 - 2:00 am

  Replacing 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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  Love it - 2007 Cadillac Escalade EXT
  By Rod - May 7 - 12:40 am

  The 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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  Way Improved over my past 2004 EXT - 2007 Cadillac Escalade EXT
  By Theweavman - April 28 - 8:13 pm

  Very quiet and smooth. Nice new features. Lots of power. However, does not feel quite as quick as my 04 EXT, that only had a 4 speed automatic & 345 HP. Acceleration from lower speeds feels like the engines power is not fully making it to the wheels. Acceleration from higher freeway speeds is awsome. This vehicle does so many things well, that it is hard for me to consider driving anything else. Lets see, It has nice overall styling, great power, luxury seating / interior & comforts that match just about any luxury vehicle, plus tremendious utility. Could use an MP3, bluetooth hook-up, and more cubby storage spaces inside.Those minor things aside, a safe practical vehicle for many purposes.

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  ext - 2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT
  By Casino Runner - December 19 - 10:00 am

  NIce, very nice. Good power and comfort could use a digital dash but so far so good!

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  Nice change of pace - 2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT
  By Salvatore - November 30 - 10:00 am

  I like the fact I can go to a fancy place all dressed up with this car and later throw my kayak in the back and head to the beach. Great for hauling those odd shape items that dont fit in a typical SUV. Crappy gas milage, but you know that going into the deal.