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-
worth the extra bucks - 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT
By mcgyver64 - September 13 - 2:00 amAlthough the pricetag is substantially higher than the Avalanche, the features, performance and comfort more than make up for it. I have 4k miles on mine and so far it has been trouble free. Only complaint is gas milage is terrible. I am averaging 12 mpg city and not much better highway. Its alot of fun to drive and pulls a 30 ft 7500 lb travel trailer with ease.
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Great Luxury TRUCK - 2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT
By 31 Vette - June 12 - 2:00 amCadillac has done wonders with a "heavy half ton truck". Despite all of its power and luxury items, it is still a truck. I knew I wasnt buying a DeVille, but the ride and handling are great for this size vehicle. I have been a Suburban owner for many years and now have found a great vehicle to haul big things and people in style. I dont plan on screwing up the ride, handling or looks by putting on those stupid looking 20" wheels. I can think of 100 better things to do with that $6000. The looks are great,it makes the Avalanch look like it was exposed to nuclear fallout.
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unknown - 2005 Cadillac Escalade EXT
By fredjones - September 13 - 10:00 amThis truck is really comfortable and fun to drive. The reliability is awesome. The build quality is pretty good , but its sort of plasticky inside. There are some plastics which should not be there, because of the price, and because its a Cadillac, but its alright. This is a really nice car if youre looking for a comfortable truck. Its a pretty good performer for a truck.
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Just little probs.... - 2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT
By The Naked Truth - August 25 - 6:30 pmThe Ext is great, but it does have its problems. The knobs on the midgate window support (when folding down the back seats) are prone to break off, leaving your glass "less than secure" while hauling. The power windows sometimes seem to work harder than necessary (mine was on the front pass. side). The locking mechanism on the embedded side boxes have failed on both sides, never staying quite locked, and will blow open at highway speeds(however, Ive only experienced this while riding without the cargo securing sections on the truck). The leather is nice, but the carpeting is 2nd grade. Drivers side control for outside power mirrors is "jinky" for lack of precise movement
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Dynomite Truck, but... - 2007 Cadillac Escalade EXT
By winterhawk - June 5 - 5:13 pmI bought this truck just before Thanksgiving after haggling with the uncooperative dealer for a month. It was well worth the wait. It has superb styling and comfort, beautiful Diamond White paint, 22" wheels and best of all NO sunroof! The Escalade EXT has excellent power and great handling for a truck, but terrible fuel economy. Also, the lack of interior storage space is disappointing, it does not even have a sunglasses holder like my Suburbans had. The console storage is very limited and anything stored in the top part is dumped around every time the lower console is accessed. It has a great instrument panel layout. The heated/cooled seats are very comfortable. I love the heat for my sore old back! This truck has superb headlights and driving lights.
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2007 Caddy Escalade EXT - 2007 Cadillac Escalade EXT
By Steve - March 6 - 1:46 amI have bought two new Escalades. An 02 and an 04, but I have to tell you, Cadillac out did themselves with the 07s. This truck drives and handles like you cannot believe. The dealer gave me a new Escalade SUV to drive until my EXT came in two weeks later. It drove fantasticly as does my EXT. The driving experience is night and day between the earlier models and the redesigned 07. This is my first EXT and it is a blast. I have been given a lot of "nice truck" comments with the SUVs, but man they are coming fast and furius with the EXT...heads turning every which way. Only bad thing...I paid full list for the EXT. Ouch! Well to be the first on the block I guess you have to pay to play...lol.
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Caddy With Style - 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT
By JamesS - October 30 - 10:00 amThis is a very luxurious SUV! It has awesome pulling power. Bvlgari adds a nice look to the Escalade EXT. This is a must have vehical!
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brakes 2012 Escalade EXT - 2012 Cadillac Escalade EXT
By gam7 - October 4 - 11:56 pmRecently purchase a 2012 Escalade EXT. Only had 690 miles. Thought I was getting the cream of SUVs. Find the car lacking in several areas based on the purchase price. However what I consider to be a major issue is the brakes. The EXT is a 6,00 pound truck. The brakes are way to small to stop the EXT in a panic stop. GMC should be ashamed to put that truck on the road with the brakes it has. Have had two near crashes. Im 77 years old and have never experienced a near rear end collision before. When compared to a Chrysler product the EXT in the area of brakes gets a solid "D" ! Would be interested in other Escalade owners experiences. Gary...
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Forget the back seat - 2008 Cadillac Escalade EXT
By Eddie Mae - July 20 - 6:36 amWanted comfortable towing vehicle, I got that. Bed cover leaks, dealer does not tell you that, but, it is in the vehicles manual (now who reads this before buying). The back seat is useless. I am 52" and rode in the back seat for 200 miles and was never so uncomfortable! Maybe a child could, I say maybe! I am pleased with the towing ability that is great. As far as 14 mpg. I consistently get 12.5
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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.
