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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  I love my cady - 2005 Cadillac Escalade EXT
  By mancuusa - February 21 - 11:23 pm

  Hi readers...i had a bmw525 07 and for obvious economical reasons i had to go down on budget, but i didnt wanted to loose the confort and prestige i had. I picked the Escalade since its well knowing and its American! 05 with 60k miles on it...no regrets at all!!

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  A TRUE PERFORMER - 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT
  By Tom Richter - February 13 - 2:00 am

  This truck has a great feel and a very appealing look to everyone. I have never owned a vehical that demanded so much attenion like this one before. I get positive feedback daily ! Yesterday in a parking lot, two unknown peaple stood next to it while having a photo taken. Amazing !

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  Real Head Turner - 2007 Cadillac Escalade EXT
  By kirk - January 16 - 3:46 am

  The ride is much more comfortable than my GMC Denali. It handles and responds well.It has plenty of storage room.It accelerates great and corners well. I would recommend this truck (luxury vehicle) to anyone that asks. However it could stand some improvements to compete with the imports.

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  STEFANIES BO BO - 2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT
  By STEFANIE - December 15 - 10:00 am

  IT IS A GREAT CAR AND IT RIDES VERY SMOOTHY ALSO IT LOOKS GOOD.....VERY

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  2nd time for ext - 2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT
  By jonwike - December 9 - 2:00 am

  this is my 2nd ext after an avalanche and would never go back this is a must have

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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 am

  I 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 am

  it is the best itlooks good it handle great

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  Airola - 2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT
  By aloan4u - September 9 - 2:00 am

  Great 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 am

  This 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 am

  This car is a joy to ride. It is a quality built like any other Cadillac.