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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  Cloud Nine - 2005 Cadillac Escalade EXT
  By Fred Maczynski - April 27 - 6:33 pm

  I wanted a Pickup truck and my wife drives and loves her Cadillac DeVille DTS. Well to make a long story short she tricked me into going to the Cadillac dealer to look at the new STS well I saw the EXT in Black with Nav System & moonroof I just fell in love next thing I know she says happy birthday honey that one is yours! Well, after crying like a little girl I have been on cloud nine ever since. Im 55 years old and a real car person but nothing I have ever owned can come close to this vehicle its amazing!

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  Just what your looking for - 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT
  By Davidw - March 9 - 10:00 am

  If youve come this far in your Escalade research... YES, its worth it! This truck/suv is the best. Yeah its bulky, bad on gas, tough to park, but did you expect anything less? Oh, and not to mention the looks you get in this, the monster under the hood is out of this world, this baby moves!

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  2004 Escalade EXT ownership - 2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT
  By William J Mammone - February 11 - 3:33 am

  Very glad I purchased this vehicle. It rides and handles and tows great. Comfortable and easy to drive. It can carry people or items 8 long with the midgate down. Suits all of my needs.

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  The best EXT yet! - 2007 Cadillac Escalade EXT
  By neil - December 24 - 5:36 am

  This is my fourth EXT and by far the best. It rides like a luxury car not a truck. After 20,000 miles it still rides like I just purchased it. Plaudits to Cadillac on this one.

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  escalade - 2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT
  By cabab - December 10 - 10:00 am

  awesome, just plain old awesome not more more to say than that.

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  daves ext - 2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT
  By dgm58 - November 8 - 2:00 am

  excellent vehicle, would recommend highly.

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  1ST GM SINCE 1987 - 2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT
  By JERRY AUSTIN - November 4 - 10:00 am

  BEEN DRIVING FORDS SINCE 1987. CONSIDERED THE LINCOLN BLACKWOOD BUT POOR LOAD SPACE IN BODY MADE IT UNDESIREABLE. WANTED A GOOD RIDE WITH PLENTY OF COMFORT. FOUND IT IN THE EXT. FUEL ECONOMY IS EQUAL TO IF NOT A LITTLE BETTER THAN THE FORD F150 KING RANCH SUPERCAB. TRUCK DRIVES LIKE A SPORTS CAR. I HAVE 9000 MILES ON MINE NOW AND HAVE HAD NO PROBLEMS. I DROVE NEW FORDS, DODGES, NISSANS, TOYOTAS AND SOME I DONT REMEMBER BUT I DROVE THE EXT AND BOUGHT IT THE SAME DAY. WOULD HIGHLY RECCOMMEND TO EVERYONE. JERRY AUSTIN, DOUGLASVILLE, GA.

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  infinityq45 - 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT
  By april polk - October 9 - 10:00 am

  reliable performance. No major unforeseen repairs. Excelent repair service.

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  Still love it - 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT
  By gregggg - October 2 - 2:00 am

  I had the truck less than a week and realized it was leaking oil. Took it back and it was repaired. Dealing with the dealership about the little bugs with a new car was a nitemare but the truck is incredible. Fast, smooth great sound system. I even had the chance to race an acura with it and won... not off the line but after a few seconds I cought up and passes them. Its big though... cant be affraid of driving if you are buying this truck

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  Country Cadillac - 2005 Cadillac Escalade EXT
  By ray tordoff - July 25 - 9:10 pm

  This 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"