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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  Best Ever Vehicle : The Uber-Truck - 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT
  By javarob - May 7 - 2:00 am

  I bought in December with some reservations. Perhaps it cost too much. Perhaps it was too big of a vehicle. I thought it was beautiful, however, and I loved the drive. If I bought a sedan, I would need to rent a truck at times. The first week I was amazed with the compliments. Every day I drove it I found something more that I liked. After one month, I was excited at every opportunity to drive it. Sometimes when I drive it I find myself thinking it is the greatest vehicle man has ever built. That may be extreme, but I have never been more pleased with a car or truck that I have owned.

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  Great Cadillac - 2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT
  By BigMoe - April 2 - 10:00 am

  Had a 04 Denali XL, not real happy with that vehicle for the cost vs. workman- ship - received a nice deal on the EXT. only have put the first thousand but what a delight, GM can build a vehicle as good as any other country, this is my 40th new GM product and never happier with any before, was just about to go to the other side, thanks for the Cadallic EXT. First tank of gas was great, at least 2/3mpg better than the denali, same set up, better milage. Never expect real good milage with big vehicle, so happy when it happens.

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  Still Loving It! - 2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT
  By Boss Man - October 19 - 2:00 am

  I targeted, and planned to buy an Avalanche. I still like the Avalanche, but once I saw/test drove the EXT, I decided: "Why not move up? Im 50 years old. What am I waiting for?" Its nice to be in "the Cadillac family." Its a rush to drive, and I expect that good feeling to last for many years.

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  Worth Every Dollar! - 2005 Cadillac Escalade EXT
  By Ms Grutzius - September 24 - 11:53 am

  Im a woman who has investments in Myrtle Beach SC, and in Gavleston TX. I often drive alone, with cargo (Cadillac Escalade EXT is a work horse!} The drive is smooth and very pleasant, the amenities are fantastic for amusing myself when the hours get long, I purchased this fantastic vehicle with my traveling in mind. When I arrive to my location, all I have to do is clean her up and we (EXT and myself) are ready to shine out on the town. And we do. I love it!

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  ride like a cady - 2007 Cadillac Escalade EXT
  By Jaime - September 16 - 2:10 am

  this truck is lots of fun, it gets up to speed like most cars so it doesnt feel like you are actually driveing a full size truck, and the remote start and a/c seats make summer time enjoyfull for a black on black truck

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  Class ride - 2007 Cadillac Escalade EXT
  By fouraces - August 30 - 11:50 am

  After 20 + years of Silverados I decided to upgrade to an EXT since Ive retired and dont really need a "working truck" any more. Im completely satisfied with the looks, performance, comfort and handling. I pull a travel trailer occasionally and need the power so mileage wasnt really a concern. At this point I dont see my going to any other type if and when I purchase another one.

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  STILL love this truck six years later - 2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT
  By Sandy - August 5 - 11:30 am

  What a beautiful vehicle this has been. Shes riding as good as day one and turns heads every day. An elegant vehicle with studly capability to work like a dog if the need arises. Luxury interior. Best ever seen in a truck. Not one single mechanical problem with 100,000 miles. I hope to keep her for another 100K. And Im a woman who is a certified "truck hater" by birth.

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  Good Vehicle, Overpriced - 2009 Cadillac Escalade EXT
  By GregS96 - July 28 - 12:53 pm

  At 5,000+ miles, driven in a wide range of weather conditions, terrain, and road conditions, I can honestly say that I am happy to own this American vehicle...at the price I paid for it (below invoice, 0%/5yr financing, business tax deduction). Traded on a 08 Toyota Tundra (great vehicle), it compares favorably in comfort, ride, performance, handling and economy. However, with a $15k higher list price, it should be much better, with more modern features (i.e.; adaptive cruise, lane departure warnings, etc).

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  NOTHIN COULD EVER STOP YOU - 2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT
  By J.C - July 26 - 2:00 am

  WHEN YOU RIDE IN A CADILLAC ESCALADE EXT YOU FEEL LIKE YOU CAN DO ANYTHING LIKE NOTHIN COULD EVER STOP YOU.LIKE YOU COULD RIDE ALL AROUND THE CITY WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY AND SHOWOFF YOUR BRAND NEW EXT YOU COULD TURN ON THE RADIO AS LOUD AS YOU WANT WATCH DVDS YOU COULD EVEN INSTALL A PLAYSTATION 2 OR ANY SYSTEM THE RIDE IS SO SMOOTH THE PERFORMANCE OF THIS VEHICLE IS EXCELLENT.

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  Cadillac, worth every penny - 2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT
  By Saleenster - June 25 - 4:40 am

  My Escalade has been a very dependable truck. If you are looking for luxury, but still want the ruggedness of a truck, this is it. I highly recommend it. The Bose audio is decent, but you really need a sub to go with it. It is fun to drive. The factory chrome wheels will do for a while, but I really need to upgrade to bigger rims. Overall, I like the exterior and interior styling and the performance is there when you need it.