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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Top of the Line Avalanche! - 2008 Cadillac Escalade EXT
By Steve Hays - June 26 - 3:30 amIve had two Avalanches before buying a Ford Super Duty for the diesel engine...what a mistake! Dont know if it was the new 08 diesel 6.4L or what, but fuel economy was miserable, 12mpg in town, 16mpg on interstate with no towing. I also missed the versatility of the Avalanche: side cargo bins, heavy duty covers, waterproof rear bed, and the expandable bed size. Not only that, but the EXT adds significant comfort and features: NAV, DVD entertainment, heated/cooled seats, luxurious and beautiful interior, and great looks. Take it easy on the gas pedal and youll be getting 15-16mpg in town, 20mpg on the interstate. Hauls tools, gear, toys, and projects with ease. The ultimate upgrade!
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Bad Boy Toy - 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT
By abadboy - June 11 - 2:00 amINCREDIBLE! The room, the power, mine is scharged with almost 600 hp. The look, black with 24" ASA wheels from the Tire Rack(a must have). Everyone wants a ride or there picture with it. Like being a rock star. Dont buy one if you dont want the attention. No one can get enough of this BAD BOY! Never considered a Cadillac before. Everyone said Cadillacs are old guys cars, now everyone looks to me for a ride. The ultimate in excess, over the top in your face truck! This BAD BOY ROCKS! Made a trip to Vegas the first weekend I had it, couldnt beleive the looks we got, or how everyone moved to the right to let this BAD BOY go past. INCREDIBLE!
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THEY ARE WRONG - 2008 Cadillac Escalade EXT
By KING RALPH - June 9 - 3:50 amPerfect .... No bed cover leaks ever..nothing has been better than my 2004 silverado SS for doing it all but this CADILLAC ESCALADE EXT. Yes they fixed everything in the 2009 model, telescoping steering wheel,side radar enhancement and a few other small details. BOSE sound is the BEST of the CLASS!!! RIDES like a dream,and handles well too. BIG TRUCK WITH BIGGER HORSEPOWER. Will pull anything you want and all wheel drive gets it done. Add a supercharger and look out, Have you got one fast and furious ride! This truck is almost perfect and I will have another one in a few years. DA KING has SPOKEN...LONG LIVE THE KING.
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What a truck! - 2007 Cadillac Escalade EXT
By TBK - May 18 - 4:26 amWow! What a beautiful truck! Powerful, functionality as a truck, but luxurious appointments, all in one. The exterior turns heads and receives many compliments. But the interior is wonderful -- great style, nice materials, an incredible Bose surround sound system. Life is good in this truck.
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N/A - 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT
By frostyreynolds - April 30 - 2:00 amVery comfortable and roomy ride. Cargo/Bed converts very quickly for hauling - great place to keep your golf clubs and towing items locked up safe and sound. Loading up the cargo area made no noticable impact on driving characteristics. Hauls my 6000 lb. boat very well.
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Over the top - 2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT
By jamesdane - April 4 - 10:00 amIf you drive it, you will want it.
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The EXT - 2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT
By shinjitsu - February 18 - 10:23 amThis Truck has been nothing but good to me. I have a little over 100k now and have had to replace rear air shock/struts, under warranty the rotors and two brake calipers. This thing runs like a champ with that 6 liter under the hood! Even with the newer body styles running around I still get the occasional thumbs up from folks. Keep your foot out of it and MPGs are alright.
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EXT BEAST - TOTALLY UNIQUE - 2008 Cadillac Escalade EXT
By briefboy - February 16 - 11:36 amIts a beast.. but totally fun and decadent. Nothing better to impress. Stereo is inceiable, seats are better than my living room. Bed cover leaked on delivery but was quickly fixed by dealer. I LOVE THE EXT BEAST!!!
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Nice Truck - 2007 Cadillac Escalade EXT
By jkainey - October 18 - 5:20 pmI traded in my 04 EXT for this 07. The 07 has much better fit and finish and the new engine is very powerful. I am not crazy about the 6 speed trans. because it is always shifting, and I am experiencing a severe vibration when in overdive. The dealer I bought this from has a top notch service department and they think this might have something to do with the trans. or the differential, either way it only has 1,000 miles on it and there shouldnt be anything wrong.
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THE ALMOST EVERYTHING VEHICLE - 2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT
By fugee88c - August 19 - 10:00 amTHIS TRUCK IS FUN TO DRIVE,WORKS HARD WHEN YOU NEED IT AND LOOKS GREAT WHEN YOU NEED TO GO OUT ON THE TOWN
