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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Escalade Best Truck Ever!! - 2013 Cadillac Escalade EXT
By Edward - February 18 - 6:06 pmI have wanted an Escalade EXT for awhile, I had 06 Escalade SUV and loved it! With LS3 409 HP engine and 6 speed it sounds amazing and moves out!! There is nothing like driving a caddy the interior is fit for a king! The exterior is like no other mine is the Luxury model and stands aggressively with chrome accents in all the right places. This is a luxurious land yacht! I plan on keeping it forever! I didn't buy it for the mpg it gives me SPG "Smiles Per Gallon" mine uses E85 which is $1.35 cheaper then gas. I deactivated the cylinder de-activation AFM cause it's garbage I want V8 all the time. Best truck I have ever owned go get one!
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Luxury/Beefy Truck - 2007 Cadillac Escalade EXT
By TerpsRno1 - December 23 - 4:06 amSolid built truck, with the luxury you can not add to any other truck. Downside is only aftermarket Bluetooth.
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My Dream Ride... - 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT
By Bignash - December 2 - 12:13 amEver since this truck came out in 02. I wanted a Cadillac Truck. And I got mine and my dreams came true... It rides like a brand new one, and my interior looks great. It has 20inch rims and perelli tires. Factory everything else, and it still runs like new. I get about 15-18mpg.. My family loves it also and we cant wait to get a new E.X.T., and for anyone thinking a/b getting 1. Do it, its a blast to drive and ur friends will love to hate you in it!!! Ride American luxury at its best...Cadillac Escalade EXT..
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Chevrolet needs to get a better attitude - 2005 Cadillac Escalade EXT
By shane - November 29 - 10:03 pmI leased a Cadillac Escalade EXT for 3 years now and I will never purchase one again! after the 80,000 KM warranty was up the diferential berrings went along with wheel bearings. Would GM help? NO! I was at 82,446 KM and they wouldnt even split the bill. Things continue to break. Now a front shock air bag is punctured and not covered by the warranty. Heres my answer to GM. I have been faithful for the past 20 years, but no longer. Good luck with this Escalade when you get it back, becuse now you can pay to fix it!
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Strong and Bold - 2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT
By mycaddy2003 - November 28 - 10:00 amThis SUT is very strong and has a new design for the future.
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The most comfy car - 2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT
By Lyndsiee - October 4 - 2:00 amIt is unbeliveably comfterble! I mean iv`e had other cars like a mercades and it was had to shift. I got spinners on mine W/ 26 in rims HIGHLY RECCOMENDED by me Black looks awesome it brings out the detail really well so dose white
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hehe - 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT
By lanita - July 23 - 10:00 amthis car is the boom
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Best Truck out there - 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT
By SLT - June 26 - 12:10 pmThis has got to be the best truck I have owned! I bought it used to see if they are really truck worthy and yes they are! Great power, comfortable ride, all the bells and whistles, and beautiful looking! Get a lot of compliments from a lot of people. Does awesome in the Colorado snow, went up some hills that I didnt think I could go up, but it cruised right up with no problem!! This is the all around vehicle for families. Towing, running around, or just cruising, this is the ultimate Cadillac. I will most definitely be getting a 2009 model soon! Love these trucks!
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FUNTASTIC! - 2007 Cadillac Escalade EXT
By franc - May 31 - 7:30 amThis truck is very beautiful. It makes people stare. They come up to you in parking lots and gas stations to comment on the beauty. I have a 2006 Cadillac STS V8 fully loaded and it has been parked since I got the Escalade. I am 65" and this truck has ample leg room and head room. It also has a great ride. I am looking forward to a road trip in the spring. This truck is beautiful, versatile, and powerful. I would recommend the 2007 to anyone.
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best car of the year - 2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT
By TTITTANNS - May 24 - 2:00 ami think that this is so comfy and so fun to drive. it has room in the back for my tools and supplies for on the job.
