2007 Cadillac Escalade EXT [ 2008 ]
Cadillac Escalade EXT
Overall Score - 8.1 (Very Good)
Reviewers find the Escalade EXT a vehicle worthy of the luxurious Cadillac tradition and are nearly unanimous in feeling that it's an improvement over earlier EXT models in almost every way. The innovative cargo bed midgate feature, borrowed from the Chevrolet Avalanche, also gets good notices, but some critics question whether EXT buyers will have much interest in hauling cargo large enough to take advantage of it.
The 2007 Cadillac Escalade EXT is an upscale variation on the Chevrolet Avalanche, combining the features of a luxury SUV with those of a pickup truck. "The 2007 Cadillac Escalade EXT pretty well defines what we want from this new breed of SUV-style pickups," says Edmunds. "It's a truck that doesn't apologize for being big and functional, yet it helps you enjoy the ride with plenty of style." Reviewers like the innovative midgate feature, which allows the rear seating area to double as part of the cargo bed, providing a full eight feet of hauling capacity while still allowing carlike seating, and many reviewers feel that this gives the EXT an edge over the otherwise similar Lincoln Mark LT. "The Escalade EXT's only competition is the similarly luxurious yet rugged Lincoln Mark LT," says Forbes, "which doesn't have a midgate system."
The Escalade EXT's massive 6.2-liter V8 engine impresses critics. Some feel that its thrust is held back somewhat by the vehicle's bulk, but most think the engine is up to the challenge. "[T]his is still a large, heavy vehicle," says Edmunds, "but a new 403-horsepower, 6.2-liter V8 paired with a six-speed automatic transmission means there's always plenty of thrust on tap." And Kelley Blue Book says, "It's no sport sedan, but it is more agile, sure-footed and Cadillac-comfortable than most any other full-size truck you'll encounter." Most reviewers find the EXT's interior attractive and comfortable, and there is general agreement that the EXT will supply the kind of pricey luxury that Cadillac buyers expect. The Detroit News calls the EXT "the most luxurious pickup that money can buy," and adds, "It may not be perfect, but this is truly the Cadillac of trucks." Cars.com says that the "2007 Cadillac Escalade EXT is the most practical of the three Escalade models." IntelliChoice gives the 2007 Cadillac Escalade EXT an "Average" value rating, based on total cost of ownership compared to others in its class.
Escalade EXT Performance - 7.9 (Good)
The 2007 Escalade EXT is a big, heavy vehicle, but reviewers find that its new, more powerful engine gives it impressive thrust. "Cadillac's Escalade EXT may weigh almost 3 tons," says Edmunds, "but with more than 400 pound-feet of torque on tap, acceleration comes easily in almost any situation." The suspension and ride get good notices, but the reviews of the steering and brakes are mixed. continue
Escalade EXT Exterior - 7.7 (Good)
Reviewers find the 2007 Cadillac Escalade EXT's exterior suitably stylish. "The Cadillac Escalade EXT has enough style for two trucks and maybe a couple of cars besides," says Edmunds. The Convert-a-Cab feature, which allows the cargo bed to extend into the rear seating area, draws particular praise. continue
Escalade EXT Interior - 8.5 (Very Good)
Reviewers generally find the 2007 Cadillac Escalade EXT's interior attractive and comfortable. Kelley Blue Book says the passenger cabin is "luxury-plush and surprisingly quiet and raises the luxury and refinement bars another couple of notches." continue
Escalade EXT Safety - NA
The 2007 Cadillac Escalade EXT does well in federal government crash tests. "Occupants of the 2007 Cadillac Escalade EXT are pretty safe in their bling fortress," says CNET. continue
Escalade EXT Reliability - 5.0 (Mediocre)
The 2007 Cadillac Escalade EXT reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The EXT is covered by a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty. continue
