2008 Cadillac Escalade EXT [ 2007 ]
Based on analysis of 23 Escalade-EXT reviews and test drives.
Cadillac Escalade EXT - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Cadillac Escalade EXT ranks 3 out of 5 Sport Utility Trucks. This ranking is based on our analysis of 23 published reviews and test drives of the Cadillac Escalade EXT, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The Escalade EXT is a vehicle worthy of the luxurious Cadillac tradition. The innovative cargo bed midgate feature, borrowed from the Chevrolet Avalanche, also gets good reviews, and is part of why the EXT is one of the top-ranked sport utility trucks.
The 2008 Cadillac Escalade EXT is an upscale variation on the Chevrolet Avalanche, and has one of the highest overall scores of its class because of its mix of utility and prestige. One of the Escalade EXT's most innovative features is a midgate that 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. The 2008 Escalade EXT's midgate is matched with a massive V8 engine and a well-appointed, comfortable cabin with seating for up to five.
- The Escalade EXT is a "statement vehicle of the first order," that exudes "a bold, confident image backed up by gobs of horsepower and lavish accommodations. No poseur, it is functional and not above getting a little mud on its shoes." The Washington Times
- "The most luxurious pickup that money can buy. ... It may not be perfect, but this is truly the Cadillac of trucks." the Detroit News
Escalade-EXT Performance - 8.0 (Very Good)
Even though the 2008 Escalade EXT is a big, heavy vehicle, it has a surprisingly car-like ride that's coupled with impressive thrust from its V8 engine. But the Escalade EXT is hurt in our performance rankings by mixed impressions of both braking and steering. To find out what reviewers liked and what they didn't, read our full performance review. continue
Escalade-EXT Exterior - 8.2 (Very Good)
The 2008 Cadillac Escalade EXT's suitably stylish design gets a high exterior ranking for blending both the rugged qualities of a pickup and the sleek but aggressive lines of a large SUV. The Detroit News says the Escalade is striking and looks "more like a dual-purpose vehicle, as opposed to just a pickup." To see what the Escalade EXT looks like for yourself, check out or Escalade EXT photos. If you want to learn more about what reviewers think of the exterior, read our full Escalade EXT exterior review. continue
Escalade-EXT Interior - 8.2 (Very Good)
The 2008 Cadillac Escalade EXT's top-of-the-class interior is both attractive and comfortable. CNET says with "a leather- and wood-trimmed interior, a bevy of multimedia cabin features, and enough chrome to make you squint, the EXT declares its true comfort-focused mission." Read the full interior review to see just what interior comforts are available, or check out our Escalade EXT interior pictures to see for yourself. continue
Escalade-EXT Safety - 9.8 (Excellent)
The 2008 Cadillac Escalade EXT does very well in federal government crash tests. continue
Escalade-EXT Reliability - 5.0 (Mediocre)
The 2008 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 basic warranty. continue