2010 Cadillac Escalade EXT
- 2009 Cadillac Escalade EXT
Based on analysis of 30 Escalade-EXT reviews and test drives.
Cadillac Escalade EXT - What the Auto Press Says
The 2010 Cadillac Escalade EXT ranks 2 out of 5 Sport Utility Trucks. This ranking is based on our analysis of 30 published reviews and test drives of the Cadillac Escalade EXT, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The Escalade EXT is a luxurious choice for buyers who need space for passengers and cargo. A big helping of innovative features make it a compelling choice for an SUT.
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 car-like seating when you need to carry more people than cargo. The 2010 Escalade EXT's midgate is matched with a massive V8 engine and a well-appointed, comfortable cabin with seating for up to five. In short, the Cadillac Escalade EXT is for buyers who want it all: Cadillac luxury and pickup capability.
However, Escalade EXT buyers will not only have to pay for all that luxury at the dealership, they'll also have to pay at the gas station: the EXT has some of the worst EPA-estimated fuel economy in the class -- only the Hummer H2 SUT gets worse gas milage.
As much as reviewers like the EXT overall, they still point out that much of the same capability can be had in the Chevrolet Avalanche for less money. The Avalanche and the Escalade EXT share many components. While the Avalanche doesn't quite have the interior refinement of the Escalade, it costs about $26,000 less than the Escalade EXT. Other SUTs, like the Honda Ridgeline, offer better fuel economy and similar performance for a much lower price.
The Escalade EXT was last redesigned in 2007. For 2010, not much is new. The Escalade EXT's 6.2 liter engine now has GM's active fuel management technology, which saves fuel by shutting off four of the eight sylinders when they're not needed. Also new for 2010 are standard side airbags for the driver and front passenger. Finally, a USB port in the center console is standard for 2010.
- "Cadillac Escalade EXT's distinctive styling, versatility and gobs of V8 power keep it atop the dwindling list of luxurious pickups." -- Edmunds
- "If you need or want full-size truck towing capabilities, along with upscale Cadillac luxury and image and the versatility to change from a quiet, comfortable closed SUV to a pickup with more cargo capacity, this is the one." -- Kelley Blue Book
- "The EXT is Cadillac's version of the Chevy Avalanche pickup, which means it has the fold-down Midgate that allows one to extend the bed into the passenger compartment. The Caddy tows less than the Chevy and has less people space than the Escalade SUV. It's a bit pointless." -- Car and Driver
Escalade-EXT Performance - 8.3 (Very Good)
The 2010 Escalade EXT has just one engine option, but reviewers say it's a good one. The Escalade's 6.2 liter V8 powers the big SUT with authority. For 2010, the Escalade EXT gets GM's active fuel management technology, which should help fuel economy somewhat. Reviewers also like the smooth transmission and supple ride, but complain about the steering and the brakes. Read More
Escalade-EXT Exterior - 8.8 (Very Good)
The 2010 Cadillac Escalade EXT's styling blends both the rugged qualities of a pickup and the sleek but aggressive lines of a large SUV. By and large, reviewers like the Escalade EXT's looks. Read More
Escalade-EXT Interior - 8.7 (Very Good)
The 2010 Cadillac Escalade EXT' has an attractive and comfortable interior that few in the class can match. 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 More
Escalade-EXT Safety - NA
The 2010 Cadillac Escalade EXT does very well in federal government crash tests. Side-chest airbags for the driver and front passenger are newly standard for 2010. Read More
Escalade-EXT Reliability - 8.0 (Very Good)
The 2010 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 2010 Cadillac Escalade EXT is covered by a four-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, and a 5-year/100,000 powertrain warranty. Read More
