- 2010
2009 Cadillac Escalade EXT
Cadillac Escalade EXT - What the Auto Press Says
The Escalade EXT is a vehicle worthy of the luxurious Cadillac name. The innovative cargo bed midgate feature, borrowed from the Chevrolet Avalanche, also gets good reviews, and is part of why the EXT is a leader in the SUT class.
The 2009 Cadillac Escalade EXT is for buyers who want it all: Cadillac luxury and pickup capability. 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 2009 Escalade EXT's midgate is matched with a massive V8 engine and a well-appointed, comfortable cabin with seating for up to five. Escalade EXT buyers will not only have to pay for all that luxury at the dealership, but also at the gas station: the EXT has some of the worst EPA-estimated fuel economy in the class.
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. Other SUTs, like the Honda Ridgeline, offer better fuel economy too.
The Escalade EXT was last redesigned in 2007. For 2009, it gets LED headlights, a power-tilting steering column and a blind spot warning system.
- "The 2009 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 2009 Escalade EXT has just one engine option, but reviewers say it's a good one, powering the big SUT with authority. Reviewers also like the smooth transmission and supple ride, but complain about the steering and the brakes. Read More
Escalade-EXT Exterior - 8.7 (Very Good)
The 2009 Cadillac Escalade EXT's suitably stylish design gets good reviews for blending both the rugged qualities of a pickup and the sleek but aggressive lines of a large SUV. Read More
Escalade-EXT Interior - 8.7 (Very Good)
The 2009 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 More
Escalade-EXT Safety - 9.9 (Excellent)
The 2009 Cadillac Escalade EXT does very well in federal government crash tests. Read More
Escalade-EXT Reliability - 7.0 (Good)
The 2009 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 2009 Cadillac Escalade EXT is covered by a four-year/50,000-mile basic warranty. Read More
