2009 Cadillac Escalade EXT
The Cadillac Escalade EXT arrived in showrooms in 2002 as a thinly disguised full-size pickup with a crew cab. While it mirrors the interior appointments and luxury of the Cadillac Escalade SUV, the EXT is limited to just 5 passengers. The rear of the EXT is equipped with a versatile pickup bed to keep cargo secure and away from the passengers. Alternatively, an innovative Midgate design allows the rear seats to fold, the rear of the cab to open, and the bed to be extended for larger loads. For motivation, a strong V-8 powerplant and full-time all-wheel drive is standard on all models. In EPA fuel economy testing, the EXT earned estimates of 12 mpg city, and 19 mpg highway (flex-fuel capability is new this year, and using E85 results in lower fuel economy numbers). Long-term quality is one of the Escalade EXT’s strengths, as witnessed by its top-three ranking in its segment in our 2008 Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS). Like its sibling SUV, the Escalade EXT earned 5-star crash test ratings by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). A flex-fuel option is new for 2009.
2009 Large Premium SUVs Buyer's Guide
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