Pickup trucks sure have changed over the past few decades. Once reserved for commercial applications or hauling hay and feed around the farm with barely a heater and windshield wipers, these versatile vehicles have been transformed into what is often the family four-door, the four-wheel-drive king cab commuter, or the cause of envy at local drag strips. And for a few years now there have been some new players strutting onto the field with a box attached to a luxury vehicle. Lincoln has taken two stabs at this segment so far, the first being the forgettable and misguided Blackwood and more recently the Mark LT, also known as a thinly-disguised Ford F-150. Over at General Motors, luxury division Cadillac has been a bit more thorough with its dressing up of the Chevrolet Avalanche, with the result being the 2007 Cadillac Escalade EXT.
With its rear box, the all-wheel-drive EXT is technically a pickup truck, one that features an innovative fold-down midgate that effectively creates a full-size bed. But, aside from that design element, the EXT is much like the rest of the 2007 Cadillac Escalade lineup, with the same fresh face accented by vertically-stacked bright headlight housings and an expansive chrome grille inspired by the Cadillac Sixteen concept car. There are clean new body lines with tighter gaps, front fender vents, and integrated running boards. The new Escalades get an interior distinct from the lesser Chevy and GMC versions, with an attractive dash layout and generous use of leather. Added luxury comes in the form of an optional heated steering wheel, a touch-screen navigation system, a rear DVD entertainment system, a surround sound system by Bose, and 18- or 22-inch chrome alloy wheels.
All of that should be right at home next to the dented F-250 at the construction site, don’t ya think? Right. Better stick to the country club with this pick-‘em-up.
What it is If the 2007 Cadillac Escalade EXT looks vaguely familiar, that shouldn’t come as much of a surprise, given that it’s based on the Chevrolet Avalanche. And, really, no amount of chrome or badging will disguise that unusual C-pillar.
So, under the skin there’s the backbone of a Chevy, but the Caddy does offer a significant boost in luxury and style, not to mention 403 horsepower from its 6.2-liter V8 engine, which, by the way, is exclusive to the Cadillac (the GMC Yukon XL Denali has a 6.2-liter motor, but it’s only good for 380 horses). Another feature found on the Escalade line, including the EXT pickup, is an all-wheel-drive system; Chevy and GMC versions are available with either rear- or four-wheel-drive.
Why it matters Though it’s based on lesser GM models, comparing the 2007 Cadillac Escalade EXT to a Chevy or GMC isn’t fair. Currently, there’s only one real competitor, and that’s the Lincoln Mark LT, which is essentially a rebadged Ford F-150 with some added luxury features that offer a little more sparkle. It may be a small, niche market, but both Ford and GM obviously want to control the luxury pickup segment, and the latest revisions should keep momentum in the Escalade EXT’s favor. The Lincoln, while a significant step above and away from the ill-fated Blackwood, is too similar to the Ford, right down to the headlights. The Caddy, on the other hand, is graced with a unique front end and dash that serve to distinguish from its less expensive family members. Plus, it beats the Lincoln in the power category by 103 ponies.
How much it isIt seems like it was just yesterday that General Motors was announcing its plans for value pricing, a new plan that would set sticker prices closer to actual transaction prices. Rebates would be largely reduced or eliminated. That was round one – round two came at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, where GM announced it was cutting prices across its lineup, including Cadillac, and again, rebates would be reduced.
There’s no official word on pricing, but given the General’s current focus on value, it’s safe to bet that any changes on the sticker of the 2007 Cadillac Escalade EXT will be minimal. Models should start going on sale during the summer of 2006.
How quick it is Under the hood of the 2006 Cadillac Escalade EXT is a 6.2-liter V8 pushing 403 horsepower at 5,700 rpm and twisting out 417 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,400 rpm. Premium fuel is recommended, and a six-speed automatic transmission distributes power through the Escalade EXT’s all-wheel-drive system. Active Fuel Management, the displacement-on-demand fuel-saving technology available on similar Chevrolet and GMC engines, is absent on the Cadillac, though if your shopping list consists of 400-horsepower luxury trucks, chances are fuel economy isn’t at the top of your list anyway.
What it looks like From a distance, the 2007 Cadillac Escalade EXT looks largely unchanged, but the wheel track has been widened for a more aggressive stance and better stability, and the body features tighter gap tolerances. The standard alloys measure 18 inches, though Cadillac will stuff some chromed 22s in the wheel wells if you wish, or you could do like most Escalade drivers in Los Angeles, and opt for one of a million rim designs offered in the aftermarket.
Inside is a completely redesigned dash, now featuring smooth shapes, with a distinct emphasis put on fit and finish.
What we think It seems ironic that just as the light appears to be dimming on the large truck and SUV segments, GM unveils its best looking lineup to date. The lines of the 2007 Cadillac Escalade are much crisper, and the promise of tighter gap tolerances and a stronger focus on build quality address two of the main complaints with the existing vehicle.
Lest they think they’ve been forgotten, Cadillac offers a powerful and redesigned luxury pickup truck to spotless general contractors and well-to-do, weekend Home Depot warriors everywhere. Hallelujah.
Key stats Engine Size and Type: 6.2-liter V8
Horsepower: 403 at 5,700 rpm
Torque: 417 lb.-ft. at 4,400 rpm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Length: 222 inches
Width: 79.1 inches
Wheelbase: 130 inches
Height: 74.5 inches
Legroom (front/second row): 41.3/39.1 inches
Headroom (front/second row): 41.1/38.1 inches
Max. Seating Capacity: 5
Max. Cargo Volume: 101 cubic feet (with midgate folded)
Max. Towing Capacity, lbs.: 7,600
Ground Clearance: 9.2 inches
Photos courtesy of General Motors
