Though they differ in body style, the Cadillac Escalade, ESV, and EXT share drivetrains, chassis architecture and styling cues. All are built on GM's full-size truck platform and share much in common with their counterparts from Chevrolet and GMC.
These are big vehicles. Stretching 221.4 inches, the EXT and ESV are 2 inches longer than a Suburban, placing them among the longest vehicles on the road. Likewise, the Escalade is 2 inches longer than the Tahoe, the former measuring 198.9. In terms of length, a Lincoln Navigator falls between Escalade and ESV (measuring 207.5 inches).
If their size gives them presence, their bold styling pushes the Escalades over the top. When it debuted in 2002, the Escalade was the first production vehicle to embody Cadillac's progressive new styling, with sharp, chiseled, vertical lines, and a grille inspired by the Evoq concept car. It was the first new vehicle to reflect Cadillac's art and science philosophy, aimed at blending forward-thinking technology with expressive design. Now, Cadillac has a full stable of edgy new designs, including the CTS, STS, and XLR, exciting cars that represent nothing less than a renaissance at Cadillac.
Escalade's front end is massive and looks it, with a big satin-nickel plastic grille and vertical halogen headlight clusters that measure 16 by 12 inches. High intensity discharge (HID) headlamps with chrome bezels reflect a jewel-like appearance, and are integrated with rectangular parking lamps and turn signals. The vehicle's front fascia incorporates recessed tow hooks and rectangular fog lamps.
A recently simplified wreath-and-crest insignia designed to symbolize the new Cadillac appears on the grille and liftgate. Chrome trim emblazons the nameplate, running boards and roof rack. Big 17-inch forged alloy wheels with seven short, wide spokes carry P265/70R17 Goodyear all-season radials. These standard wheels are attractive, but are less dynamic than the rest of the styling.
Somehow the sheer size of the Escalade ESV makes it look less intimidating than the Escalade. Perhaps that's because it's essentially a Suburban with the Escalade's bold styling and more standard luxuries (including the big 6.0-liter V8 and all-wheel drive). There's something familiar and friendly about a Suburban. But there's still no doubt that the Escalade ESV represents the ultimate in SUV excess. Pulling up in one of these makes a strong statement.
Buyers who want to make an even stronger statement can now opt for 20-inch rims, with P275/55R20 tires, though we don't recommend such low-profile tires on a truck. For ultimate eye-popping power, choose the ESV Platinum Edition ($69,305), which rides about an inch lower than the standard ESV. A chrome grille and chromed 20-inch wheels add to the flash, along with Platinum lettering on the liftgate.
The EXT is the most unusual of the line, with its open pickup bed. In its standard configuration, the EXT offers a roomy, luxurious, comfortable five-passenger cab and a 5-foot, 3-inch long open cargo box. When more cargo room is needed, the driver can easily extend the bed to 8 feet. To accomplish this, the rear seats and Midgate fold into the interior of the cab to create a 4-by-8-foot cargo area. Items can be protected from the elements and theft with a well-designed three-piece cargo cover and lockable tailgate, both of which come standard. The sides of the cargo box, along with the Midgate and tailgate, are constructed of Pro-Tec, an extremely strong composite material. The rear window is removable to allow for additional cargo space or for added air circulation. The window is easily stowed on board and works in conjunction with the Midgate. It's an innovative and brilliantly executed solution to the problem of needing both passenger and cargo space at different times. In the morning it's a full-size work truck, in the afternoon it's a luxury crew cab. The system can be configured many different ways according to the needs of the moment. The hardware is intelligently designed and of high quality. It's slick.
Getting into any of the Escalade models is easy enough, though requires more climbing up than in, say, the new STS. The exterior door handles are easy to grab. The liftgate on the Escalade and ESV raises with a surprisingly light touch.
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