2005 Cadillac Escalade EXT New Car Buyer's Guide

What's New for the 2005 Cadillac Escalade EXT?
Although a major freshening is scheduled next year, the 2005 Cadillac Escalade EXT receives a host of changes this year. Electric fans now help keep the engine and A/C blowing cool, and a 160-amp alternator provides additional juice for a cabin-full of electronics. A redesigned instrument cluster with chrome bezels, a more user-friendly driver information center, a rear bench seat with a 60/40 split, and an optional touch-screen navigation system are new this year. Cadillac's beast also gets additional beauty: Rip Tide Blue joins the color wheel, burl walnut replaces the former Zebrano cabin trim, a chrome exhaust tip replaces the old oval variety, interior door handles are updated, and lower door trim gets a splash of carpet.

Advantages of the 2005 Cadillac Escalade EXT:

• Stout power from the 6.0-liter V8 engine
• Comfortable seating front and rear
• High-amperage alternator for powering plasma TVs
• Ingenious Midgate system transforms the Escalade EXT into a useful pickup truck
• Pop-culture icon status

Objections to the 2005 Cadillac Escalade EXT:

• Awful fuel economy
• Sometimes haphazard build quality
• Interior open to the elements or prying hands with Midgate down
• Lacks serious off-road capability

Editor's Advice:
The 2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT is more than a pop-culture icon; it's a truly useful truck equipped with a brilliant Midgate system that can transform it from a four-passenger SUV into a long bed pickup in seconds. Combined with its well-appointed interior, powerful V8 engine, crew-cab configuration and all-wheel-drive system, these features are key distinguishers that make the Cadillac Escalade EXT an excellent choice for a personal-use, luxury truck. However, fuel economy is terrible, build quality sometimes haphazard, and forget about doing any serious off-roading – with no low range transfer case, the toughest trails this SUV should see are those to the local mall. With the smallish cargo box, toting large or bulky items may require dropping the Midgate, which leaves the aft portion of the interior open to the elements and prying hands.