2006 Cadillac Escalade EXT New Car Buyer's Guide

What's New for the 2006 Cadillac Escalade EXT?
The 2006 Cadillac Escalade EXT receives an optional power sliding tonneau cover for the bed and a sliding load floor capable of holding 1,000-lbs. of cargo. The latter, available as a late introduction option, is attached to the truck bed and slides out over the open tailgate for easy loading and unloading. Additional minor changes include revised illuminated vanity mirror and PRNDL instrument panel display lighting, the latter using LEDs for overall clarity and reliability. Other alterations include relocating the outside temperature display from the rearview mirror to the climate controls. Lastly, rest assured that the body-to-chassis bolts have been beefed up from 12mm to 14mm.

Advantages of the 2006 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 2006 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 2006 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.