Introduction

Cadillac Escalade EXT -- 2007 Preview: 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.

What It Is

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's Under the Hood

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.