2002-2006 Cadillac Escalade: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Cadillac's Escalade came as a luxury full-size sport-utility vehicle and as a crossover SUV/pickup called the EXT. Escalade SUVs shared a platform with GM's other full-size SUVs--the GMC Yukon/Denali and Chevrolet Tahoe--but had more power and unique appointments. The EXT was essentially a similarly embellished version of the Chevrolet Avalanche pickup. Each version had standard front side airbags, antilock four-wheel disc brakes, traction control, Cadillac's automatic-adjusting road-sensing suspension. All models rode on 17-inch alloy wheels, and featured rear-obstacle-warning and OnStar assistance systems. The basic Escalade SUV seated up to eight and could have rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive (without low-range gearing). AWD Escalades used a 6.0-liter V8 and could tow up to 8500 pounds. Rear-drive models held a 5.3-liter V8 and could haul 7700 pounds. The EXT was a four-door crew cab with a "midgate" separating the cab from the cargo bed. The rear window removed and the midgate folded along with the rear seat, to extend the bed from 5.3 feet to 8.1 feet. The EXT seated five with its midgate upright, but just two with the midgate folded. The EXT came only with AWD and the 6.0 V8: towing capacity was 8000 pounds. AWD versions of all Escalades had antiskid control. Competitors included the Lexus LX 470, Toyota Land Cruiser, and Lincoln Navigator.