Overview

The Cadillac Escalade EXT is a luxury pickup truck, with an enclosable 8-foot bed, that can easily be converted to a 5-passenger luxury SUV-a more versatile version of the Cadillac Escalade. Mechanically, it's very similar to the Chevrolet Avalanche. Cadillac's luxury pickup made its dbut in 2002. The 2011 Escalade EXT is mainly a carryover from the previous year.

Standard equipment on the base 2011 Cadillac Escalade EXT model includes 18-inch alloy wheels, adaptive suspension, automatic Xenon headlights, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, heated power-adjustable front seats, and many other power features. An 8-speaker Bose sound system, Bluetooth capability, navigation system, and remote ignition are also standard. The Luxury trim features 22-inch chrome wheels, adjustable suspension, sunroof, and more. The Premium trim features power-retracting side steps and a rear-seat entertainment system. Some of the Luxury and Premium features are available as stand-alone options on the base model.

The Escalade EXT features a 5-foot pickup bed, which can be extended to 8 feet with the midgate down and rear seats folded. Properly equipped, the Escalade EXT can tow up to 7600 pounds and carry a payload of 1250 pounds, according to the manufacturer.

The 2011 Cadillac Escalade EXT features full-time all-wheel drive and a heavy-duty locking rear differential. Its standard power plant is a 403-horsepower, 6.2-liter V-8 engine that produces 417 lb.-ft. of torque and, according to the EPA, delivers 13 mpg in the city and 18 mpg on the highway. The luxury pickup employs a 6-speed automatic transmission with manual shift controls.

Standard safety features on the 2011 Cadillac Escalade EXT include anti-lock disc brakes, stability control, traction control, front side air bags and side curtain air bags, plus rearview camera, rear parking sensors, and the OnStar emergency communications system.

Starting MSRP for the 2011 Cadillac Escalade EXT was $62,160.