When the Cadillac Escalade EXT first came out it was meant to compete with the Chevy Avalanche. Not only does it compete with the Avalanche, but it far surpasses it in terms of functionality, comfort and durability. This luxury truck goes anywhere from $63,060 to $73,895 and can fit up to 5 adult passenger, plus luggage or whatever needs to be transported in the bed of the truck. The Escalade EXT can serve as either a luxury “SUV” or a heavy-duty pickup truck. Don’t be mistaken into thinking this is only for soccer moms.
To prove just how powerful this crossover truck truly is, Cadillac has given it a 6.2-liter, V8 engine with Active Fuel Management and a highly impressive 403 ponies straddled under the hood. Surprisingly, the Escalade EXT is considered a “green” car, with E85 fuel capabilities. Towing a boat or other heavy object on a trailer should be a breeze; the 2012 Escalade EXT has a 7,600 lbs. towing capacity. The 6-speed automatic transmission generates smooth, almost unnoticeable shifts. With the intention of improving both power and fuel efficiency, engineers at Cadillac included Variable Valve Timing on this year’s EXT. Electronic Stability Control has also been included. This technology is designed to minimize skids and other dangerous movements of the vehicle. The locking rear differential ensures optimum traction by having each wheel on an axle spin at the same speed as each other. Magnetic Ride Control uses completely innovative and modern technology to develop one of the best suspension systems in its class. However, 18 MPG highway and 13 MPG in-town certainly isn’t doing anyone any favors financially.
The inside of the cabin is lavishly designed. Everything from leather seats to a rearview camera designed to assist with parking. The latter is especially useful, since test drivers complain about the rear visibility. A touchscreen GPS navigation system will ensure that consumers are never lost – or at least if they are, that they can find directions in a flash. A free 3-month trial of Sirius XM satellite radio and one year of OnStar add even more appeal to the Escalade EXT. It’s also equipped with Bluetooth technology, so you won’t even have to worry about sticking an uncomfortable headset in your ear. The Bose 5.1 audio system will ensure that consumers can listen to their XM satellite radio at a loud and high-quality volume. The leather front seats are heated for brisk winter days, but also have the ability to be cooled on those blistering summer days. It also comes with an available sunroof and heated steering wheel. Also available are 22” chrome wheels. We don’t even need to say how much flash that will add.
Standard on all models are anti-lock disc brakes, allowing the driver to stop this large-size vehicle sooner than standard brakes. The Escalade EXT is also packed to the gills with airbags, so consumers can rest assured knowing they’ll be fairly safe in an accident. Anti-rollover technology also comes standard, as do daytime running lights. Despite its somewhat bulky size and abysmal fuel economy, the 2012 Cadillac Escalade EXT will prove to be a fine choice for anyone with a few dollars to spare.
