2009 Cadillac Escalade EXT Review
2009 Cadillac Escalade EXT Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Potent and smooth powertrain, luxurious ride, attractive interior, versatile midgate design feature.
Cons
- Large size makes for difficult parking, some mediocre-quality interior plastics.
What’s new
Minor changes are in store for the 2009 Cadillac Escalade EXT. Additions include E85 compatibility for the V8 engine, a side blind-spot alert system, satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity, a power tilting steering wheel and adaptive dampers for models equipped with 22-inch wheels. The navigation system, previously optional, is standard this year and includes real-time traffic information.
Edmunds says
The 2009 Cadillac Escalade EXT's distinctive styling, versatility and gobs of V8 power keep it atop the dwindling list of luxurious pickups.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2009 Cadillac Escalade EXT 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (6.2L 8cyl 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of N/A undefined in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
Not EPA tested for Escalade EXT Base
Escalade EXT Base
vs
$250/mo
Avg. Large Truck
Vehicle overview
The Cadillac Escalade EXT has an identity crisis -- but not in a negative way. Rather, its unusual versatility is perhaps its most impressive feature. Like all Escalades, the EXT functions as a full-size luxury SUV, with a lavishly appointed cabin wrapped in an aggressive, non-apologetic body. However, the EXT can also serve as a competent crew-cab pickup truck that is able to do the heavy lifting expected of conventional large pickups.
The Escalade EXT (as well as its less expensive sibling, the Chevrolet Avalanche) owes this split personality to its innovative "midgate" design. In normal operation, the midgate serves as the cabin's rear wall, separating the plush five-passenger interior from the truck bed. When more cargo room is needed, the midgate can be lowered and the rear seats stowed, allowing the 5-foot-long truck bed to extend 3 more feet into the cabin.
Since 2007's major face-lift for the Escalade family, which also refined its handling and ride, the EXT's updates have mostly consisted of minor cosmetic alterations and added conveniences. For 2009, the EXT's changes are limited to minor feature changes The navigation system is standard this year, for instance, and there's a new sensor to alert the driver to objects in his or her blind spots. Also new this year is Cadillac's Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) suspension option, which utilizes specialized shock absorbers that automatically and quickly alter their damping resistance to suit road conditions and driving style, thereby improving handling and ride quality.
Overall, the 2009 Cadillac Escalade EXT is our top pick for a luxury-themed pickup. It does have a few drawbacks, such as lackluster braking performance and some interior plastics that fail to meet expectations at this price point. Moreover, the EPA hasn't exactly lauded the 'Sclade EXT for its superior fuel efficiency. But with its main competitor, the Lincoln Mark LT, discontinued due to lackluster sales, and the upcoming redesigned Ford F-150 Platinum an unknown quantity, the Escalade EXT stands victorious for now.
Performance & mpg
Overall, the 2009 Escalade EXT remains mechanically unchanged from last year. Unlike the standard Escalade, the EXT is offered only as an all-wheel-drive model. Driving all four wheels is a potent 6.2-liter V8 producing 403 horsepower and 417 pound-feet of torque. Power is fed through a six-speed automatic transmission with a tow/haul mode. A manual mode is also featured, but gearchanges are awkward since the controls are mounted on the column shifter.
EPA fuel economy estimates stand at 12 mpg city/19 mpg highway and 14 mpg in combined driving. Acceleration from zero to 60 mph requires about 7 seconds in the EXT, though you'll likely see the fuel needle dropping before your eyes if you attempt to replicate this feat.
Safety
The 2009 Cadillac Escalade EXT comes standard with antilock disc brakes, stability control and full-length side curtain airbags with rollover protection. For added safety, a passenger-sensing system determines airbag operation and side curtain airbags will deploy in serious frontal impacts. Rear parking assist, adjustable pedals and OnStar are also standard. New for 2009 is the addition of the Side Blind Zone Alert, which delivers a visual and auditory signal when objects are detected in blind zones. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration awarded the EXT its highest rating (five out of five stars) for frontal and side-impact tests.
Driving
News flash: The 2009 Cadillac Escalade EXT is big and heavy -- really big and heavy. At almost 3 tons, the assumption would be that this SUV performs more like a fully loaded container ship than a modern luxury vehicle. Surprisingly, though, the EXT feels fairly quick, thanks to the abundance of hp and torque under the hood. Though you would never consider using words like "agile" or "nimble" to describe any Escalade, the EXT's steering and handling are nonetheless predictable and well-mannered. In previously tested versions, braking distances were disappointing -- a lengthy 140 feet was required to stop from 60 mph. It's possible that this year's optional MRC suspension will improve braking performance.
Interior
Inside the Escalade EXT, occupants are treated to a typical Cadillac cabin. Delicate stitched leather framed by wood and metal trim creates a stately atmosphere, though some chintzy plastics detract from what is otherwise a successful execution. Gauges are easily legible and the touchscreen interface is intuitive, with easy-to-use controls.
The Escalade EXT's defining characteristic, of course, is the ingenious midgate, which makes the transition from luxury SUV to pickup a simple and elegant procedure. Folding away the rear seats and removing the midgate extends the pickup bed into the interior, providing 101 cubic feet of cargo volume. This flexibility proves handy on the rare occasion when more storage is needed beyond the main bed. Much like a convertible, when the EXT is in cargo mode, the interior is opened to the elements, though a locking removable tonneau cover for the main bed is included.
2009 Cadillac Escalade EXT models
The 2009 Cadillac Escalade EXT is a premium full-size crew cab pickup truck. Standard features include 18-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlights, a roof rack, a road-sensing adaptive suspension, a fold-down midgate, heated seats for all occupants, power-adjustable front seats with driver memory settings, leather upholstery, wood grain trim, dual-zone automatic climate control, remote engine start and hands-free Bluetooth via OnStar. Also standard are a navigation system with real-time traffic and an eight-speaker Bose surround-sound audio system with a CD/DVD/MP3 player and satellite radio.
Though the standard EXT is already well-appointed, plenty of options are available for those who desire further opulence. Most of the popular add-ons are included in the V8 Luxury Collection package, which consists of 22-inch chrome wheels, an upgraded adaptive suspension featuring Magnetic Ride Control, automatic high-beam headlamps, a sunroof, heated and cooled front seats and a heated steering wheel. Other available options include power-retractable steps, 18-inch chrome wheels and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system.
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
2.5 out of 5 stars2.5/5Average
#13 out of 20 among Luxury Fullsize SUVs
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Cadillac Escalade EXT from 2008-2022.$722/yr
vs. $735/yr
for Average Luxury Fullsize SUV
for Average Luxury Fullsize SUV
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).1.57x/yr
vs. 1.83x/yr
for Average Luxury Fullsize SUV
for Average Luxury Fullsize SUV
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).26.4%
vs. 16.5%
for Average Luxury Fullsize SUV
for Average Luxury Fullsize SUV
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2009 Cadillac Escalade EXT.
5 star(76%)
4 star(18%)
3 star(6%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
33 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.38 out of 5 stars
Ideal Truck for Me
pfromd, 09/23/2011
2008 Cadillac Escalade EXT 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (6.2L 8cyl 6A)
Love my '08 truck. It turns heads even in Texas where trucks are dime a dozen.
Bought it used with 60k, driven 12k in 6 months, no complaints.
Pull a boat, take it off the pavement, rinse it off, go to dinner and have it valeted in front row next to all the "me too" luxury cars.
Enjoy!
5 out of 5 stars
The Escalade EXT is in a league of it's own.
Just_Mike, 09/23/2006
2007 Cadillac Escalade EXT 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (6.2L 8cyl 6A)
I must say I am very impressed with this truck! Although you can feel the weight behind the truck, the ride comfort and performance are excellent. I love the functionality of having a truck for the occasional tow and the ability to haul the periodic large purchase. I traded my 2004 Silverado LT for the refinement of the Cadillac. Despite the fact that the two vehicles are completely … incomparable the only downfall to the Cadillac is that it is too gorgeous to get dirty. The EXT is definitely a head-turner. I think GM has the most market for the high-end truck. However, if the functionality of having a truck didn't prevail, my wife liked the BMW X5's interior over the Escalade's.
4.88 out of 5 stars
What a truck!
TBK, 10/31/2007
2007 Cadillac Escalade EXT 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (6.2L 8cyl 6A)
Wow! What a beautiful truck! Powerful, functionality as a truck, but luxurious appointments, all in one. The exterior turns heads and receives many compliments. But the interior is wonderful -- great style, nice materials, an incredible Bose surround sound system. Life is good in this truck.
4.25 out of 5 stars
Way Improved over my past 2004 EXT
Theweavman, 09/18/2007
2007 Cadillac Escalade EXT 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (6.2L 8cyl 6A)
Very quiet and smooth. Nice new features. Lots of power. However, does not feel quite as quick as my 04 EXT, that only had a 4 speed automatic & 345 HP. Acceleration from lower speeds feels like the engine's power is not fully making it to the wheels. Acceleration from higher freeway speeds is awsome. This vehicle does so many things well, that it is hard for me to consider driving … anything else. Let's see, It has nice overall styling, great power, luxury seating / interior & comforts that match just about any luxury vehicle, plus tremendious utility. Could use an MP3, bluetooth hook-up, and more cubby storage spaces inside.Those minor things aside, a safe practical vehicle for many purposes.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2009 Cadillac Escalade EXT, so we've included reviews for other years of the Escalade EXT since its last redesign.
2009 Escalade EXT Highlights
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $61,130 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Flex-fuel (ffv) |
Seating | 5 seats |
Drivetrain | all wheel drive |
Max Towing Capacity | 7,500 lbs. |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Escalade EXT include:
- Back-up camera
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
- Post-collision safety system
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover3 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
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