2005 Cadillac Escalade EXT Review
Price Estimate: $2,577 - $4,137





+41
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Huge power from its big V8, solid handling for its size, innovative packaging offers excellent utility, features galore.
Cons
- Poor fuel mileage, a few noticeable instances of cost cutting, steep price tag.
What’s new
Changes this year include a redesigned gauge cluster, touch-screen capability with the optional navigation system, a more user-friendly driver information system and a refreshed door panel appearance. Walnut burled wood trim replaces last year's Zebrano wood. A sliding load floor for the cargo bed is also new for 2005.
Edmunds says
It's gaudy, expensive and sucks gas like a '70s Eldorado. Still, well-sorted vehicle dynamics and a plush interior make the Escalade EXT an SUV worthy of the Cadillac name.
For sale near Ashburn, VA
9 listings
- 123,257 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, personal use only
- 8'2” bed, 6l, 8cyl
- East Charlotte Nissan (322 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Upgraded Headlights
Close
Located in Charlotte, NC
**CLEAN CARFAX... NO ACCIDENTS, **POWER SUNROOF, **PREMIUM AUDIO SYSTEM, **POWER LEATHER SEATING, **POWER HEATED LEATHER SEATING, 17" x 7.5" 7-Spoke C...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
13 Combined MPG (12 City/16 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 3GYEK62N25G244516
Stock: PL89218A
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 08-02-2025- 72,909 miles
- No accidents, 3 owners, personal use only
- 8'2” bed, 6l, 8cyl
- Simotes Motor Sales & Service (592 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Leather Seats
- Upgraded Headlights
- Power Driver Seat
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
Close
Located in Minooka, IL
*Please call or text to confirm availability or if you have any questions! - 815 353 4890** **Honest Pricing** We have NO HIDDEN FEES! Many dealers ad...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: Yes
Features and Specs:
13 Combined MPG (12 City/16 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 3GYEK62N45G269854
Stock: 5G269854
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 06-17-2025
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$271/mo for Escalade EXT Base
Escalade EXT Base
vs
$223/mo
Avg. Large Truck
Cadillac Escalade EXT Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Cadillac, worth every penny
5 out of 5 starsSaleenster, 07/14/2006
2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT 4dr Crew Cab AWD (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
My Escalade has been a very dependable truck. If you are looking for luxury, but still want the ruggedness of a truck, this is it. I highly recommend it. The Bose audio is decent, but you really need a sub to go with it. It is fun to drive. The factory chrome wheels will do for a while, but I really need to upgrade to bigger rims. Overall, I like the exterior and interior styling and the … performance is there when you need it.
Chevrolet needs to get a better attitude
2.13 out of 5 starsshane, 08/22/2005
2005 Cadillac Escalade EXT 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
I leased a Cadillac Escalade EXT for 3 years now and I will never purchase one again! after the 80,000 KM warranty was up the diferential berrings went along with wheel bearings. Would GM help? NO! I was at 82,446 KM and they wouldn't even split the bill. Things continue to break. Now a front shock air bag is punctured and not covered by the warranty. Here's my answer to GM. I have been … faithful for the past 20 years, but no longer. Good luck with this Escalade when you get it back, becuse now you can pay to fix it!
Not again.
2 out of 5 starsLisa M. Kaiser, 12/18/2015
2005 Cadillac Escalade EXT 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
I purchased my 2005 Cadillac Escalade EXT with 90,000 miles. I have had to replace the transmission, front differential, and the transfer case (which I am currently looking for). I had a 1997 Tahoe with 287,000 miles and it ran like a new automobile until I was hit in the back and totaled it. That was the bomb. This one has been the biggest money pit. Sorry I ever purchased this … vehicle. The sunroof is leaking costs another $1,000.00. Close to $9,000...shame.
Could be Better
2 out of 5 starsChad Mollenhauer, 01/28/2006
2005 Cadillac Escalade EXT 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
I really like my 2005 Cadillac Escalade EXT until I started to have issues with it. With only 12,000 miles I had had problems with the seat controls, navigation system (x2), rear differental, and cruise issues with wiring. So it to recap it has been less than a good ownership expierence.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2005 Cadillac Escalade EXT, so we've included reviews for other years of the Escalade EXT since its last redesign.
2005 Escalade EXT Highlights
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $53,335 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 13 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $271/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Drivetrain | all wheel drive |
Max Towing Capacity | 7,300 lbs. |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Escalade EXT include:
- 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 RatedDriver3 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover3 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
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