2006 Cadillac Escalade EXT Review
Price Estimate: $2,493 - $3,974





+14
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Powerful V8 engine, 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
For 2006, the Cadillac Escalade EXT receives a power-operated tonneau cover and a sliding load floor for the bed.
Edmunds says
It's gaudy, expensive and sucks gas like a '70s Eldorado. Still, well-sorted vehicle dynamics and a plush interior make the 2006 Cadillac Escalade EXT a luxury SUV worthy of the Cadillac name.
For sale near Mountain View, CA
6 listings
- 198,888 miles
- No accidents, 6 owners, personal use
- 8'2” bed, 6l, 8cyl
- California Auto Network (40 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Leather Seats
- Upgraded Headlights
- Power Driver Seat
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
Close
Located in Gilroy, CA
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: 3GYEK62N76G162573
Stock: 1339
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 02-06-2025- 192,806 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, personal use only
- 8'2” bed, 6l, 8cyl
- Half Price Cars (721 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Leather Seats
- Upgraded Headlights
- Power Driver Seat
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
Close
Located in Lynnwood, WA
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: 3GYEK62N76G117777
Stock: 35681
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 02-20-2025
Vehicle overview
When the original Escalade was introduced in 1999, the Cadillac faithful were a little nervous. The idea of a truck bearing the Cadillac wreath and crest just didn't seem like it had much promise. And then there was the vehicle itself, an underpowered, overclad behemoth that used heavy doses of leather and wood trim to conceal the fact that underneath it was nothing more than a slightly reworked Chevrolet Tahoe. But to everyone's surprise, the Escalade sold well. The public's insatiable thirst for SUVs overcame the original vehicle's initial mediocrity to make it one of the best-selling models in Cadillac's lineup.
After skipping the 2001 model year, the Escalade returned in 2002 with an all-new look and significantly revised underpinnings. The results were nothing short of a home run as the Escalade became one of the most popular full-size luxury sport-utilities on the market. Its combination of bold styling and class-leading engine power made it popular with high-profile athletes and power-hungry executives alike.
Looking to benefit further from consumer demand, Cadillac also brought out the Escalade EXT in 2002. Essentially a standard Escalade from the rear doors forward, the EXT utilizes all the same suspension and powertrain components as the standard model. But like its cousin, the Chevrolet Avalanche, the EXT adds an extendable utility bed that gives it a half-truck/half-sport-ute character that makes it stand alone in the realm of luxury vehicles. The idea of such a utilitarian Cadillac might seem a little strange, but it's the automotive equivalent of getting your cake and eating it, too. The EXT's powerful V8 delivers excellent performance while the luxurious interior pampers passengers with amenities galore. Add in the utility of having a pickup bed when you need it and the EXT suddenly doesn't seem so outrageous.
Performance & mpg
Unlike the standard Escalade that offers a choice of two- or all-wheel drive, the EXT comes in AWD only. The only available engine is the high-output 6.0-liter V8 that boasts 345 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. A heavy-duty four-speed automatic transmission takes care of the shifting. As you might expect, the powerful V8 moves the big sport-ute with little hesitation, but those looking for a quiet, refined power plant might find it a little raucous at higher rpm. The transmission downshifts quickly and rarely fails to provide crisp, clean upshifts under acceleration. The EXT's maximum towing capacity is 7,300 pounds.
Safety
All Escalade EXT models come standard with a stability control system as well as four-wheel antilock disc brakes, side airbags for the driver and front passenger and the OnStar communications system. A standard tire-pressure monitoring system alerts drivers of abnormally low pressures that could result in a blowout. Other key safety items include high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights and rear parking sensors. In frontal-impact tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Escalade EXT earned three out of five stars for driver protection and four stars for front-passenger protection.
Driving
Despite its bulky size, the 2006 Cadillac Escalade EXT is a competent handler. Body roll is kept well under control, and the continuous adjustments made by the standard Road Sensing Suspension maintain an excellent balance between ride quality and road feel. The steering can feel a bit detached on the highway, but it lightens up nicely during low-speed maneuvers.
Interior
Like the standard Escalade, the EXT features an extensive array of luxury amenities. Soft leather covers nearly every inch of the cabin, while wood accents grace the steering wheel, dashboard and door panels. Of course, the EXT's most unique feature is the convertible Midgate, a removable partition between the rear seats and the utility bed that allows you to extend the bed from a bit over 5 feet to a full 8 feet with just a few latches. It's a snap to use, and it gives the EXT a level of utility that no other luxury sport-ute can match. The bed also features a power-operated tonneau cover and a moveable load floor that can slide over the open tailgate, aiding the loading process. When you're not using the extra bed length, this Cadillac SUV can seat four or five passengers in comfort.
2006 Cadillac Escalade EXT models
In keeping with its premium image, the Cadillac Escalade EXT comes in only one trim level. The standard feature list is extensive, including everything from electronic stability control to a thundering Bose audio system. Both leather-upholstered front seats are heated and offer 10-way power adjustment. Additional standard equipment includes XM Satellite Radio, a towing package and a tire-pressure monitoring system. A rear-seat DVD entertainment system, a touchscreen DVD-based navigation system and chrome wheels are available options.
Compare 2006 Cadillac Escalade EXT trim levels
Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

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Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in California
$416/mo for Escalade EXT Base
Escalade EXT Base
vs
$314/mo
Avg. Large Truck
Cadillac Escalade EXT Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
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!
My New Escalade EXT
4.5 out of 5 starsMochaJewl, 01/03/2006
2006 Cadillac Escalade EXT 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
I traded my 2000 Lexus RX 300 for an '06 Escalade EXT. Although I considered staying with the Lexus family, I felt that the RX 330 and GX 470 SUV's were way too small and did not offer enough features for the asking price. In the Escalade EXT, I get a bigger, sturdier vehicle, with the same luxuries (if not more), and it's so much fun to drive.
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 2006 Cadillac Escalade EXT, so we've included reviews for other years of the Escalade EXT since its last redesign.
2006 Escalade EXT Highlights
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $53,335 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 13 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $416/month |
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:
- 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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