2006 Cadillac Escalade EXT Review
2006 Cadillac Escalade EXT Review





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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.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2006 Cadillac Escalade EXT 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (6.0L 8cyl 4A) 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 $3.35 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$303/mo
Escalade EXT Base
vs
$263/mo
Avg. Large Truck
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.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2006 Cadillac Escalade EXT.
5 star(69%)
4 star(19%)
3 star(0%)
2 star(12%)
1 star(0%)
26 reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.5 out of 5 stars
My New Escalade EXT
MochaJewl,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.
2.13 out of 5 stars
Chevrolet needs to get a better attitude
shane,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!
2 out of 5 stars
Not again.
Lisa 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.
4.88 out of 5 stars
240,000 miles and going strong
Travis Ray,04/17/2015
2005 Cadillac Escalade EXT 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
I bought my 2005 EXT in Oct 2004 and still own it today (April 2015) with 240,000 miles. This is the best damn car/truck I've ever owned. Runs and looks great with only minor maint issues over the years.
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.
Features & Specs
- Base MSRP
- $53,335
- MPG & Fuel
- 12 City / 16 Hwy / 13 Combined
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 31.0 gal. capacity
- Seating
- 5 seats
- Drivetrain
- Type: all wheel drive
- Transmission: 4-speed automatic
- Engine
- V8 cylinder
- Horsepower: 345 hp @ 5,200 rpm
- Torque: 380 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
- Base Engine Size: 6.0 L
- Base Engine Type: Gas
- Towing & Hauling
- Max Towing Capacity: 7,500 lbs.
- Max Payload Capacity: 1,186 lbs.
- Basic Warranty
- 4 yr./ 50,000 mi.
- Dimensions
- Length: 221.4 in. / Height: 75.6 in.
- Bed Length: 8'2”
- Overall Width without Mirrors: 79.5 in.
- Curb Weight: 5,814 lbs.
Safety
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
More about the 2006 Cadillac Escalade EXT
Used 2006 Cadillac Escalade EXT Overview
The Used 2006 Cadillac Escalade EXT is offered in the following submodels: Escalade EXT Crew Cab. Available styles include 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (6.0L 8cyl 4A). The Used 2006 Cadillac Escalade EXT comes with all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 4-speed automatic.
What's a good price on a Used 2006 Cadillac Escalade EXT?
Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on used cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.
Which used 2006 Cadillac Escalade EXTS are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2006 Cadillac Escalade EXT for sale near. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a used car from our massive database to find cheap prew-owned vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the Used 2006 Cadillac Escalade EXT.
Can't find a used 2006 Cadillac Escalade EXTs you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
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Should I lease or buy a 2006 Cadillac Escalade EXT?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Cadillac lease specials
Check out Cadillac Escalade EXT lease specials
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