2011 Cadillac Escalade EXT Review
2011 Cadillac Escalade EXT Review





+78
Used Escalade EXT for sale
Get More For Your Trade-In
2011 Cadillac Escalade EXT appraisal values can range from $13,749 - $21,761.
Find out what your car is really worth in minutes.
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Strong and smooth powertrain
- plush ride
- quiet cabin
- versatile midgate design.
Cons
- Awkward to maneuver in tight spaces
- marginal quality of some interior plastics
- poor fuel economy.
What’s new
The 2011 Cadillac Escalade EXT receives a few minor updates including noise-reducing laminated glass and a new audio system with navigation upgrades.
Edmunds says
The Cadillac Escalade EXT owns the full-size luxury sport-utility-truck segment with its distinctive style, luxurious appointments, versatility and commanding V8 performance. Then again, it's the only full-size, luxury sport-utility truck.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2011 Cadillac Escalade EXT Premium 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 $5.33 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$437/mo
Escalade EXT Premium
vs
$346/mo
Avg. Large Truck
Vehicle overview
As traditionally defined, "escalade" refers to the act of climbing up and over obstacles, or scaling fortresses and castles with ladders during a medieval military assault. The 2011 Cadillac Escalade EXT probably couldn't pull that off, yet should you need to participate in the act of cruising boulevards with buddies during a Saturday evening club crawl, this luxury sport-utility truck may just be your ride. Plus, with its innovative "midgate" cargo bed extension, there's still plenty of room for that ladder should you be in a medieval mood.
The 2011 Cadillac Escalade EXT is one of three Escalade models and is essentially a cross between an SUV and a crew-cab pickup. It's related to the Chevrolet Avalanche but the Escalade EXT boasts more potent V8 power, standard all-wheel drive, bold Cadillac styling and more luxurious appointments. Just like the Avalanche, the EXT has a roomy cabin that converts easily from passenger to cargo orientation thanks to its innovative midgate, which opens the rear of the cab so the effective length of the cargo bed can be increased.
For all its luxurious versatility, the Cadillac Escalade EXT's hefty 6,000-pound weight contributes to lackluster braking performance and poor fuel economy. It also doesn't have the towing capacity to match full-size truck models from Dodge, Ford and GMC, which can be pretty luxurious in their own right when loaded up with amenities. Even so, if a cross between a full-size luxury SUV and a pickup truck is what you want, then there is literally only one choice to be had.
Performance & mpg
Every Escalade EXT is powered by a 6.2-liter V8 producing 403 horsepower and 417 pound-feet of torque. Power is transferred through a six-speed automatic transmission, full-time AWD and heavy-duty locking rear differential. The automatic transmission features a tow/haul mode and manual-shift capability, but gearchanges can be awkward using the column-shifter-mounted controls.
Accelerating from zero to 60 mph takes only 7 seconds, surprisingly quick for such a massive vehicle. Despite cylinder-deactivation technology, estimated EPA fuel economy is about what you'd expect from a large V8-powered behemoth: 13 mpg city/18 mpg highway and 14 mpg combined. When properly equipped, the EXT can tow 7,600 pounds; most full-size trucks can pull about 3,000 pounds more.
Safety
All 2011 Cadillac Escalade EXT models include standard antilock disc brakes, stability control, traction control, front side-impact airbags and full-length head curtain side-impact airbags with rollover protection. Other standard safety features include rear parking sensors, a rearview camera and OnStar communications. In Edmunds brake testing, the EXT's stopping distances were excessive: a lengthy 140 feet to stop from 60 mph.
The Escalade EXT has not been rated using the government's new, more strenuous 2011 crash-testing procedures. Its 2010 ratings (which aren't comparable to the new ones)were a perfect five out of five stars for frontal-impact protection.
Driving
Because the 2011 Cadillac Escalade EXT is so large and heavy, the laws of physics are readily apparent when you approach its limits -- especially while braking. That said, the EXT's powerful V8 engine delivers surprising power for a luxurious full-size SUV. Its adaptable suspensions are also well-mannered and calibrated to strike a fine balance between a smooth, comfortable ride and decent handling. Maneuvering in tight spots can be unnerving, but that's expected of any full-size truck.
Interior
The Escalade EXT's cabin treats its occupants to the experience expected of a Cadillac. Sumptuous stitched leather accented with wood and metal trim contributes to an upscale contemporary atmosphere, though some low-rent plastic trim makes it fall short of other luxury brands. The EXT's gauges are easy to check at a glance, and its controls are straightforward and intuitive. A new audio system with advanced navigation offers real-time traffic, expanded voice prompting and 3D imaging of major landmarks.
Taking center stage is the clever midgate feature that enables the Escalade EXT to quickly transition from an enclosed five-passenger luxury SUV to an open pickup truck. Folding down the rear seat and lowering the midgate extends the 5-foot pickup bed into the interior, providing 8 feet of bed surface and room for only two in the cab. This flexibility is helpful when more carrying capacity is suddenly needed for large and bulky items; of course, the rear of the cabin is open to the elements. A locking removable tonneau cover for the bed area is also included.
2011 Cadillac Escalade EXT models
The 2011 Cadillac Escalade EXT is a premium full-size sport-utility truck offered in three trim levels: base, Luxury and Premium.
Standard features include 18-inch alloy wheels; automatic xenon headlamps; foglamps; a roof rack; an adaptive suspension; rear parking sensors; power-folding and driver auto-dimming mirrors; a fold-down midgate; leather upholstery; 10-way power front seats with heating, cooling and driver memory settings; power-adjustable pedals; tilt-only steering wheel; dual-zone automatic climate control and remote engine ignition. Electronic equipment includes OnStar, Bluetooth, a navigation system, real-time traffic, a rearview camera and an eight-speaker Bose surround-sound audio system with a CD/DVD/MP3 changer, satellite radio, rear headphone jacks and an iPod/USB interface.
The Luxury trim adds 22-inch chrome alloy wheels, Magnetic Ride Control adjustable suspension (optional on base), automatic high beams, power sunroof and a heated steering wheel. To this, the top-of-the-line EXT Premium trim adds power-retracting assist steps and a rear-seat DVD/MP3 entertainment system (optional on Luxury).

10,000 Miles in Our Long-Term 2022 BMW X3
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2011 Cadillac Escalade EXT.
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Cadillac Escalade Ext
Jacqueline Todd,10/03/2021
Luxury 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (6.2L 8cyl 6A)
Nothing like the Cadillac Escalade truck rides and drives like a Cadillac should
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- 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 Rollover21.2%
More about the 2011 Cadillac Escalade EXT
Used 2011 Cadillac Escalade EXT Overview
The Used 2011 Cadillac Escalade EXT is offered in the following submodels: Escalade EXT Crew Cab. Available styles include Premium 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (6.2L 8cyl 6A), Luxury 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (6.2L 8cyl 6A), and 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (6.2L 8cyl 6A). Pre-owned Cadillac Escalade EXT models are available with a 6.2 L-liter flex-fuel (FFV) engine, with output up to 403 hp, depending on engine type. The Used 2011 Cadillac Escalade EXT comes with all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 6-speed shiftable automatic. The Used 2011 Cadillac Escalade EXT comes with a 4 yr./ 50000 mi. basic warranty, a 5 yr./ 100000 mi. roadside warranty, and a 5 yr./ 100000 mi. powertrain warranty.
What's a good price on a Used 2011 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 2011 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) 2011 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 2011 Cadillac Escalade EXT.
Can't find a used 2011 Cadillac Escalade EXTs you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
Find a used Cadillac Escalade EXT for sale.
Find a used Cadillac for sale.
Find a used certified pre-owned Cadillac Escalade EXT for sale.
Find a used certified pre-owned Cadillac for sale.
Should I lease or buy a 2011 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
Related Used 2011 Cadillac Escalade EXT info
Shop used vehicles in your area
- Used Pontiac Torrent 2008
- Used Toyota Land Cruiser 2011
- Used Maserati Quattroporte 2008
- Used Lincoln LS 2000
- Used MINI Convertible 2018 For Sale
- Used Ford Expedition 2011
- Used Mitsubishi Galant 2007
- Used Saab 9-3 Griffin 2007
- Used Volkswagen e-Golf 2015
- Used Audi A6 2001
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- 2021 BMW X4
- 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
- 2022 Audi RS 3 News
- 2022 Lincoln Corsair
- 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS News
- 2021 Land Rover Discovery
- 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty
- 2022 BMW X5
- 2022 BMW M5 CS
- 2021 Ford F-350 Super Duty
Other models to consider
- 2021 Cadillac XT4
- Cadillac CT5 2021
- 2021 Escalade
- 2022 Cadillac CT4
- 2021 XT5
- 2022 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing
- 2021 Cadillac CT4
- Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing 2022
- 2021 Cadillac CT4
- 2021 CT5
Research similar vehicles
- 2021 Ram 1500 Classic
- 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- 2022 Ford F-350 Super Duty
- 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD
- 2021 Chevrolet Colorado
- 2021 Frontier
- Ram 2500 2021
- Ram 2500 2022
- GMC Sierra 2500HD 2022
- 2021 Ram 3500
Other models
- New Lexus NX-350H for Sale in Dubuque, IA
- New Hyundai Palisade for Sale in Waltham, MA
- New BMW X4 for Sale in Passaic, NJ
- Used Jeep Wrangler-4Xe in Flint, MI
- New Honda CR-V for Sale in Lincoln, CA
- New Genesis G90 for Sale in Buffalo, NY
- New BMW M8 for Sale in Orland Park, IL
- New Chrysler Pacifica for Sale in Augusta, GA
- New Kia Soul for Sale in Rosemead, CA
- New Hyundai Veloster for Sale in Kokomo, IN
- New Mercedes-Benz Gls-Class for Sale in Mount Pleasant, SC
- New Infiniti QX50 for Sale in Evanston, IL
- New Alfa-Romeo Stelvio for Sale in Peoria, AZ
- New GMC Sierra-1500 for Sale in Janesville, WI
- New Nissan Titan-Xd for Sale in Carmel, IN
- New Mercedes-Benz Gls-Class for Sale in League City, TX
- New Ford Ranger for Sale in Palm Beach Gardens, FL
- New Nissan Armada for Sale in Whittier, CA
- New Mercedes-Benz Gls-Class for Sale in Apex, NC
- New BMW X5 for Sale in Peachtree Corners, GA
- New BMW 4-Series for Sale in Lynn, MA
- New BMW X5 for Sale in Wilmington, NC
- New Honda Insight for Sale in Temecula, CA
- New Mitsubishi Outlander for Sale in Conroe, TX
- New Mini Convertible for Sale in Kenosha, WI
- New Ford Transit-Crew-Van for Sale in Bowie, MD
- New Chevrolet Traverse for Sale in Apex, NC
- New Audi E-Tron-S-Sportback for Sale in Hendersonville, TN
- New Mercedes-Benz Amg-Gt for Sale in Bossier City, LA
- New Alfa-Romeo Stelvio for Sale in Lawrence, KS