2011 Cadillac Escalade EXT Review
Price: $14,250





+73
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.
For sale near Jefferson City, MO
12 listings
- 164,000 miles
- No accidents, 5 owners, personal use only
- 5'3” bed, 6.2l, 8cyl
- Q And A Motors (100 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
Close
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Q AND A MOTORS 8400 ST CHARLES ROCKROAD ST LOUIS MO 63114 3**-7**-9*** 3**-6**-1*** WWW.QANDAMOTORS.COM 2011 CADILLAC ESCALADE EXT LUXURY AWD 6.2l V8 ...
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:
14 Combined MPG (13 City/18 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 3GYT4MEF8BG301288
Stock: 301288
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 05-16-2025- 140,280 miles
- Insurance loss reported, 3 owners, corporate fleet vehicle
- 5'3” bed, 6.2l, 8cyl
- WestGate Used Cars (420 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
Close
Located in West Monroe, LA
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Issue reported
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
14 Combined MPG (13 City/18 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 3GYT4NEF8BG136235
Stock: 136235
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 02-18-2024
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).

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Compare 2011 Cadillac Escalade EXT trim levels
Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Missouri
$289/mo for Escalade EXT Base
Escalade EXT Base
vs
$208/mo
Avg. Large Truck
See Edmunds pricing data
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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
$722/yr
vs. $735/yr
for Average Luxury Fullsize SUV
for Average Luxury Fullsize SUV
Frequency
1.57x/yr
vs. 1.83x/yr
for Average Luxury Fullsize SUV
for Average Luxury Fullsize SUV
Severity
26.4%
vs. 16.5%
for Average Luxury Fullsize SUV
for Average Luxury Fullsize SUV
powered by RepairPal
Cadillac Escalade EXT Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Ideal Truck for Me
4.38 out of 5 starspfromd, 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!
The Escalade EXT is in a league of it's own.
5 out of 5 starsJust_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.
What a truck!
4.88 out of 5 starsTBK, 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.
Excellent
4.88 out of 5 starsRichard, 08/04/2010
2010 Cadillac Escalade EXT Premium 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (6.2L 8cyl 6A)
Overall very pleased. I do a lot of highway and city driving, and the the EXT belies its body-on frame truck body as it is a dream on the highway and is more then manageable in the city. Tow and 9500 Pound trailer and the engine never strains at all, it's very easy to forget you're towing anything.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2011 Cadillac Escalade EXT, so we've included reviews for other years of the Escalade EXT since its last redesign.
2011 Escalade EXT Highlights
Base
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $62,160 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Flex-fuel (ffv) |
Combined MPG | 14 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $289/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Drivetrain | all wheel drive |
Max Towing Capacity | 7,600 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 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%
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