Cadillac Escalade EXT
2013 Cadillac Escalade
The Cadillac Escalade EXT is a unique vehicle on this list, as it is a sport utility truck. It is the luxury twin of the Chevrolet Avalanche and arrived in 2002. As such, it has a composite pickup bed that you can expand into the cabin via a convenient bottom-hinged door. The Escalade EXT seats five passengers and has four full-size doors.
Production of the Escalade EXT only ran from 2001 to 2013. However, because of its high-quality construction and its dependability, it is still worth considering for those in search of a reliable used pickup. U.S. News & World Report rates the last model year, the 2013 Cadillac Escalade EXT, as incredibly reliable, indicating drivers should have confidence in this vehicle.
If you look at just the portion of the Escalade EXT that starts at the rear doors and moves forward, it will almost be identical to the regular Escalade SUV. Behind the rear doors, however, it is clearly a pickup. The midgate system lets you fold down the rear seats, rear bulkhead, and rear window to expand the cargo capacity. Since this is a luxury vehicle, the Escalade EXT has an automatic Tonneau cover that prevents the elements from getting to your cargo or the cabin.
The interior of the Cadillac Escalade EXT is among the nicest on this list. It offers heated seats, wood trim, leather upholstery, tri-zone automatic climate control, and Bose sound system with 10 speakers as standard. The later model years even had a rearview camera and navigation as standard. You may also spot an Escalade EXT with available options like a heated steering wheel, rear-seat entertainment, power-retracting side steps, and adaptive suspension.
Like the Cadillac Escalade SUV, the Escalade EXT used a 6.2-liter V8 engine with 403 horsepower plus 417 pound-feet of torque. It always worked with all-wheel drive and a 6-speed automatic transmission. Those who have been behind the wheel appreciate the Escalade EXT’s driving experience. They point out that despite the size and weight of the truck, it has predictable, light steering. The 2013 Escalade EXT was able to tow 7,600 pounds. If towing is your goal, consider that this is less than traditional pickups with crew cabs. However, if your goal is luxury with some towing abilities, it is a truly dependable option.
