As the only full-size luxury pickup truck on the market, the Cadillac Escalade EXT full-size pickup still manages to provide impressive utility. For 2012, this Caddy-with-an-attitude should remain essentially unchanged. It will, of course, retain its unique and well-received “midgate” folding rear window/rear seat that morphs the EXT from an Escalade SUV into a pickup truck with a 5.3-foot bed, and it continues to offer boundless luxury features not found in run-of-the-mill trucks.
Three trims - the far-from-basic Base, midlevel Luxury and top-shelf Premium - will once more grace the EXT moniker; each will be delivered with standard full-time all-wheel-drive (AWD) traction and handling advantages. With the midgate in place, this manly Caddy offers five-passenger Crew Cab seating with the usual front bucket seats, and, with the window and seats folded, sports 109 cubic feet of covered cargo area, complements of a power-retractable hard tonneau cover. At a projected base price near $62,500, this storied pickup is geared toward the rich and famous... or at least the well-off, thus its tepid (to say the least) gas mileage should be of little consequence when driving this opulent workhorse.
For 2012, the Escalade EXT will likely retain its standard 403-hp 6.3-liter ethanol-friendly Flex Fuel (FFV) V8 powerplant. A shiftable 6-speed automatic transmission pulls 417 lb-ft of torque from the potent V8, and variable valve timing (VVT) keeps mileage at an underwhelming 13 mpg city/18 highway, burning recommended premium gas. Towing is rated at some 7,600 pounds, with the shiftable 6-speed automatic packing a tow/haul mode and complementing the standard viscous center differential and rear locking differential that govern the AWD system. An auxiliary transmission fluid cooling system is also expected to be standard once again.
A major draw for the 2012 Escalade EXT, besides its unique utilitarianism, is doubtless the numerous luxury appearance and cabin amenities offered. With standard 18-inch alloy wheels, a roof rack, power-operated tonneau cover, trailer equipment and heated, power-adjustable, and power-folding exterior mirrors retained, even the Base EXT looks snappier than the average high-end pickup. Add to that standard leather upholstery, a leather-and-wood steering wheel, and wood and simulated alloy dash trim, not to mention various other cabin accents, and this Base trim beats most every other top-line pickup hands-down for sheer opulence. Then there’s the standard heated and cooled power-adjustable front seats with driver's memory (including audio and climate controls) and heated second-row seating to be expected, placing this Base trim far above its lesser brethren. Cruise control, power-adjustable pedals and tilt-wheel steering, remote keyless entry, a universal remote garage door opener, cruise control, dual-zone climate control, remote engine start and, of course, power door locks and windows should top off the Base EXT’s list of standard comfort and convenience goodies. Entertainment and techno-gizmos, meanwhile, will once again encompass an eight-speaker Bose premium audio system featuring an MP3-capable single-CD player, XM satellite radio, and OnStar Directions and Connections with voice-activated, memory-card-based navigation and Bluetooth-interfaced communications services.
The EXT Luxury trim, as its name implies, is expected to add 22-inch chromed aluminum wheels, rear-seat audio and climate controls, and a heated steering wheel to the mix. Moving up to the Escalade EXT Premium, meantime, will again beget standard power-retractable side steps and a DVD/MP3 rear-seat entertainment system.
Options across the lineup should include a bedliner and engine-block heater, while the Luxury trim will likely once again be eligible for the rear-seat entertainment system that graces the Premium trim. A standard active suspension system ought to again soften the ride in the Luxury and Premium trims and is expected to once more be an available option for the EXT Base.
Sheer bulk provides the 2012 Escalade EXT most of its occupant protection, but should that not be enough, a plethora of standard safety equipment graces this amped-up pickup. Four-wheel antilock brakes (ABS) and traction control and StabiliTrak stability control, as well as front side-mounted airbags and front and rear head airbags headline standard safety features. This equipment is backed up by daytime running lights, front fog/driving lights, xenon high-intensity-discharge (HID) headlights, a remote antitheft alarm and a post-collision safety system, with OnStar emergency services, including automatic collision response and stolen vehicle tracking also standard across the lineup. The Premium trim additionally sports standard Intellibeam LED headlights for added confidence at night.
Owners of the 2011 Escalade EXT find its gas mileage less than advertised, with the Luxury and Premium trim’s 22-inch wheels dishing out an unexpectedly harsh ride, despite the active suspension system. A somewhat noisy cabin and some seemingly low-rent cabin plastics also have a few owners mildly upset, while all are aware of the limitations this big pickup presents in tight spaces. Posh, power, looks and utility, however, should keep buyers flowing into dealerships for a look at, and perhaps a deal on, this unique Caddy.
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Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Memory card slot auxiliary audio input · Rear headphone jacks · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · Rear audio: separate rear audio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 8
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.0 · Front brake width: 1.18 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.5 · Rear brake width: 0.79 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: wood · Door trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front and rear · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: wood
Convenience Features
Adjustable pedals: power · Cargo cover: hard · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 14
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.42 · Locking differential: rear
Engine
Alternator: 145 amps · Battery: heavy duty · Oil cooler: auxiliary
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color with chrome accents · Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: body-color · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: special factory paint · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: folding midgate · Running board color: black with chrome accents
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 8 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: Auto on
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 14
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Roof rack color: chrome
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Mount Location: underbody · Size: full-size
Spare Wheel
Rim type: aluminum alloy
Steering
Steering ratio: 17.8 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.0
Suspension
Air Suspension: rear · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 36 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 28 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: solid live axle · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Suspension control: electronic
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: OnStar
Tires
Diameter: 22 · Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: alloy
Towing and Hauling
Tow hooks: front · Trailer wiring: 7-pin
Wheels
Wheel locks: front and rear · Wheel spokes: 8
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse · Solar-tinted glass: rear
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Memory card slot auxiliary audio input · Rear headphone jacks · Wireless headphones · In-Dash CD: DVD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · Rear audio: separate rear audio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 8
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.0 · Front brake width: 1.18 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.5 · Rear brake width: 0.79 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: front center · Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: wood · Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: wood
Convenience Features
Adjustable pedals: power · Cargo cover: hard · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 14
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.42 · Locking differential: rear
Engine
Alternator: 145 amps · Battery: heavy duty · Oil cooler: auxiliary
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color with chrome accents · Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: body-color · License plate bracket: front · Lower body step rails: power-retractable · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: special factory paint · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: folding midgate · Running board color: black with chrome accents · Running boards: chrome
Header
Option Delete: Generic
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 8 in. · Video monitor location: rear · Video system: auxiliary audio/video input
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: automatic high beam dimmer
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: reverse gear tilt
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 14
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: power glass · Roof rack color: chrome
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Mount Location: underbody · Size: full-size
Spare Wheel
Rim type: aluminum alloy
Steering
Steering ratio: 17.8 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.0
Suspension
Air Suspension: rear · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 36 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Front shock type: monotube · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 28 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: solid live axle · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Rear shock type: monotube · Suspension control: magnetic
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: OnStar
Tires
Diameter: 22 · Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: chrome alloy
Towing and Hauling
Tow hooks: front · Trailer wiring: 7-pin
Wheels
Wheel locks: front and rear · Wheel spokes: 8
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse · Solar-tinted glass: rear
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · USB auxiliary audio input · Rear headphone jacks · Wireless headphones · In-Dash CD: DVD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · Rear audio: separate rear audio · Remote control: audio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 8
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.0 · Front brake width: 1.18 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.5 · Rear brake width: 0.79 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: front center · Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: wood · Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front and rear · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Adjustable pedals: power · Cargo cover: hard · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: 2 driver · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 14
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.42 · Locking differential: rear
Engine
Alternator: 145 amps · Battery: heavy duty · Oil cooler: auxiliary
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color with chrome accents · Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: body-color · License plate bracket: front · Lower body step rails: power-retractable · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: special factory paint · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: folding midgate · Running board color: black with chrome accents
Header
Option Delete: Generic
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 8 in. · Video monitor location: rear · Video system: auxiliary audio/video input
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning
Lights
Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: Auto on
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 14
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: one-touch open/close · Roof rack color: chrome
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Mount Location: underbody · Size: full-size
Spare Wheel
Rim type: aluminum alloy
Steering
Steering ratio: 17.8 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.0
Suspension
Air Suspension: rear · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 36 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Front shock type: monotube · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 28 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: solid live axle · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Rear shock type: monotube · Suspension control: magnetic
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: OnStar
Tires
Diameter: 22 · Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: chrome
Towing and Hauling
Trailer wiring: 7-pin
Wheels
Wheel locks: front and rear · Wheel spokes: 6
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse · Solar-tinted glass: rear