There’s a lot going on with the Cadillac Escalade nameplate right now. An all-new generation arrived last month for the 2021 model year, bringing a long list of changes and improvements. What’s more, Caddy is also working on a new all-electric variant, and a supercharged high-performance variant to boot. Which got us thinking – what about resurrecting the Cadillac Escalade EXT for the 2021 model year as well?
Naturally, we’ve gotta mention that, for now, there’s no indication whatsoever that a new Escalade EXT is actually headed down the pipeline. Rather, we made this rendering just for kicks, and to give us an idea what the new styling of the 2021 model year may look like on an EXT model variant.
With that covered, let’s next take a moment to review what the Escalade EXT was originally. Framed as a sport utility truck that sought to combine the luxury and large cabin space of the Cadillac Escalade with the practicality of a pickup, the Cadillac Escalade EXT was introduced for the 2002 model year with four doors and enough space inside for five passengers. Behind the cabin, the Escalade EXT also came with a bed that could extend into the cab to accommodate large items when asked.
The Cadillac Escalade EXT was eventually discontinued in 2013 following low sales numbers, but what if the same formula was applied to the current generation model?
That’s the question answered by this rendering seen here, mixing the revised fascia treatment of the 2021 model year with the bed of a pickup in back. There are still four doors for ingress and egress, while vertical tail lamps frame the tailgate.
So what do you think, dear reader? Would a new 2021 Cadillac Escalade EXT pique your interest? Make sure to let us know your thoughts in the comments, and don’t forget to subscribe to Cadillac Society for more Cadillac Escalade news and around-the-clock Cadillac news coverage.
Mark
I wish.
Angel Harris
I would love to see a 2021 Ext, unfortunately, the execs at Cadillac would find a way to screw it up.
Antonio Jackson
I hated the fact they discontinued the model in 2013. I have a 2008 model that I still love and would definitely upgrade to a 20201 model. But I know that it’s a snowball chance in hell that GM/Cadillac will produce it.
Kimberly Walker
I would buy it.
Travis Perry
I loved them bring them back
Kevin Goins
If they do come out with new Cadillac escalade ext it should have a interior all of its own & be able to compete whit ford & dodge interior- I have a Cadillac escalade ext 08 but when I look in a chevy & gmc truck I can plainly see my seats in the same truck a dull ass black.
Sean Wilson
This is a great rendering of a once-great vehicle. I am looking forward to a performance variant as well. Maybe based on the XT6 (sort of like the Q8 is the Q7)
Tammy Danford
Is Cadillac coming out with an Escalade EXT 2021?
Alex Luft
Negative.
Sahal Bin sheban
wish to have it back.
Sahal Bin sheban
they must build a truck to compete Sierra and Silverado the have the ability and the own their customers since they stopped the EXT.
Albert Lewis
Please bring back the EXT. I still have my 2003 EXT just waiting for the new genervation of EXT.
Michael Nance
i have a 2008 and wouldnt drive any other truck. come on GM, built something exciting in the truck line up!
Bobby
I wish they would bring the EXT back with optional powertrains such as as a gas hybrid, fuel cell and electric power train. As far as the rendering. I would extend the bed by 2 feet. That would allow for more varied cargo. A longer bed would also allow the inner cabin to have more leg room in the back as well as allow for possible reclining and movable rear seats. The front grill could be a little more aggressive and I would make the rear stop taillight start at the roofline like the original and then come down the sides of the rear pillars so that it can operate like the 2020 CADILLIAC rear stop lights. I would also add an option to add the Rear tailgate of the GMC Sierra models.
Walt Larson
I own two of the EXTs an 07 at my summer home in Alaska and a 13 at the winter house in Arizona. So versatile. People are still impressed when I show them what I can carry. A new EXT? I would love to see them make a comeback. I don’t know if I could afford one but I would like the opportunity to try.
Doreen R
Love my 2006 Cadillac EXT with original 58K miles on it. I would definitely look at a new EXT if it ever came out and I think Cadillac could use a luxury sporty truck in their series.
Jim S
I do love my Black Raven 2013, my 5th one in all. Cadillac’s “Tough Guy in a Tuxedo” I say….I would purchase a new EXT at a moments notice if they would only make one. Cadillac, are you listening?
Steve W
Thats getting kind of bloated for a AWD tow rig / light pickup.
The original EXT was basically a 405hp Avalanche that lost its 4×4 transfer case for a road-only AWD set up. Nice, city practical (not really for country use).
Instead of this weird urban-truck thing, I think it could be way more useful.
1) Like the 2021 Yukon, switch to full independent front and rears but with long-stroke versions of the magshocks.
2) Keep the auto-leveling air system but expand the range a few inches to be useful in raising both the front and rear by 4 to 6″. The GCM Yukon AT4 has this system… use it here.
3) Engine options… a decent 400+hp V8 like the last one is perfect, but a DIESEL Powerstroke I-6 or V8 sounds like a winner. DISEL is hot and showing up everywhere. The 2021 Yukon has one that’ll be a winner here. Quiet, perfect for towing.
4) AWD with a G80 locker… nope. That has to go. An Escalade truck needs a real 4×4. GM has a couple units to choose from, but what you really need is the set up from the Colorado Zr2: 2WD, Auto 4WD, 4 HI, 4 Lo. It gives you Auto 4WD which most people would use, 2WD for fuel economy, and an honest to god 4Hi/lo to lock in 4×4.
5) Adding to that, the G80 will probably get stuck in the rear diff. Not a terrible choice. It has a clutch pack for mild LSD duty, and auto-locker for under 20mph. A front locker, and a rear locker override switch to force 4×4 mode would be best though. This thing could do some serious damage with a 500ft diesel, 4×4 and dual lockers… then tow a trailer home at twice the fuel mileage as gas, and still run in the mud like real 4×4. GIVE IT DUAL LOCKERS. GIVE IT REAL 4Lo gearing… but keep the Auto-4WD (in place of the AWD) and the traction control can still do it’s fancy braking moves 99% of the time without problems.
6) Super Cruise!
7) Insulate one of the tool boxes? naw… include a cooler that drops right in. Preferably a powered one you can plug into an outlet in the box.
8) Partner with a Overland tent outfitter… that rear box is screaming for a pancake tent that can collapse down to look like a tonno cover.
9) raise the bumpers, expose those wheels, add a chrome bull-bar with internal winch mount, hard ring pickups. This could be a beast of trail king…but it needs that 4×4 transfer case and front locker.
Bobby
With a new Silverado and Hummer that is EV and has all the features of the EXT what is Cadillac waiting for? I would love to see an EV version of the EXT, with LED lights that run up the outside A pillars. With an interior that is pure luxury and different from the interiors of the other GMC products. Honestly Cadillac dropped the ball when they discontinued the EXT. They had the only luxury pick up and they allowed everyone to catch up and now surpass them. C’mon Cadillac get your act together.
Bobby
With a new Silverado and Hummer that is EV and has all the features of the EXT what is Cadillac waiting for? I would love to see an EV version of the EXT, with LED lights that run up the outside A pillars. With an interior that is pure luxury and different from the interiors of the other GMC products. Honestly Cadillac dropped the ball when they discontinued the EXT. They had the only luxury pick up and they allowed everyone to catch up and now surpass them. C’mon Cadillac get your act together.