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2009 Cadillac Escalade EXT Truck

AWD 4dr

Starting at $38,550 | Starting at 11 MPG City - 14 MPG Highway

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$38,550 average Retail
$61,130 original MSRP

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Printable Version

2009 Cadillac Escalade EXT Truck

Summary

Provided by NADAguides.com

Getting minor changes for 2009, the Cadillac Escalade EXT now has E85 compatibility for the V8 engine, a side blind-spot alert system, satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity, a power tilting steering wheel, adaptive dampers for models equipped with 22-inch wheels and an upgraded navigation system with real-time traffic information. A unique blend of pickup truck and luxury SUV, as shown in Cadillac Escalade EXT photos and 360 views, the versatile design permits conversion of the five-passenger interior to a two-passenger pickup with over eight feet of protected and secured storage space. Powered by a 4.2L V8 engine producing 403 hp and 417 lb-ft of torque, paired to a six-speed automatic transmission with a tow/haul mode, the Escalade EXT features standard all-wheel drive and comes with a lockable tonneau cover that can easily be removed and stored when not in use. EPA fuel economy estimates are 12 mpg city/19 mpg hwy and 14 mpg in combined driving. Escalade EXT safety features include antilock disc brakes, stability control with rollover protection, a passenger-sensing system, rear parking assist, OnStar and a full complement of airbags.

Benefits of Driving a 2009 Cadillac Escalade EXT Truck

The 2009 Cadillac Escalade stands out from its competitors with its powerful, 403-horsepower engine, plush interior appointments and entertainment options, and an interior design that is the most opulent of any American-produced vehicle. The EXT also offers more luxury and comfort features and makes more of a style statement than nearly any other pickup truck available. With the introduction of the Escalade Hybrid and the Escalade E85, fuel-conscious shoppers have more incentive to consider this luxury SUV.

What's new for 2009?

For 2009, Cadillac's flagship Escalade adds a gas-electric Hybrid to its lineup. The 6.0L Vortec V8 powerplant is available in either two-wheel or all-wheel drive and makes 332 hp. It is mated to a hybrid-specific 6-speed and has a towing capacity of 5,800 lb.

Model Strengths

Power and acceleration
controlled ride
interior space (ESV)
increased efficiency (Hybrid) safety

Model Review

The 403-hp, 6.2L aluminum V8 is exclusive to the Escalade. The engine incorporates variable valve timing to allow both low-rev torque and high-rev passing power, and it's hooked up to a new 6-speed automatic transmission with a wide ratio to balance performance and fuel efficiency. The new Escalade Hybrid draws its 332 hp from a 6.0L Vortec V8 and an electric motor. It is mated to 6-speed unique to the Hybrid.

Printable Version

2009 Cadillac Escalade EXT Truck

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2009 Cadillac Escalade EXT

Source: The Car Connection

TheCarConnection.com's editors have gone the extra mile, bringing you their observations and driving impressions of the 2009 Cadillac Escalade EXT, then combine it with highlights of what reviewers across the Web have said. This means that here you have access to the most complete, cohesive review available.

The 2009 Cadillac Escalade EXT brings a lot to the table--and it has no direct competitors. The EXT combines some of the best attributes of a pickup with those of an SUV--with a heavy helping of glitz and over-the-top showiness thrown in for good (or distasteful) measure, depending on how you look at it.

If you're considering the 2009 EXT, it's important to note that the entire line of Cadillac Escalade models was completely overhauled in 2007. The Escalade family of trucks (the short-wheelbase SUV, the long-wheelbase ESV, and the EXT) now rides on General Motors' GMT900 new-for-2007 truck platform.

Aside from the EXT's lower-rent sibling, the Chevrolet Avalanche, there isn't anything else currently available that transforms quite like the Escalade EXT. Cadillac says its 2009 Escalade EXT model is based on a unique sport-utility truck (SUT) body style, giving it a part-SUV, part-pickup profile and function.

What makes the SUV/truck transformation possible is GM's industry-exclusive Midgate panel. Here's how it works: Owners can easily convert the 2009 Cadillac Escalade EXT from a five-passenger SUV into a two-passenger pickup with eight feet of protected and secured storage using the Midgate located behind the rear seat. The Midgate can be folded into the cabin, enabling the cargo area to expand from five feet to eight feet, for a total of 101 cubic feet in secured volume. A lockable, standard tonneau cover protects items in the cargo bed or can be removed entirely for added space.

Editors at TheCarConnection.com wonder about the truck's genuine usefulness. Some buyers will like the versatility the design offers, but most might never use the Midgate beyond showing friends and family how it works. Regardless, the styling of the 2009 EXT is certainly unique among trucks. It would help if the window in the Midgate were power-operated instead of merely removable; driving with it out is a pleasant open-air experience, especially when the sunroof is open.

The 6.2-liter V-8 found in the 2009 Cadillac Escalade EXT is impressive for several reasons. The engine's construction is all aluminum and benefits from several bits of high technology, including variable valve timing to produce 403 horsepower and 417 pound-feet of torque. This power is routed through a six-speed automatic transmission that performs very well, with virtually no gear hunting. All-wheel drive is included as well, and it's a more road-friendly automatic system than what comes with most GM pickups. Overall, the powertrain makes the big EXT hustle and helps it feel lighter than its curb weight of nearly three tons. The exhaust note sounds like that of a muscle car. Fuel economy is, as you might figure, embarrassingly low, with an EPA city figure of only 11 mpg.

Experts from TheCarConnection.com have had the opportunity to drive 2009 Cadillac Escalade EXT models with several different wheel sizes and point out that the 22-inch wheels come standard with Magnetic Ride Control; they do a good job of smoothing out what might otherwise be a fairly choppy ride.

Though there's still a bit of chintzy black plastic in the center stack, editors from TheCarConnection.com feel that the EXT's interior, like those of the other Escalade models, is among the best in the entire Cadillac lineup--up there with the new Cadillac CTS. The overall look is refined and elegant, just the right mix of wood and chrome to give meaning to the Cadillac badge in the center of the steering wheel.

As with the other SUV versions of the Escalade, the 2009 Escalade EXT has mostly positive indicators in the safety arena. Federal crash-tests have all yielded top five-star ratings, except for rollover, and all the expected safety features, such as side airbags, side-curtain bags, and electronic stability control, come standard.

New features for 2009 include a power-tilt steering wheel, rear audio jacks, standard express-up front windows, and optional XM NavTraffic.

The Bottom Line:

The 2009 Cadillac Escalade stands out in any crowd; it's the only transforming luxury truck/SUV out there.

Printable Version

2009 Cadillac Escalade EXT Truck

Safety Ratings What do the Safety Ratings mean? The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) performs independent crash testing of new vehicles and then assigns them a score based on their performance. The overall crash test rating is based on how a vehicle performs in the following tests: Driver Crash Grade: Measures the chance of a serious injury to a crash test dummy that is placed in a driver's seat and driven into a fixed barrier at 35 MPH. A five-star rating means there is 10 percent or less chance of injury. Passenger Crash Grade: Similar to the driver crash grade, only now the focus is on the passenger. Rollover Resistance: Simulates an emergency lane change to measure the likelihood of a vehicle rolling over. A five-star rating means there is 10 percent or less risk of rollover. Side Impact Crash Test - Front: Focuses on the front side of a vehicle. It simulates crashes that can occur in intersections by striking a 3,015-pound weight against the side of a vehicle at 38.5 MPH. A five-star rating means there is 5 percent or less chance of injury. Side Impact Crash Test - Rear: Similar to the front side impact test only now the focus is on the rear passenger.
Driver Crash Grade	No consumer rating Rate & Review
Passenger Crash Grade	No consumer rating Rate & Review
Rollover Resistance	No consumer rating Rate & Review
Side Impact Crash Test - Front	No consumer rating Rate & Review
Side Impact Crash Test - Rear	No consumer rating Rate & Review

Safety Features & Equipment

Braking & Traction
4-Wheel ABS	Std
Traction/Stability Control	Std
Active Suspension System	Opt
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	Std

Passenger Restraint
Driver Air Bag	Std
Passenger Air Bag	Std
Side Head Air Bag	Std
Rear Head side Air Bag	Std

Road Visibility
HID Headlights	Std
Daytime Running Lights	Std
Fog Lamps	Std
Electrochromic Rearview Mirror	Std
Intermittent Wipers	Std
Variable Inter. Wipers	Std
Rain Sensing Wipers	Std

Accident Prevention
Rear Parking Aid	Std
Back-Up Camera	Std
Handsfree Wireless	Std

Security
Anti-theft System	Std
Telematics	Opt

Printable Version

2009 Cadillac Escalade EXT Truck

Original Warranty Original Warranty An original warranty is the warranty associated with a vehicle when it is brand new. In addition to the original warranty, select items, like tires, are typically covered by respective manufacturers. Also, an act of Federal law sometimes provides protection for certain components, like emissions equipment. The original warranty is often broken down into multiple sections, including: Basic Warranty: Typically covers everything except for parts that wear out through normal use of the vehicle. Examples of non-covered items are brake pads, wiper blades and filters. Drivetrain Warranty: This warranty covers items the basic warranty does not protect. Wear and tear items such as hoses will not be covered, but key items like the engine, transmission, drive axles and driveshaft often will be. Roadside Assistance: The level of service differs greatly with this warranty, but many manufacturers offer a toll-free number that helps provide assistance in case you run out of gas, get a flat tire or lock your keys in the car. Corrosion Warranty: This warranty focuses on protecting you from holes caused by rust or corrosion in your vehicle's sheet metal. Please check the owner's manual, visit a local dealership or look at the manufacturer's website to learn more about the specifics of the warranties that apply to a vehicle.	Miles	Months
Basic	50,000	48
Drivetrain	100,000	60
Corrosion	100,000	72
Roadside Assistance	100,000	60

Cadillac Certified Pre-Owned Warranty Certified Pre-Owned Warranty To be eligible for Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) status, vehicles generally must be recent models with relatively low mileage. CPO vehicles must also pass a detailed inspection, outlined by the manufacturer, which is measured by the number of inspected points. Warranty coverage can vary from one manufacturer to the next. While most certified pre-owned programs transfer and extend the existing new car warranty terms, others offer a warranty that simply represents an additional year and mileage value. Always check with the manufacturer for the specific warranties they offer. Common features and benefits of Certified Pre-Owned warranties include: Age/Mileage Eligibility To even be considered for certification, a car must be a recent model year and have limited mileage. The exact requirements are established by individual manufacturers. Lease Term Certified Some manufacturers offer certified pre-owned cars for lease. The length of the lease is often shorter than a new car lease, but it will cost you less. Point Inspection These inspections entail a comprehensive vehicle test to ensure that all parts are in excellent working order. The point inspection list is simply a numbered list of exactly what parts of the car are examined. While many inspections range from a 70- to 150-point checklist, most are very similar and are performed using strict guidelines. Ask your local dealer about specific details. Return/Exchange Program Some manufacturers offer a very limited return or exchange period. Find out if you will get the sales tax and licensing/registration fees back should you return or exchange the car. Roadside Assistance Most certified pre-owned programs offer free roadside service in case your car breaks down while still under warranty. Special Financing Reduced-rate loans are available through many certified pre-owned programs. Manufacturer-backed inspections and warranties help eliminate the risks involved with buying pre-owned, so buyers who qualify can take advantage of the great offers. Transferable Warranty When a new car warranty transfers with the certification of the car and remains eligible for the next owner, it is known as a transferable warranty. Once the original transferable warranty expires, an extended warranty takes effect. Warranty Deductible This is the amount for which you are responsible when repair work is performed under the warranty. Some manufacturers require a deductible while others don't, so always ask.
**Extension of new-vehicle bumper-to-bumper warranty to 6 years/100,000 miles, whichever comes first (from new-vehicle delivery date and mileage). Download Details
Age/Mileage Eligibility	4 years / 50,000 miles
Lease Term Certified	No
Point Inspection	172-Point Inspection Download checklist
Return/Exchange Program	No
Roadside Assistance	Yes
Transferrable Warranty	Yes
Warranty Deductible	No