2012 Cadillac Escalade EXT Review
The 2012 Cadillac Escalade EXT full-sized luxury “sport utility truck” is available in 3 trims; Base, Luxury and Premium. The EXT is equipped with a 6.2 liter V8 producing 403hp/417lb-ft torque, along with full-time AWD, heavy-duty locking rear differential and a 6-speed automatic transmission that features a haul/tow mode and manual shift capability. Even the base EXT is well equipped with a sinful amount of luxury features such as leather upholstery, heated backseats, auto xenon headlights, roof rack, fold down mid-gate, rear parking sensors, Bluetooth, Bose surround-sound and much more – and that’s just the Base EXT!
The BuyingAdvice Team Says:
The luxurious yet capable 2012 Cadillac Escalade EXT offers you distinctive styling, powerful V8 performance, along with every luxury and high-tech feature you could possible dream of – and then some.
What’s New For 2012:
The 2012 Cadillac Escalade EXT received an updated navigational system.
What is the Predicted Reliability:
In an initial quality study performed by J.D. Power and Associates based on owner-reported issues, the Cadillac Escalade EXT received an impressive overall initial quality rating of 4 out of a possible 5. Powertrain mechanical and design quality earned a 4, with features and accessories design quality picking up a 4.5; body and interior design quality received a 4, with body/interior mechanical quality receiving a 3.
Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:
The 2012 Cadillac Escalade EXT is outfitted with safety features such as stability/traction control, antilock disc brakes, front side/full lengh side curtain airbags, OnStar emergency communications and more.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
+ Powerful and smooth V8
+ Quiet and plush cabin
+ Versatile mid-gate
Cons
– Doesn’t have towing capacity as a traditional pickup
– Can be awkward to maneuver in tight places
– Due to its exclusivity, has a high theft rate
Head-To-Head Competition:
Not surprisingly the Cadillac Escalade EXT has a higher starting price than the GMC Sierra 1500 and RAM 1500, but offers many standard features that would either be a paid option and/or available on higher trims/models of the competition. The EXT also offers the more powerful engine with 403hp compared to the Sierra 1500s running almost 100 horses lower at 302hp and the RAM 1500 sitting with a 310hp engine. The Escalade also has the larger gas tank at 31 gallons compared to the Sierra’s 26 gallon tank and the RAM’s 26 gallon. The EXT also has the longer warranty at 4years/50,000 miles compared to both the GMC and RAM who offer 3years/36,000 mile warranties.
What Others Are Saying:
“Bling city, here we come. Even those not enamored of big luxo SUVs have to give Cadillac credit for what it has created in this landmark machine.”- Road and Track
“Test drivers say that the 2012 Cadillac Escalade EXT may not fit the needs of most buyers, but for shoppers looking for a luxurious sport utility truck, it’s their only choice.”- US News
Read more about the 2012 Cadillac Escalade EXT, at the Cadillac manufacturer site.
