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2009 Cadillac Escalade EXT Review

March 13, 2009

STYLING | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

a large and imposing-looking vehicle
Forbes Autos

leather covers the seats, doors, steering wheel and center console
Kelley Blue Book

the ultimate niche vehicle
Edmunds

a more angular face that closely mimics the rest of Cadillac's lineup
Cars.com

Editors at TheCarConnection.com find that the 2009 Cadillac Escalade EXT shares a platform with the Chevrolet Avalanche. This makes the 2009 Escalade EXT the upscale variant of GM's second-generation pickup/SUV line.

The 'Slade, as it's often called, has always been about getting noticed and making a statement, and Cadillac's 2009 model does that job easily even in EXT form. "Updated elements include a more angular face that closely mimics the rest of Cadillac's lineup," says Cars.com. The 2009 Escalade EXT still sports the triangular C-pillar extensions of GM's first-generation SUV-pickups, which are in keeping with the pointy design theme of Cadillac's 2009 look.

The exterior of the 2009 Escalade EXT is well liked. Forbes Autos calls Cadillac's Escalade EXT, 2009 version, "a large and imposing-looking vehicle," with "a massive grille flanked by high-intensity headlamps up front and a multitude of chrome accents around the vehicle." It's a favorite of rappers, pop stars, and professional athletes for a reason, and the 2009 Cadillac Escalade EXT's styling will ensure that they continue to turn heads as they roll by. Kelley Blue Book reports, "Those who liked the original Escalade EXT will love the 2009 model, beginning with its styling. Slightly larger and heavier due to added structure and features, it appears perhaps somewhat smaller thanks to its more sleek and crisp new body," and points to its "large, finely-crafted Cadillac signature grille, front fender vent ports and tasteful chrome accents."

On the interior, reviews of the 2009 Escalade EXT remain positive. The only real quibble found by TheCarConnection.com comes from Consumer Guide, which states that the gauges "are large but have blue pointers that can be hard to see in some light conditions." Others are much more complimentary. Forbes Autos reports that the Cadillac Escalade EXT 2009 model's "leather-clad, five-passenger cabin was recently upgraded and feels more luxurious thanks to higher-quality materials and a more attractive design." "The 2009 Cadillac Escalade EXT's interior is luxury-plush, surprisingly quiet and raises the luxury and refinement bars another couple of notches. The instrument panel, set lower and farther forward to improve real and perceived room, houses quad round gauges with white needles, blue-light inlays and white LED backlighting," says Kelley Blue Book, adding that "leather covers the seats, doors, steering wheel and center console, while the interior pillars wear rich-looking fabric."

TheCarConnection.com’s editors like the 2009 Escalade EXT’s styling—part blingy urban warrior, part Village People garishness, and part true Texas Cadillac—but note that it won’t stand out in a positive light everywhere. Whether it works is up to you.

Conclusion

The 2009 Cadillac Escalade EXT is designed to stand out—and it works for that.

STYLING | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:a large and imposing-looking vehicleForbes Autosleather covers the seats, doors, steering wheel and center consoleKelley Blue Bookthe ultimate niche vehicleEdmundsa more angular face that closely mimics the rest of Cadillac's lineupCars.com Editors at TheCarConnection.com find that the 2009 Cadillac Escalade EXT shares a platform with the Chevrolet Avalanche. This makes the 2009 Escalade EXT the upscale variant of GM's second-generation pickup/SUV line. The 'Slade, as it's often called, has always been about getting noticed and making a statement, and Cadillac's 2009 model does that job easily even in EXT form. "Updated elements include a more angular face that closely mimics the rest of Cadillac's lineup," says Cars.com. The 2009 Escalade EXT still sports the triangular C-pillar extensions of GM's first-generation SUV-pickups, which are in keeping with the pointy design theme of Cadillac's 2009 look. The exterior of the 2009 Escalade EXT is well liked. Forbes Autos calls Cadillac's Escalade EXT, 2009 version, "a large and imposing-looking vehicle," with "a massive grille flanked by high-intensity headlamps up front and a multitude of chrome accents around the vehicle." It's a favorite of rappers, pop stars, and professional athletes for a reason, and the 2009 Cadillac Escalade EXT's styling will ensure that they continue to turn heads as they roll by. Kelley Blue Book reports, "Those who liked the original Escalade EXT will love the 2009 model, beginning with its styling. Slightly larger and heavier due to added structure and features, it appears perhaps somewhat smaller thanks to its more sleek and crisp new body," and points to its "large, finely-crafted Cadillac signature grille, front fender vent ports and tasteful chrome accents." On the interior, reviews of the 2009 Escalade EXT remain positive. The only real quibble found by TheCarConnection.com comes from Consumer Guide, which states that the gauges "are large but have blue pointers that can be hard to see in some light conditions." Others are much more complimentary. Forbes Autos reports that the Cadillac Escalade EXT 2009 model's "leather-clad, five-passenger cabin was recently upgraded and feels more luxurious thanks to higher-quality materials and a more attractive design." "The 2009 Cadillac Escalade EXT's interior is luxury-plush, surprisingly quiet and raises the luxury and refinement bars another couple of notches. The instrument panel, set lower and farther forward to improve real and perceived room, houses quad round gauges with white needles, blue-light inlays and white LED backlighting," says Kelley Blue Book, adding that "leather covers the seats, doors, steering wheel and center console, while the interior pillars wear rich-looking fabric." TheCarConnection.com’s editors like the 2009 Escalade EXT’s styling—part blingy urban warrior, part Village People garishness, and part true Texas Cadillac—but note that it won’t stand out in a positive light everywhere. Whether it works is up to you. ConclusionThe 2009 Cadillac Escalade EXT is designed to stand out—and it works for that. 2009 CADILLAC ESCALADE EXT STYLING [8 out of 10] Forbes Autos: "a large and imposing-looking vehicle" Kelley Blue Book: "leather covers the seats, doors, steering wheel and center console" Edmunds: "the ultimate niche vehicle" Cars.com: "a more angular face that closely mimics the rest ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

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The 2009 Cadillac Escalade EXT remains in a class of its own—there are no direct competitors; its closest rival was the Lincoln Mark LT, a luxurious, dressed-up version of the Ford F-150, but that was discontinued after 2007 due to lack of interest. Of course the EXT’s sibling, the Chevrolet Avalanche, offers a similar overall package, with the same Midgate setup as the Cadillac, but the performance of its 5.3-liter V-8 isn't nearly as awe-inspiring. Interestingly, the only other challenger that brings a similar mix of truck ability, SUV capability, and over-the-top styling is another GM product, the Hummer H3T. Although it doesn’t provide many of the comforts and luxuries that the EXT includes—or arguably even as much pickup-bed convenience—the H3T does include Hummer’s unmistakable street presence.

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See the Cadillac Escalade EXT in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002

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