Short Take Road Test
Who would have predicted that this gratuitous union of a Chevy Avalanche with a Cadillac Escalade would have survived long enough to see a redesign?
Certainly not us. When we first drove Cadillac's pickup truck, we thought it made about as much sense as "an office desk that converts into a Hovercraft" or "mint-flavored Drano."
That was no skin off Cadillac's nose, which found more than 40,000 takers from 2002 through 2005, apparently a sufficient number to justify a makeover similar to that of the Escalade SUV for 2007. This includes the 6.2-liter V-8 and six-speed automatic, flashier sheetmetal, an all-new interior, and a stiffer structure.
When we look at the EXT, we think "Cadillac's mullet." Why? Well, the common description of the short-on-top, long-everywhere-else hairstyle is "business in front, party in back." That fits the EXT perfectly, only in reverse. This truck's party of chrome is up front, and the cargo-hauling pickup bed, the business end, is out back.
Of course, if you are seriously looking for utility, check out a $33,180 Chevy Avalanche that can outtow the EXT by 400 pounds. But Cadillac buyers probably aren't, since these behemoth EXTs are usually seen in metropolitan areas hogging valuable parking spaces.
The new $54,430 EXT has 403 horsepower (58 more), accelerates quicker (0-to-60 mph in 7.1 seconds versus 7.9), feels much more composed over the road, and has far superior brake and steering feel. Fact is, it's better in almost every way. But compared with the already-hard-to-justify Escalade SUV, the EXT provides less passenger space, worse maneuverability, and a heftier curb weight (so heavy, in fact, that it is no longer required to bear EPA fuel-economy ratings). So, despite the improved dynamics, we think it remains one of the most ridiculous vehicles on the market.
