Cadillac Escalade EXT
Let me begin here by telling you that the Escalade can cost $20,000 more than a Mark LT. It isn't as quiet and it can't tow as much behind it, and its not even as good on gas. For some, this would be an easy decision, at least on paper. What you really have to do is drive both trucks back to back. Then you might find the best word to describe the Mark LT is "luxurious". The Escalade, though, well it's just extravagant. Stepping over the chrome runners and into the EXT will remind you of putting on a comfortable leather jacket. The instruments and interior accents are surrounded by chrome. Everywhere you look inside this truck there is a vast acreage of premium materials and quality craftsmanship. There is a clever computer system that lets you keep an eye on everything, including fuel economy. There is even a display to tell you the operating temperature of your transmission, in case you happen to get curious. Front seats with 14 power adjustments and a dash trimmed in burl wood complete the executive feel to the Cadillac's execution.
The EXT variant is built from the same platform as the Avalanche, with its smart mid-gate which you can fold down to add even more room for cargo in the bed. This is definitely a very usable pickup truck on top of a Cadillac. An active all wheel drive system is always on, meaning traction all the time and impressive grip in corners as far as trucks go. Up front, a 6 liter V8 quietly serves up 345 horsepower. The EXT has a delightful split personality. Warm and inviting on one hand, it comforts you when you sit down, and plays you wonderful sounding music on its premium stereo. Simply flick your right forward and the 6 liter engine snaps to attention instantly and plants you into your seat, all the while leaving a gorgeous, silky smooth sounding exhaust note in its wake.
Remember I said I was trying to figure out what makes these trucks so desirable? Well I found out that the only thing cooler than having something quick, luxurious and expensive is having something quick, luxurious and expensive that sits up higher than most other vehicles, gives a commanding view of the scenery around it, and can tow your gear off to camp with 4 of your friends and not break a sweat. Can your luxury sedan do that?
So I find myself in the position of referee this week. Two expensive, beautiful, trucks that set new standards in prestige and performance. You might ask which one I would rather have, having just spent a day with the pair. That's not an easy decision. These trucks aren't exactly competitors, despite that they both go about achieving the same goal. What it comes down to is the preference of the buyer- the Lincoln can cost some $20,000 less than the Escalade, but the Escalade is a larger machine and the market leader in sales, for a reason.
My verdict? One of each, please.
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| 2005 Cadillac Escalade EXT (Photo: Justin Pritchard, Auto123) |
The EXT variant is built from the same platform as the Avalanche, with its smart mid-gate which you can fold down to add even more room for cargo in the bed. This is definitely a very usable pickup truck on top of a Cadillac. An active all wheel drive system is always on, meaning traction all the time and impressive grip in corners as far as trucks go. Up front, a 6 liter V8 quietly serves up 345 horsepower. The EXT has a delightful split personality. Warm and inviting on one hand, it comforts you when you sit down, and plays you wonderful sounding music on its premium stereo. Simply flick your right forward and the 6 liter engine snaps to attention instantly and plants you into your seat, all the while leaving a gorgeous, silky smooth sounding exhaust note in its wake.
 |
| 2005 Cadillac Escalade EXT (Photo: Justin Pritchard, Auto123) |
So I find myself in the position of referee this week. Two expensive, beautiful, trucks that set new standards in prestige and performance. You might ask which one I would rather have, having just spent a day with the pair. That's not an easy decision. These trucks aren't exactly competitors, despite that they both go about achieving the same goal. What it comes down to is the preference of the buyer- the Lincoln can cost some $20,000 less than the Escalade, but the Escalade is a larger machine and the market leader in sales, for a reason.
My verdict? One of each, please.
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