Cadillac created a new niche for itself in 2002 by borrowing a concept from Chevrolet and giving it the full luxury treatment. Chevrolet had already launched its Avalanche, and Cadillac followed with the Escalade EXT, which blends the luxury cab of an Escalade sport utility vehicle with the cargo bed of a pickup truck.

In its regular form, the Escalade EXT is a five-passenger SUV with full-time all-wheel drive. The EXT may be transformed into a pickup whenever necessary by simply dropping the midgate panel between the bed and the cabin; this turns passenger space into additional cargo area.

A sliding load floor that holds about a half-ton of cargo has been added to 2006 models, and a power-sliding tonneau cover is newly optional.

Optional equipment includes touch-screen navigation and a DVD-based backseat entertainment system that features a 7-inch flip-down screen. General Motors' OnStar communication system, XM Satellite Radio and a tire-pressure monitor are standard.