Cadillac just made pickup trucks fancy again. Say hello to the 2026 Escalade EXT yes, that Escalade, only now with a bed in the back and a whole lot of muscle under the hood. After nearly two decades of waiting, GM is finally reviving the iconic EXT nameplate, and this time it’s not half-baked. It’s bold, brash, luxurious, and built like a $100K hammer wrapped in silk.
If you’ve ever wanted an SUV that tows like a beast, pampers like a private jet, and still looks at home at valet, this is it. Let’s break down what’s turning heads—and shaking up the luxury truck world.
A Familiar Face, But Tougher
You can’t miss the new EXT. From the front, it’s unmistakably Escalade—Cadillac’s signature black crystal grille, razor-sharp vertical LED headlights, and a sculpted hood that gives it an almost armored look. But follow those lines to the back, and you’ll find a fully functional pickup bed, giving this luxury land yacht a whole new kind of utility.
The truck rides on GM’s T1XX platform, shared with the Silverado and GMC Sierra, but the body panels and design language are pure Cadillac. Expect 22-inch wheels standard, with optional 24-inch gloss-black or platinum-finished alloys for those going full bling. The bed is 5.5 feet long, but the optional midgate system (yes, it’s back) lets you drop the rear wall and stretch your cargo space into the cabin when needed.
Other slick features? A power tonneau cover, built-in cargo lighting, and a multi-function tailgate with step and load-stop modes. It’s practical, but make no mistake—this truck is all about image.
A Tech Lounge on Wheels
Inside is where the EXT really flexes. Cadillac has gone full spaceship with a curved 55-inch display running across the dashboard—combining driver cluster, infotainment, and navigation into one seamless screen. Think Mercedes EQS, but American and more angular.
Standard features include:
- Super Cruise hands-free driving on over 400,000 miles of mapped highways
- Augmented Reality Navigation that projects turn-by-turn guidance directly onto the windshield
- AKG Studio Reference 36-speaker sound system with concert-level clarity
- Night Vision with pedestrian and animal detection
- Massaging front seats, ventilated and heated in all four zones
- Four-zone climate control, ambient lighting, panoramic roof—you get the idea
And the materials? Premium everything. Hand-stitched leather, open-pore wood, real aluminum, and suede headliners. There’s also rear captain’s chairs in some trims, complete with entertainment screens and wireless gaming support.
This isn’t just a pickup. It’s a rolling luxury suite.
The Power to Back It Up
You don’t put Cadillac’s name on the tailgate unless there’s power to match. And boy, does the EXT bring it.
Two engines are on offer:
| Engine | Horsepower | Torque | 0-60 mph | Towing Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6.2L V8 (Standard) | 420 hp | 460 lb-ft | ~6.1 seconds | ~9,500 lbs |
| 6.2L Supercharged V8 (V) | 682 hp | 653 lb-ft | ~4.4 seconds | 10,000+ lbs |
The base 6.2L V8 is the same trusted engine from the Escalade SUV and GM’s premium truck lineup. But if you go full V-Series, you get the supercharged monster from the Escalade-V, capable of hauling not just trailers, but tailgates—at speed.
An adaptive air suspension system keeps ride quality smooth in the city and planted at speed, while Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 adjusts dampers in milliseconds for real-time comfort and performance.
The result? A full-size pickup that drives with surprising grace—even when packing nearly 700 horses under the hood.
Surprisingly Decent MPG
Okay, so it’s not going to win green awards. But the 2026 Escalade EXT holds its own when it comes to fuel economy, especially for a luxury truck pushing 3 tons.
| Engine | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined (est.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6.2L V8 (non-supercharged) | ~15 mpg | ~20 mpg | 17 mpg |
| Supercharged V8 (V-Series) | ~13 mpg | ~18 mpg | 15 mpg |
| (Rumored) Plug-in Hybrid | TBD | TBD | ~25+ mpg (est.) |
While the big V8s do gulp fuel, Cadillac is reportedly working on a hybrid version—possibly using the Ultium platform or a plug-in system similar to the LYRIQ. If that drops in 2027, it could push the combined mileage well above 25 mpg, while still keeping the luxury and muscle intact.
Pricing
No one expected the EXT to be a budget truck. But for what it offers? The price is competitive—especially when you compare it to fully loaded GMC Sierra Denali Ultimates or Ram 1500 TRX Limiteds.
| Trim | Starting Price (est.) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Luxury (Base) | ~$85,000 | V8, 22” wheels, curved screen, Super Cruise |
| Premium Luxury | ~$95,000 | Leather upgrades, night vision, AKG audio |
| Sport Platinum | ~$105,000 | Performance suspension, AR nav, luxury seating |
| V-Series | $110,000–$120,000+ | 682 hp engine, Brembo brakes, full luxury suite |
The EXT will hit dealerships in late 2025, with pre-orders expected to open mid-year. Cadillac says demand is already heating up—especially from former EXT fans and Escalade owners who just want a bed in back without sacrificing interior indulgence.
The Luxury Truck, Reimagined
The 2026 Cadillac Escalade EXT isn’t trying to be a workhorse. It’s not chasing Tacoma or Maverick buyers. It’s built for the Escalade crowd who want truck utility without giving up a single ounce of comfort, speed, or style.
It’s bold. It’s fast. It’s flashy. And in a world where $100K pickups are somehow normal, the EXT manages to stand out—not just because of the name, but because it delivers on everything that badge promises.
If you’ve got the budget, and you want the ultimate luxury pickup, the EXT should be at the top of your list.
FAQs
It’s a real full-size pickup built on GM’s T1 platform, with true towing and hauling capabilities—plus Cadillac luxury.
You get a 6.2L V8 (420 hp) standard, or a supercharged 6.2L V8 (682 hp) in the V-Series version.
Towing capacity ranges from about 9,500 lbs to over 10,000 lbs, depending on trim and engine choice.
Cadillac hasn’t confirmed it, but rumors suggest a hybrid or plug-in hybrid EXT could launch by 2027.
Dealerships should begin receiving units in late 2025, with pre-orders opening mid-year.
