CADILLAC ESCALADE EXT

The high-end Cadillac Escalade EXT sport utility truck competes with fully loaded pickups like the Toyota Tundra Limited and Ford F-150 Platinum.

The Escalade EXT's engine now features cylinder deactivation, a technology designed to save gas by automatically shutting off four cylinders when driving conditions allow. There's a USB port for connecting an MP3 player to the audio system.

The EXT's cargo bed has 45.5 cubic feet of volume (about the same as a short-box crew cab pickup truck). The cab mid-gate flips inward along with the second-row seats, extending the pickup box to 101 cubic feet of cargo volume. The EXT maintains the triangular C-pillar extensions of GM's first-generation crossover pickups, and the design is highlighted by its rectangular headlights and angular face.

• 18-inch wheels standard
• 17-inch wheels optional
• 22-inch alloy wheels optional
• LED headlamps optional

Two rows of seats accommodate five occupants. The folded mid-gate creates an expanded, continuous load floor for the bed, but the lack of a partition exposes occupants to the elements.

• Standard leather upholstery
• Standard power front seats
• Standard automatic climate control
• Optional heated steering wheel and navigation system

A 6.2-liter V-8 generates 403 horsepower and 417 pounds-feet of torque and works through a 6-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is standard.

• Up to 7,500-pound towing capacity

Escalade EXT safety equipment includes:

• Standard four-wheel-disc antilock brakes
• Standard electronic stability system
• Standard side curtain airbags
• Optional blind spot warning system
• No side-impact airbags for front seats