2022 Cadillac Escalade EXT Luxury Truck

In this review, we will try to figure out if the GM is planning to bring back the 2022 Cadillac Escalade EXT. The truck was based on the legendary SUV. However, it was discontinued in 2013. There are several reasons, but definitely, the key is slow sales. If General Motors were happy with these numbers, we would still be able to see the EXT luxury pickup in the streets.

But, the SUV segment is the one that ended many nameplates and even classes. Large and versatile vehicles nearly did the same with mid-size trucks. Luckily, this segment is recovering and companies are planning the expansion. We can hear rumors about a compact truck by Ford. On the other hand, the electric future is here, with Tesla Cybertruck and GMC Hummer dropping engines with internal combustion.

So, where will the 2022 Cadillac Escalade EXT fit? Interesting, the luxury truck market does not exist! There are a few high-end trim levels in each lineup, but there is no profiled luxury truckmaker in the market like we had in the SUV world with Lexus, Lincoln, BMW. Some of these carmakers announced the debut in the luxury pickup class. So far, there are no moves.

Cadillac would have a good starter. Escalade EXT is a familiar name. GM is a trusted company that needs something special to draw attention. It seems like Ram and Ford trucks are making some gap and General Motors needs to catch up. Instead of responding with a 4×4 specialist that would take on the Ram TRX and Ford Raptor, GM will go with the premium model.

2022 Cadillac Escalade EXT concept

SUV-Based Truck

This sounds odd. But, it is a fact. The SUV is on the market for a long time and the new truck is going to take its name again. The EXT is the mark for the pickup, while the ESV is a special, long-wheelbase version of the SUV. Escalade sits on the BoF platform, the same one like the on the Chevy Silverado. Nevertheless, there are numerous other questions related to engines, equipment, safety… Since the 2022 Cadillac Escalade EXT is going to be the luxury truck, expect all the latest packages, including the Super Cruise system.

The SUV was recently updated. Bold styling will be eye-catching. However, it is a question how designers are going to add a bed. Last time, the EXT was not so practical. It was one of the reasons for discontinuation. Now, when GM leaned the lesson, we will probably see the Multi-Pro tailgate, bedliner, and all the possible help to make the Escalade EXT a working truck.

2022 Cadillac Escalade EXT Engines

General Motors are announcing their electric future. But, there are also blasts from the past. Modernized Hummer is not what we got used to see ten years ago. First of all, it is now a truck. Second, it gets power from the electric battery. And third, there are plenty of breathtaking options, such as Crab Walk, or Super Cruise autonomous drive.

The luxury truck, 2022 Cadillac Escalade EXT, will need the best of the best to stand out. So, it makes a 6.2-liter V8 engine a logical choice. The same unit is under the hood of the Escalade SUV. With 420 hp and 460 lb-ft, it provides enough power for various activities. We will see if engineers are going to install an oil-burner. A 3.0-liter turbodiesel seems to be light for the full-size luxury SUV. It delivers 260 hp and 480 lb-ft. On the other hand, turbodiesel V8 we find in the heavy-duty class is too big. Still, GM might impress us by choosing a 6.6-liter Duramax motor as the base for further upgrades.

2022 Cadillac Escalade EXT comeback

Stumbling Block: Price

Truckers in the US are willing to spend on upgrades for their rides. For example, most mid-size trucks are starting around $25,000-$26,000 and half-ton pickups are above $30,000. The average price paid for such a vehicle is over $43,000. But, the 2022 Cadillac Escalade EXT is not going to cost under $70,000. That is nearly double the figure. And in return, you are getting zero boosts in towing capacity and performance compared to GMC Sierra 1500 Denali.

So, GM needs to think twice before they move on with the development. The 2022 Cadillac Escalade EXT might appear as the limited-edition version of Sierra or Silverado pickups. The release date depends on many factors. From this point of view, it seems like an impossible mission to see the EXT in production in 2022. The good thing is lack of competition and General Motors could use the advantage before the competition arrives.

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