The 2023 Cadillac Escalade EXT could be another comeback in the truck world. The pickup is going to be based on the luxury SUV and it would take the same segment in its class. The Escalade EXT has a good base. First, there is the vehicle the truck shares the name with – Escalade SUV. Then, General Motors is still very competitive in the pickup segment with Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra. So, if the vehicle comes back, it will combine elements of those models.
Opinions about the return are divided. Fans would love to see the pickup. But, from this perspective, it is not likely to happen, since there are more cons than pros.
When Will 2023 Cadillac Escalade EXT be Available?
Time is ticking away. The 2023 Cadillac Escalade EXT needs a premiere in next few months, so the company can draw attention. But, here is why we don’t believe this is going to happen. First of all, the luxury truck class is not popular. Truckers are paying extra for the ride. Average cost paid for such a vehicle is nearly $50,000. Those are mid-range pickups. The Escalade EXT would start above this mark.
General Motors is currently focused on the electric Hummer truck. We doubt there are resources available for another experiment. On the other hand, GM needs a shocking therapy. Ram 1500 is now the second best-selling model in the half-ton market and the biggest rival to Ford F-150. Genera Motors needs to do a lot to get back on tracks and stay competitive. The 2023 Cadillac Escalade EXT might be a solution.
Powertrains
There are no concerns about engines for the new truck. 15 years ago, the pickup used a 5.3-liter V8 as the base configuration. This engine is still in the lineup and delivers 355 hp and 385 lb-ft of torque. A 6.0-liter unit is dropped from all other models. But, a 6.2-liter V8 seems to be the best choice for the 2023 Cadillac Escalade EXT. This one can provide 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, and the excellent towing capacity. A 10-speed automatic transmission sends power to rear wheels or to both axles.
A diesel engine is also an option. Duramax is tuning a 3.0-liter turbo-six unit to create 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of twist. This one offers another dimension of driving and towing.
Verdict
The 2023 Cadillac Escalade EXT is a long shot. The lack of competition would clear the path for the truck to take over the market. Still, the success would wake up other truckmakers. Lincoln Mark LT is another old model waiting in a queue to come back. Infiniti, Lexus, and a few German carmakers are preparing luxury pickup trucks, per rumors. Still, the class is currently dead, and the first company trying to shake things up will take a big dose of risk. Reward would be high, as well as the investment. Not too many truckers are ready to pay $60,000 and more for the ride, and there are already high-end versions of existing trucks available at this price.