2026 Cadillac Escalade Pickup – think of it as the reborn EXT – could be your next big obsession. It’s not official yet, but whispers from auto insiders point to Cadillac dusting off this luxury hauler for a comeback. Picture the Escalade SUV’s swagger slapped onto a proper pickup bed for towing boats or hauling weekend gear without skimping on the fancy stuff. Let’s dive in and break it down like we’re chatting over coffee.
A Bold First Glance: What It Looks Like
Right off the bat, this thing screams presence. The front end borrows from the fresh 2025 Escalade, with that massive chrome grille grinning like it owns the road and slim LED headlights slicing through the night. The body rides high on 22-inch wheels standard, or go big with optional 24-inch rims that turn heads at stoplights. Around back, new taillights and a stubby-yet-practical bed keep it truck-tough, maybe even in a short or long wheelbase for extra cargo space. Colors? Expect Cadillac’s usual flair – deep blacks, shimmering silvers, and fresh options like Vibrant White Tricoat. It’s not just a truck; it’s a rolling statement for folks who want luxury that doesn’t hide in the garage.
Power Under the Hood: Engines That Deliver
No skimping on grunt here. The base setup likely packs the familiar 6.2-liter V8, pumping out 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque through a slick 10-speed automatic. That’s plenty for merging onto highways or towing up to 8,000 pounds without breaking a sweat – rear-wheel drive comes standard, but four-wheel is there if you crave off-road bites. For adrenaline junkies, the Escalade-V variant cranks it up with a supercharged V8 hitting 682 horses, shaving zero-to-60 times to under five seconds. And hey, Cadillac’s electric push means an optional all-electric version on the Ultium platform, dishing 750 hp from dual motors. All-wheel drive keeps it planted, blending brute force with that smooth Cadillac ride over potholes or gravel.
High-Tech Goodies: Screens and Smarts Galore
Step inside, and it’s like entering a high-end lounge on wheels. The dashboard? Dominated by a massive 55-inch curved OLED screen – 35 inches for gauges and nav, plus a 20-inch one for the front passenger to binge Netflix. Controls are mostly touch-based, with ambient lighting in 128 colors setting the mood for date nights or long hauls. Smart tech shines with Super Cruise hands-free driving, handling highways for hours while you kick back. Add the optional AKG 36-speaker audio system for concert-level tunes, and Night Vision to spot deer in the dark. It’s not overwhelming; Cadillac keeps it intuitive, so even tech newbies feel like pros.
Showroom Sticker: Price Tags That Add Up
Ballpark figures put the base model around $85,000, climbing to $110,000 loaded with options like those big wheels or premium paint at $1,225 extra. The V trim? Easily nudging $120,000 for that supercharged thrill. Electric variant might start higher, near $130,000, thanks to the beefy battery. Sure, it’s steep, but compare it to a tricked-out F-150 or Navigator – you’re getting Cadillac’s badge and that exclusive edge. Factor in incentives, and it might not sting as bad for early birds.
Mileage Real Talk: Efficiency in a Beast
Don’t expect Prius numbers from this giant. The gas V8 sips about 15 mpg city and 19 highway – decent for a luxury truck, but fill-ups will remind you it’s no hybrid. The supercharged V? Drops to 11/17, with a highway range around 312 miles on a full tank. Go electric, and you’re looking at 450+ miles per charge, zero tailpipe guilt, and quicker “refuels” at home. It’s a trade-off: power and presence mean compromise, but for most drivers, the fun outweighs the pump stops.