2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT

The new dual-stage airbag system calculates crash severity based on vehicle deceleration and decides whether to fire the bags with first-stage or second-stage levels of energy, or not at all. The idea is to prevent airbag-caused injuries by deploying the bags less forcefully in lower-speed impacts. It also deactivates the front passenger bag under certain conditions (based on weight and belt tension) to protect children and small adults.


New 4-channel electronic brake control, a new Borg-Warner single-speed, open-differential AWD transfer case and an upgraded StabiliTrak system work together to provide anti-lock braking, traction control and yaw (fishtailing) stability. The new system allows any of the four wheels to be independently controlled for more stable ABS stops, greater yaw control and improved reliability and serviceability, according to Cadillac.


Additional new safety features for '03 include supplemental brake assist (which automatically provides anti-lock brake control when it senses an emergency stop), a center rear seat and shoulder belt and the GM's new LATCH child safety seat anchor system. Also, the brake and accelerator pedals (like those in the Ford and Lincoln competition) are now power-adjustable to allow shorter drivers to keep a safe distance from the steering wheel.

Removing and stowing the rear glass and folding down the rear seat to extend the cargo bed into the cab is easily done.

Also new for 2003 are standard heated outside mirrors with power-tilt, power folding, left-side electrochromic glass, puddle lights, turn-signal indicators and a memory feature. New standard high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps generate more light per watt, using less electrical energy and run cooler than conventional lamps.


The interior is substantially upgraded, with a new-design instrument panel, European-style leather seats, dual-zone climate control and a very useful set of buttons in the steering wheel spokes. Shared with GM's midsize Chevy Trailblazer, GMC Envoy and Oldsmobile Bravada midsize SUVs, these buttons control audio, trip computer, programmable vehicle functions and voice recognition for the standard OnStar safety, security and communications system.