Cadillac Escalade
Cadillac Escalade
Cadillac Escalade

2021 Cadillac Escalade

Pros: Cavernous and luxurious interior; much-improved ride quality and handling; available Super Cruise hands-free driving assist

Cons: Cumbersome in close quarters; base prices of top models now exceed $100,000

CG Says: The Cadillac Escalade is redesigned for 2021, gaining bigger dimensions, an independent rear suspension that improves ride quality, and a host of new technology features. Compared to the previous-generation model, the regular-length Escalade grows 7.1 inches in overall length, and the extended-length ESV version is 2.6 inches longer. (The regular-length Escalade has an overall length of 211 inches; the ESV is 15.9 inches longer, with an overall length of 226.9 inches.) That extra length benefits second- and third-row legroom, as well as cargo room, with a gain of more than 10 inches of third-row legroom in the regular-length model. Cargo room behind the third-row seat grows by almost 10 cubic feet, while cargo volume with second- and third-row seats folded is almost 15 cubic feet greater, for a total of 109.1 cubic feet in the regular-length models. Also aiding rear passenger space and cargo room is a new independent rear suspension that takes up less space than the previous solid-axle arrangement. The new suspension can be combined with GM’s Magnetic Ride Control adaptive suspension, as well as a new load-leveling and height-adjustable air suspension.

The existing 420-horsepower 6.2-liter V-8 carries over; a 277-horsepower 3.0-liter turbodiesel inline six is newly available. Both engines are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The dramatic dashboard design is highlighted by a high-definition curved Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) screen that measures an impressive 38 inches and encompasses the instrument cluster, infotainment screen, and a second control screen. The new audio systems are by high-end manufacturer AKG; a 19-speaker system is standard, and an ultra-premium 36-speaker system is available. Cadillac’s Super Cruise hands-free driving-assist system, which now includes automated lane-change capability, is newly available as well. Standard safety features include automatic emergency braking, front and rear pedestrian detection, automatic high-beam headlights, and a Teen Driver system that can monitor the driving habits of a new driver. Available safety features include adaptive cruise control, blind-spot alert, lane-keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and night vision. The Escalade’s ambitious redesign addresses the interior-room shortcomings of previous generation, and adds some truly remarkable new luxury and technology features that help keep this posh hauler at the top of its class.

The Facts
Class Premium Large SUV
Body Style(s) 4-door wagon
Passenger Count 7 or 8
Drive Wheels rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive
Manufacturer Cadillac
Nation of Manufacture USA
Base Prices Luxury: $77,490
AWD Luxury: $80,490
Luxury ESV: $80,490
AWD Luxury ESV: $80,490
Premium Luxury: $84,290
AWD Premium Luxury: $87,290
Premium Luxury ESV: $87,290
AWD Premium Luxury ESV: $90,290
Sport: $86,890
AWD Sport: $89,890
Sport ESV: $89,890
AWD Sport ESV: $92,890
Premium Luxury Platinum: $101,290
AWD Premium Luxury Platinum: $104,290
Premium Luxury Platinum ESV: $104,290
AWD Premium Luxury Platinum ESV: $107,290
Sport Platinum: $101,290
AWD Sport Platinum: $104,290
Sport Platinum ESV: $104,290
AWD Sport Platinum ESV: $107,290

Base Engine
6.2-liter V8
Horsepower
420
Std. Transmission
10-speed automatic
Avail. Transmission
NA
EPA City Range (mpg)
14-15
EPA Hwy Range (mpg)
19-20

Optional Engine
turbodiesel 3.0-liter six
Horsepower
277
Std. Transmission
10-speed automatic
Avail. Transmission
NA
EPA City Range (mpg)
20-21
EPA Hwy Range (mpg)
26-27

Cadillac Escalade
2021 Cadillac Escalade
NHTSA Ratings
Overall - 4
80%

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Crash - 4
80%
Side Crash - 5
100%
Rollover - 3
60%

For complete ratings click here.

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