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.
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 |