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2025 Buick Enclave vs Honda Pilot2021 Cadillac Escalade: Bigger, Badder, and Better Than Ever
The 2021 Cadillac Escalade has moved the target for massive, luxurious SUVs with fresh styling, leading tech, and dramatic ride improvements.
What’s New for the 2021 Cadillac Escalade
What comes to mind when you hear these words? Black Raven, Night Vision, Gideon Accents, Light Blade, Mondrian Quilting, and Super Cruise. If you guessed it sounded like Darth Vader and James Bond designed a car together, you’d be correct! That vehicle would be the 2021 Cadillac Escalade.
This new Cadillac Escalade kicks off the fifth-generation and more than 20 years in production. It’s literally bigger with 8 inches in additional length. It’s badder, in the best sense, thanks to a massive grille, 3-foot-wide digital driver interface, and buckets of fancy tech. Better is herein defined as a newly independent rear suspension, diesel engine option, and a livable third row.
2021 Cadillac Escalade – media.cadillac.com | Shop 2021 Cadillac Escalade on Carsforsale.com
The Breakdown
Striking new sheet metal
8″ in extra length for more room
Economy minded diesel option
Independent rear suspension improves ride
Industry-first 38″ curved OLED dash display
No standard suite of active safety features
Keep your eyes out for Super Cruise
2021 Cadillac Escalade Specs
- 420 horsepower from base engine
- 460 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 5 available trim levels
- Hitch View shows trailer connection
- 121 cu-ft of cargo space in Escalade
- 142.8 cu-ft of cargo space in Escalade ESV
- 38″ of consecutive OLED screens
- Super Cruise will allow for hands-free driving
- 70,000 miles on the powertrain warranty
2021 Cadillac Escalade Powertrain
The 2021 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV are ultimately the same SUV aside from the obvious 15” length difference. Powertrain and trim options are identical, but if you want the ESV, you’ll tack on $3000 across the board.
The standard 6.2-liter V8 makes a very healthy 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. It’s estimated that the V8 can make a sub-six second run to 60 mph on 4WD ESV models, which is notable given its 6,270-pound curb weight. The V8 uses cylinder deactivation and comes paired with GM’s 10-speed automatic. For the first time, Escalade buyers can opt for a Duramax turbo-diesel motor. Making 277 horses and the same 460 lb-ft of twist, this power plant will likely appeal to folks looking to improve fuel economy; though EPA estimates have yet to be released. The diesel is an option across the board at no additional cost.
All new Escalades are rear-wheel drive with a $3000 option for four-wheel drive (4WD). In either configuration, replacing the live rear axle with independent suspension should dramatically improve the ride. If you’ve ever been a third-row passenger while crossing a speed bump in a previous gen Escalade, you know how amazing this will be. Adding in the optional air-suspension and Magnetic Ride dampers will give the 2021 Cadillac Escalade truly luxurious driving manners.
2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Fuel Economy & MPG
Unsurprisingly, a 3 ton land yacht sporting 6 liters of displacement under the hood is not going to be a hit with the hyper-milling crowd, cylinder deactivation or not. An automated stop-start feature while idling is also included but “Escalade efficiency” reminds one of “jumbo shrimp”, they just don’t go together. The EPA estimates a miles-per-gallon figure of 15 in the city and 20 on the highway. Subtract 1 from each number for AWD models. Estimates on the turbo diesel have not been released, but should be somewhat better.
Towing & Payload
The new 2021 Cadillac Escalade does an admirable job in the towing department with a maximum load of between 8100 and 8300 pounds, depending on model and powertrain. If flattening the seats for weekend renovations is your thing, you can load just over 2,000 pounds of stuff in the back per Cadillac’s payload figures. Useful options like a trailering equipment package include a wiring harness and connector. A trailer brake controller is also available as is the Hitch View feature for checking the trailer connection from the driver’s seat.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
Interior comfort is where the 2021 Cadillac Escalade really shines. In the front row, options like massaging seats with heat and ventilation offer a spa-like driving experience. Second row occupants can also warm their derrieres if seated in the outboard positions. Though wayback passengers don’t get any cushion treatment, the 8” stretch in vehicle length yields a substantial 10” of new legroom.
An exceptionally long panoramic sunroof brings the outside in, and includes a power-operated sunshade. You can further customize the atmosphere with ambient lighting options and triple zone, automatic climate control. Maybe that third-row isn’t so bad after all.
The middle row of the new Escalade can be setup as a 3-passenger bench or dual captain’s chairs. In either case, this row and the third fold flat or split in 60/40 configuration with power assist. Opting for the front console refrigerator means a six-pack of your favorite beverage will be cold and refreshing. It even has a freeze mode!
Entertainment & Technology
Cadillac’s 38” wide, curved OLED screens take the cake on the entertainment front. Combined with Wi-Fi and wireless Apple or Android connectivity, the new Escalade will keep front-row occupants entertained. Those in the back rows can join the fun with an available rear-seat entertainment package that provides two 12.6” displays on the front seat headrests. Notable tech includes the augmented reality enabled navigation system. A live street view from the front of the vehicle is displayed in the gauge cluster with turn indicators and directions overlaid on top. Checking the Night Vision box brings thermal imaging to the same part of the screen, ideal for spotting animals during nighttime driving.
Safety Features
Seven airbags are standard on 2021 Cadillac Escalades, but the active safety assistance features vary depending on trim. They run the gamut from enhanced automatic emergency braking and blind spot monitoring to forward collision alert and auto seat belt tightening. A 360° digital image of the area around the Escalade’s exterior, displayed on the infotainment screen, improves visibility at low speed. Coming later this year, Super Cruise offers true hands-free driving in conjunction with adaptive cruise control and LKA.
2021 Cadillac Escalade Trims & Pricing
Luxury – $77,490
An entry level ‘Slade is the only trim that does not come with real leather surfaces. But don’t let the leatherette get you down, Linear Tiger Wood trim is pretty cool. Keep in mind; all 2021 Cadillac Escalades look sharp with 22-inch wheels and LED lighting front to back. The 3-foot-tall rear “light blade” lamps look especially killer.
Inside, this base model comes with all 38” of OLED display goodness curving across the dash. Wireless Apple and Android capability, combined with a Wi-Fi hotspot make use of all that entertainment real estate, while the 19-speaker AKG stereo system promises studio quality sound. On the safety front, Luxury models come with automated emergency braking, forward collision alert, plus pedestrian alerts front and rear.
Premium Luxury – $84,290
Wrapped in Mulan leather, the driver and front passenger seat are heated and ventilated in Premium Luxury Escalades. You’ll also breathe easier with the cabin air ionizer. A color Head Up Display (HUD) shows vehicle speed and details on navigation, phone, and music. The huge UltraView panoramic sunroof is standard here as is a rearview mirror camera. Drivers can toggle between a traditional rear mirror and live camera stream. Driver assistance features are upgraded to include rear cross-traffic alert and lane keeping assist.
Sport – $86,890
Opting for the Sport model nets a blacked out grille and additional gloss back exterior trim. This styling, in conjunction with a Raven Black paint job, gives the 2021 Cadillac Escalade an imposing stance. Especially at night with the white and red LED lighting. Sport trim includes the Performance Package, upgrading the mechanical limited-slip differential to an electronic version. Cadillac’s latest generation of magnetorheological shocks adjust the damping 1000 times per second for optimal handling.
Premium Luxury Platinum – $101,290
Jumping into the six-figure Escalade pool yields all the luxury. Leather trim extends across the console and doors. Seats receive the semi-aniline treatment while massaging and moving in 16 directions for the driver and front passenger. AKG’s stereo adds another 17 speakers for a whopping total of 36, in what has to be the best audio experience this side of the Vienna Philharmonic. Air suspension and soft-close doors coddle occupants while additional assistance features make them safer. Enhanced automatic emergency braking can increase braking pressure when the driver panic brakes and automatic seat belt tightening will hold passengers more firmly in these situations, releasing when normal conditions resume.
Sport Platinum – $101,290
For the same price as regular ol’ platinum Escalades, Sport Platinum brings the glossy black trim treatment and Performance Package. At this echelon, wheel finishes like Dark Android cement the Vader vibe. Included in the performance pack is trailering integration that, amongst other features, contains a trailer brake controller. Headlining tech like Super Cruise, Night Vision, and a console refrigerator are optional with this trim.
Warranties
The 2021 Cadillac Escalade follows Cadillac’s lineup with 4 years or 50,000 miles on the vehicle and for corrosion. The powertrain and roadside assistance warranty bumps up to 6 years or 70,000 miles. At this price point, consumers might expect a robust complimentary maintenance program, but the Escalade only includes the first service visit.
What we think
2021 Cadillac Escalade – media.cadillac.com | Shop 2021 Cadillac Escalade on Carsforsale.com
The all-new 2021 Cadillac Escalade takes the big, luxurious SUV game to a new level of style, features, and tech. Killer looks, more space, fancier tech, and a better ride will put the competition on notice. Lord Vader and Mr. Bond would be proud of this luxury, tech-laden behemoth.
