Cadillac Escalade

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade is fully redesigned with an array of changes. For one, it's longer than the previous Escalade and has more passenger room (particularly for the second- and third-row occupants) and cargo space. It also gets new technology features, including Cadillac's Super Cruise, which is one of the best semi-automated driving systems around, and a sharp-looking display that spans most of the dashboard.

Underneath, there's a new independent rear suspension that provides a smoother ride than the previous solid-axle design. The Escalade's standard 6.2-liter V8 is pretty much a carryover, but there is a newly available turbocharged diesel V6 engine, which could be of benefit if you're planning on doing a lot of towing with your Escalade.

Overall, we're pleased with the new Escalade. It's worth checking out alongside rival large SUVs such as the Lincoln Navigator and Mercedes-Benz GLS. Check out our Expert Rating for more of our in-depth analysis on the 2021 Escalade.

Which Escalade does MatoCar recommend?

The base Luxury trim comes well equipped, but we suggest going for the midgrade Escalade Premium Luxury model. In addition to a few more standard features, it offers a wider array of optional features than the base Luxury model, including Super Cruise and an adaptive air suspension.

The 2021 Escalade is a three-row large luxury SUV that comes in five trim levels: Luxury, Premium Luxury, Sport, Premium Luxury Platinum and Sport Platinum. The Escalade seats up to eight with the second-row bench seat. The optional captain's chairs drop the count to seven.

All Escalades come standard with a 6.2-liter V8 (420 hp, 460 lb-ft) and rear-wheel drive. Four-wheel drive is optional. Also optional is a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder diesel engine (277 hp, 460 lb-ft). Both engines are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Luxury Standard feature highlights include:

Full leather seating
A dash-spanning 16.9-inch infotainment screen and a 14.2-inch instrument cluster
Keyless and ignition with remote start
Heated front and rear outboard seats
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
Tri-zone climate control
A 19-speaker AKG Studio audio system
Front and rear parking sensors

Premium Luxury Includes those features and opens up the options list with available features such as:

Driver Assist Tech package

Adaptive cruise control can speed up and slow down the vehicle with traffic
Soft-close doors that catch the doors as they're being closed and gently pull them shut

Performance package

Revised suspension
Trailer hitch assist that helps when lining up a trailer
Trailer brake controller that helps control a trailer when on the road

A Heavy-Duty Trailering package
Rear-seat entertainment system
Adaptive air suspension
Cadillac's Super Cruise semi-automated driving system

Premium Luxury Platinum Comes with most options as standard equipment but adds:

Massaging front seats
Leather-wrapped instrument panel, console and upper door panels

The Sport and Sport Platinum trims' features and options generally mirror those on the Escalade Premium Luxury and Premium Luxury Platinum, respectively, with visual touches such as wheels and gloss-black trim separating the models.