Cadillac Escalade ESV

For the past few years we've ranked the Lincoln Navigator as one of the best large SUVs you can buy. Its traditional rival, the Escalade, hasn't fared as well. But the balance of power might be shifting with the debut of the fully redesigned 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV. The ESV is the long-wheelbase version of the Escalade, which means it has more rear-seat space and cargo space than the regular Escalade.

The fifth-generation Escalade follows the related GMC Yukon XL and Chevrolet Suburban to market and benefits from a lot of the same changes. Most notably, all of these SUVs get a new independent rear suspension that promises a smoother ride and increased interior space. The Escalade ESV also packs 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.

Which Escalade ESV does MatoCar recommend?

The base Luxury trim comes well equipped, but we suggest going for the midgrade Escalade ESV Premium Luxury model. While it isn't as well equipped as the higher-grade trims, it offers a wider array of optional features than the base Luxury model, including Super Cruise and an adaptive air suspension.

The 2021 Escalade ESV 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 Escalade ESVs come standard with a 6.2-liter V8 (420 horsepower, 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). While it likely won't be as quick as the gas engine, the diesel should net better fuel efficiency and superior towing capability. Both engines are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Luxury Standard features for this base trim include:

Full leather seating
Tri-zone climate control
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
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 as they're being closed and are gently pulled 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 (can raise or lower the vehicle to help with loading)

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 ESV Premium Luxury and Premium Luxury Platinum, respectively. Visual touches such as wheels and gloss-black trim separate the models.

It's worth pointing out that Cadillac's Super Cruise semi-automated driving system is optional on all but the base Luxury and four-wheel-drive diesel models. Super Cruise allows for hands-free highway driving, though it's far from self-driving since drivers still need to have their eyes up and on the road ahead.