The Cadillac Escalade has long been a cultural icon — a symbol of American luxury, presence, and prestige. But in 2021, Cadillac didn’t just update the Escalade — they completely reinvented it. With a revolutionary interior, advanced technology, and a vastly improved driving experience, the 2021 Escalade marked the beginning of a new chapter for Cadillac and redefined what a full-size luxury SUV could be.
A Bold New Design of 2021 Cadillac Escalade
The 2021 Escalade introduces a cleaner, more modern design while preserving the imposing stature everyone expects.
Highlights include:
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A massive, confident grille framed by slim LED headlights
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Vertical LED tail lamps that pay homage to classic Cadillac styling
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Sculpted body lines that give the SUV a more refined appearance
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Power-deployable running boards and soft-close doors on higher trims
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A longer ESV model offering 15 inches of additional length
Even with its bold proportions, the 2021 Escalade feels more elegant than its predecessors — a balance of luxury and presence.
A Technological Masterpiece
Cadillac made technology the heartbeat of the 2021 Escalade, especially inside the cabin.
Curved OLED Display
One of the most striking features is the industry-first 38-inch curved OLED display that wraps elegantly across the dashboard. It is actually three separate screens:
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7.2-inch control panel
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14.2-inch digital instrument cluster
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16.9-inch center infotainment touchscreen
With twice the pixel density of a 4K television, it provides crystal-clear visuals and deep contrast that elevate the driving experience.
Augmented Reality Navigation
The instrument cluster can switch to a live camera feed of the road ahead, overlaying navigation prompts directly onto the image. This futuristic system makes navigating complex streets feel intuitive.
AKG Studio Reference Audio
The available 36-speaker AKG Studio Reference System transforms the Escalade into a concert hall on wheels. Speakers built into the headrests, roof, doors, and even the seatbacks produce immersive, theater-quality sound.
Powerful Yet Refined Performance
The 2021 Escalade offers two distinct powertrains:
6.2-Liter V8
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420 horsepower / 460 lb-ft of torque
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Smooth power delivery
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Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission
3.0-Liter Turbo Diesel
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Same 460 lb-ft of torque, but at lower RPM
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Not as fast as the V8, but much more fuel-efficient
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Ideal for long-distance drivers and towing enthusiasts
Ride & Handling
Thanks to its new independent rear suspension and available Air Ride Adaptive Suspension, the Escalade rides smoother and handles better than ever before.
Magnetic Ride Control further reduces body roll, helping the SUV feel remarkably composed for its massive size.
A True Luxury Cabin
Step inside and the Escalade immediately feels like a premium lounge.
Space & Comfort
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Significantly increased third-row legroom
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More cargo space due to the redesigned rear suspension
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Ultra-soft leather, real wood trim, and polished metal accents
Available massaging front seats, heated and ventilated seating, and customizable ambient lighting add to the sense of indulgence.
Family-Friendly Luxury
With three roomy rows, plenty of USB-C ports, and available rear entertainment screens, the Escalade effortlessly handles family duties while maintaining its luxury credentials.
Safety & Driver Assistance
Cadillac packed the 2021 Escalade with advanced safety features:
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Automatic emergency braking
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Pedestrian detection
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Surround-view 360° camera
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Rear cross-traffic alert
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Lane-keeping assist
Super Cruise of 2021 cadillac escalade
The highlight, however, is Super Cruise, Cadillac’s hands-free driver-assist technology. On compatible highways, it allows the SUV to steer, accelerate, and brake without your hands on the wheel. It’s one of the most advanced systems of its kind.
Utility & Capability
The 2021 Escalade is not all luxury — it’s built for real-world use:
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Towing capacity: up to 8,200 pounds
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Trailer hitch guidance and camera assists
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Four-wheel drive with selectable drive modes
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Height-adjustable suspension for off-road or highway use
Whether you’re towing a boat or embarking on a family road trip, the Escalade proves itself as a highly capable machine.
Comparing the Competition
The full-size luxury SUV market is crowded, but the 2021 Escalade stands out.
Lincoln Navigator
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Smooth and sophisticated
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But Escalade wins in tech, space, and cabin features
Mercedes-Benz GLS
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More refined interior materials
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But Escalade offers more cargo room and better infotainment
BMW X7
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Sportiest handling
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Escalade dominates in towing and third-row comfort
Lexus LX 570
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Legendary reliability
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But far behind in space and technology
Pros & Cons
Pros
Stunning interior technology
Incredibly spacious third row
Smooth, comfortable ride
Powerful V8 and efficient diesel option
Strong towing capability
Super Cruise hands-free driving
Cons
Low fuel economy (V8 models)
Large size can be hard to maneuver
High maintenance and ownership costs
Top trims get very expensive
Final Verdict
The 2021 Cadillac Escalade is one of the most impressive full-size luxury SUVs ever created. It blends cutting-edge technology, exceptional space, refined performance, and unmistakable presence in a way that few competitors can match. For buyers seeking the ultimate combination of luxury, practicality, and road-dominating style, the 2021 Escalade stands at the top of the class.
If you want a three-row SUV that feels like a rolling luxury lounge — packed with the latest tech — the 2021 Escalade is the king of the road.