From tip to tail, the latest Escalade brings Cadillac’s luxury SUV into its fifth generation, refining all the things that endeared it to buyers in the first place: utility, comfort and style. Platform changes and a sharper look are just some of the substantial updates brought to Caddy’s flagship people-mover. The rest of the improvements reflect an increased focus on audio system quality and making all the jam-packed gadgetry easy to use.

The five trims of the 2021 Cadillac Escalade are split into two treatments: sport and luxury. The sport trims (right) are focused more on a darker aesthetic and the luxury trims (left) have a brighter, chrome-centric look.  Cadillac

On the outside, the Escalade has a sharper, more streamlined design where refinement is the name of the game versus drastic reinvention. Up front, the Escalade integrates its narrow LED headlamps into the grille, presenting the facia as an enlarged version of the Cadillac badge. There are two treatments within the trim hierarchy: sport and luxury. The trim lineup consists of the base Luxury, Premium Luxury, Sport Premium Luxury, Platinum and Sport Platinum. The sport trims have an exclusive grille and more blacked out design elements compared with the chrome detailing on the luxury models.

Beyond that and the SUV’s signature D-pillar-climbing tail lamps, there isn’t much in the way of ornamentation, letting the Escalade’s size and stature do all the talking, particularly when it comes to the larger version. 

The fifth generation Escalade receives an updated grille, a crisp belt line and modest updates to its signature vertical tail lamps (Platinum Luxury trim pictured here).  Alex Kalogiannis

The Escalade comes in two sizes, the standard version and the extended ESV. The giant SUV now stretches 17.5 feet, an 8-inch increase over the outgoing model; the ESV is nearly 19 feet in length. There are also two engine options: a 6.2-liter V8 that generates 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.0-liter inline-six turbo-diesel that puts out 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. Both are married to a 10-speed automatic transmission that sends power to two or all four wheels, depending on the drivetrain configuration (two- or four-wheel drive are choices across the lineup). 

One of the most significant changes to the Escalade for 2021 is the switch to an independent rear suspension, which makes the ride quality soother for rear passengers. This is certainly meant to improve the SUV’s overall driving dynamics but it largely freed up designers to sink the floor lower for improved cargo and passenger capacity.

The 2021 Escalade showcases the first curved OLED in the industry with over 38 inches diagonal of total display. Featuring twice the pixel density of a 4K television, this technology enables bold imagery, perfect blacks and the largest color range available in the automotive industry. Cadillac

Those at the helm of this luxury cruiser will have their hands full. Piloting a behemoth like the Escalade isn’t exactly effortless, though there are many systems in place to make the SUV livable. The technology removes from the driver the sense of operating a vehicle of its size. The parking sensor and 360-degree camera make easy work of navigating tight parking lots. Lane keeping assistance kindly nudges the Escalade back into the lane if it senses the markers are crossed. But it’s not as if drivers should fear the hulking SUV is difficult to drive straight; the body roll is surprisingly minimal. In fact, steering is responsive and smooth, and the turning circle is surprisingly manageable. To Cadillac’s credit, these high-tech tools are versatile and easy to access.

The brakes reign in the Escalade but there’s more exertion needed than could be comfortable when slowing from a speed above 40 mph, however, it’s a heavy vehicle. Drivers should always maintain control, but if a collision were imminent all trims but the base come with enhanced automatic emergency braking, which would stop the vehicle if it sensed the driver was distracted and there were objects ahead. The 6.2-lite V8 power plant gets the utility vehicle up to speed without hesitation and it merges on to freeways discreetly. 

The new curved OLED display is the centerpiece of the interior, enabling designers to integrate and customize the entire environment. The result is a completely fresh, integrated cabin look that seamlessly blends the technology with handcrafted details. Cadillac

Behind the wheel is a 38-inch curved OLED display that houses the gauge cluster, a small HUD control panel and the main infotainment screen. Within the primary 16.9-inch screen lives a robust collection of apps that include the typical entertainment and navigation systems. This unique feature adds a welcome element of style to an otherwise utilitarian element of the dashboard and it’s highly configurable, but drivers are free to use Apple CarPlay and Android Auto if they prefer. Between the conveniences and the essentials, the driver’s seat of the Escalade can feel like quite the command center, and Cadillac’s organization of inputs somehow manages to keep it from being overwhelming. 

Nevertheless, it’s about being driven in the Escalade, not driving it, and rear passengers are well looked after. There’s 168.4 cubic-feet of passenger volume available in the Escalade and 170.4 cubic-feet in the ESV, which, broadly speaking, translates to plenty of leg-and-shoulder room to satisfy every occupant for any length of time, especially for those in the second row. Seating is either two bucket seats or a split-fold bench seat, which can be swapped at no extra cost.

The new Escalade adds 8 inches to the length of the outgoing fourth-generation model for a total of 17.5 feet. The ESV is nearly 19 feet in length.  Alex Kalogiannis

From there, passengers have access to optional 12.6-inch touchscreens and can access all of the car’s entertainment options (at the driver’s discretion) or use them as monitors for external devices. Paired with the AKG-sourced audio system that, with 36 speakers and three amps delivering 28 channels of sound, and the Escalade becomes an all-in-one rolling theater, music studio and lounge. (Lower trims have the same premium audio, but with 19 speakers.) It makes for a great place for adults to hang while going to-and-from grown-up adventures, but also accommodating kids of all ages with whatever they’ll need to keep entertained during trips. Especially with the built-in 4G LTE Wi-Fi and myriad USB ports to work.

Road trips, carpools to the field or Costco runs are made even easier with the hands-free power lift gate that also can be opened with a push of the giant Cadillac badge. The 60/40-splitting rear seats fold down swiftly with the press of a button, opening more space for bulkier items or gear (a bike is easily stowed). Second-row captain’s chairs also fold and flip up for flexible storage options or just easier access to the third row. When commuting on a frosty night, the second-row outboard seat cushions are heated and the passengers have access to their own climate control. The driver also stays toasty with an automatic heated steering wheel. Massaging seats are also an extravagant plus.

The 2021 Escalade showcases the first curved OLED in the industry with over 38 inches diagonal of total display. Featuring twice the pixel density of a 4K television, this technology enables bold imagery, perfect blacks and the largest color range available in the automotive industry.

It seems as if the already well-appointed Escalade has layers of optional technology just to make life a little stress free. Buyers with a healthy budget shopping in this category will find that some of the nice-to-have features will quickly become must-haves, and Cadillac makes leveling up an easy decision.