2021 Cadillac Escalade
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.

- Class
- Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- Esv Luxury 4dr SUV, Esv Sport / Premium Luxury 4dr SUV, Esv Sport Platinum / Premium Luxury Platform 4dr SUV, Luxury 4dr SUV
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 6.2L 8-cyl
- Transmission
- 10-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 7
- Fuel
- Diesel, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 23 combined · 21 city / 27 hwy
- Length
- 211.8–227.2 in
- Curb weight
- 5,721–6,111 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 12 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 23 MPG combined — 17% better than the average 2021 standard SUV (19.6 MPG).
- AWD / 4WD available
- Seats up to 73 rows of seating.
- Lots of standard safety tech4 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Watch out for
- Higher rollover riskNHTSA estimates a 21.9% chance of rollover in a single-vehicle crash.
- 12 recallsMore than similar models (about 0). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 Cadillac Escalade is a standard SUV offered with 2 engines (3.0L 6-cyl turbo and 6.2L 8-cyl) and rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.
It measures about 227 inches long and 81 inches wide on a 134-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 5,869 lb (Esv Luxury 4dr SUV).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (21 city / 27 highway), 17% better than the 2021 standard SUV average of 19.6 MPG, for an estimated $4,150 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned a 4-star overall rating.
It has 12 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 169 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2021
- New body dimensions: 23.3 in longer, wheelbase +18.2 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
- New diesel version
- Engine added: 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
- Best combined MPG up from 17 to 23
- Now crash-tested by NHTSA: 4 stars overall
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 Escalade →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Arlington, Texas
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2021 Escalade configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Esv Luxury 4dr SUV | 227.2 in | 81.1 in | 76.4 in | 134.3 in | 68.5 / 68.1 in | 5,869 lb | 53/47 |
| Esv Sport / Premium Luxury 4dr SUV | 227.2 in | 81.1 in | 76.4 in | 134.3 in | 68.5 / 68.1 in | 5,992 lb | 53/47 |
| Esv Sport Platinum / Premium Luxury Platform 4dr SUV | 227.2 in | 81.1 in | 76.4 in | 134.3 in | 68.5 / 68.1 in | 6,111 lb | 53/47 |
| Luxury 4dr SUV | 211.8 in | 81.1 in | 76.8 in | 120.9 in | 68.5 / 68.1 in | 5,721 lb | 52/48 |
| Sport / Premium Luxury 4dr SUV | 211.8 in | 81.1 in | 76.8 in | 120.9 in | 68.5 / 68.1 in | 5,838 lb | 52/48 |
| Sport Platinum / Premium Luxury Platform 4dr SUV | 211.8 in | 81.1 in | 76.8 in | 120.9 in | 68.5 / 68.1 in | 5,972 lb | 52/48 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Escalade 2WD Diesel | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic 10-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 21 / 27 / 23 | +17% | $4,150 | 437 |
| Escalade 4WD Diesel | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic 10-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 20 / 26 / 22 | +17% | $4,350 | 444 |
| Escalade 2WD | 6.2L 8-cyl | Automatic 10-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 20 / 17 | -13% | $4,850 | 530 |
| Escalade 4WD | 6.2L 8-cyl | Automatic 10-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 14 / 19 / 16 | -15% | $5,150 | 558 |
| Escalade 2WD | 6.2L 8-cyl | Automatic 10-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 20 / 16 | -18% | $5,150 | 552 |
| Escalade 4WD | 6.2L 8-cyl | Automatic 10-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 13 / 19 / 16 | -15% | $5,150 | 570 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV SUV 4WD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 21.9% |
| 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV SUV 2WD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 21.2% |
Similar 2021 standard SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Cadillac Escalade (this car) | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 12 |
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class | 23 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (12)
Fuel System, Diesel › Storage › Tank Assembly · Sep 18, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V619000 · 12 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac Escalade, 2021, 2023-2024 Chevrolet Tahoe, and 2022 and 2024 GMC Yukon vehicles equipped with a 6-cylinder diesel engine. The original fuel tank may have been replaced with an incorrect fuel tank, which can allow fuel to leak in a rollover crash.
- Risk
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a vehicle fire.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect for the correct fuel tank and replace it, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 5, 2025. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N252512770. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on September 18, 2025.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Hard Parts Internal/Mechanical · Apr 24, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V274000 · 597,571 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with a 6.2L V8 gas engine. The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.
- Risk
- Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect the engine, and as necessary, repair or replace the engine. For vehicles that pass inspection, dealers will add higher viscosity oil, install 6 oil fill cap, replace the oil filter, and update the owner's manual. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 18, 2025. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N252494000.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Fluid/Lubricant › Valves/Valve Body · Oct 24, 2024
NHTSA campaign 24V797000 · 463,295 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with diesel engines. The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock-up.
- Risk
- Rear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will install new transmission control module software, free of charge. GM will provide a special coverage program to cover the repair of transmissions that are identified by the remedy software as containing a defective control valve. Owner notification letters were mailed December 12, 2024. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, GMC customer service at GMC 1-800-462-8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N242454440.
Exterior Lighting › Lighting Control Module › Software · Nov 3, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V827000 · 338,735 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Yukon, Yukon XL, Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, Cadillac Escalade, and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles. The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate when the headlights are on. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
- Risk
- Daytime Running Lights that do not deactivate as intended may cause a glare, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will provide an over-the-air (OTA) update for the Body Control Module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 15, 2022. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N222382220.
Seat Belts › Critical Fasteners · Aug 11, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V617000 · 484,155 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors, LLC (M) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with third-row seats. The rivet that retains the buckle to the mounting bracket in the left or right side third-row seat belt buckle assembly may have been improperly formed.
- Risk
- A seat belt with a deformed rivet may not properly restrain an occupant, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect the rivet head formation on both the left and right side third-row seat belt buckle assemblies and replace seat belt buckle assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed September 28, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 1, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N222372380.
Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft · Jan 27, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V036000 · 1,789 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, and Chevrolet Tahoe vehicles. The rear wheel driveshaft assemblies may have internal components that were not heat-treated properly, possibly resulting in driveshaft failure.
- Risk
- Driveshaft failure can cause a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the left and/or right rear driveshaft assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 14, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212351030.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump › Control/Drive Module · Sep 23, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V739000 · 14,939 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The fuel pump power control module may cause the fuel pump to fail or operate intermittently, which can interrupt fuel flow to the engine, and cause an unexpected engine stall.
- Risk
- An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the fuel pump power control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 14, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212332040.
Steering › Steering Control Module · Jun 17, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V455000 · 26,847 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. A software issue may cause a loss of power steering assist at startup or while driving.
- Risk
- Increased steering effort, particularly at lower speeds, increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- The power steering module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 13, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212333900.
Air Bags › Srs Malfunction Warning Lamp/Light · Jun 10, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V421000 · 285,622 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Buick Envision, Cadillac CT4, CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Corvette, Suburban, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL vehicles. The communications gateway module incorrectly processes a loss of communication with the sensing diagnostic module (SDM), causing the air bag malfunction indicator light to inconsistently illuminate.
- Risk
- The air bag malfunction indicator light may fail to warn the driver of a problem with the air bag, increasing the risk of injury.
- Fix
- The communications gateway module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 1, 2021. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212338110.
Seat Belts › Rear/Other · Mar 18, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V190000 · 94,641 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Chevrolet Suburban, and Tahoe vehicles with third-row seating. The third-row outboard seat belts may have been entrapped or misrouted behind the outboard seat-folding mechanism, which could result in damaged seat belts.
- Risk
- A damaged seat belt can break during a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the occupant.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the third-row outboard seat belts, replacing any damaged seat belts, and rerouting them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 21, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, and Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313000.
Seat Belts › Critical Fasteners · Dec 23, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V811000 · 470 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2021 GMC Canyon and Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV and Chevrolet Blazer, Camaro, Colorado, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500, Suburban and Tahoe vehicles. Incorrect bolts may have been used at one or more fastening locations to secure the seat belts to the vehicle. If an incorrect bolt was used, the seat belt may not be properly attached to the vehicle.
- Risk
- If a seat belt assembly is not properly attached to the vehicle, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspect bolts, free of charge. The recall began January 29, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8785, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202322230.
Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel · Dec 17, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V790000 · 3,203 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV vehicles. The front passenger seat belt and airbag status telltale lights located in the overhead console in these vehicles may be set to "night mode" when the vehicle is started using remote start or when the vehicle is turned off and re-started after approximately ten minutes without opening the door. In daytime, if night mode is active, the telltale lights may not be visible, and fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 101, "Control and Displays" and 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
- Risk
- If the telltale lights are not visible, the driver and front passenger may not know that the front passenger is unbuckled or has a deactivated air bag, increasing the risk of passenger injury in a crash.
- Fix
- The body control module (BCM) software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. The recall began February 1, 2021. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202319980.
Not every 2021 Cadillac Escalade is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2021 Cadillac Escalade buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 12 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 107 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Power Train — 23 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Electrical System — 23 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 40,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 Cadillac Escalade. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Escalade years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Escalade | 17 | 228.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 Escalade | 17 | 227.2 in | Not rated | 4 | 54 |
| 2025 Escalade | 17 | 227.2 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 39 |
| 2024 Escalade | 23 | 227.2 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 74 |
| 2023 Escalade | 23 | 227.2 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 234 |
| 2022 Escalade | 23 | 227.2 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 143 |
| 2020 Escalade | 17 | 203.9 in | Not rated | 2 | 36 |
| 2019 Escalade | 17 | 203.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 59 |
| 2018 Escalade | 17 | 203.9 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 37 |
| 2017 Escalade | 17 | 203.9 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 89 |
| 2016 Escalade | 17 | 203.9 in | Not rated | 4 | 104 |
| 2015 Escalade | 17 | 203.9 in | Not rated | 9 | 106 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Cadillac. How we calculate this →