2021 Cadillac Escalade

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

Cadillac Escalade
Pictured: 2026 Cadillac Escalade ESV. Photo: BuickCentury04, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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

Engine–6.2L 8-cyl
Transmission10-speed automatic
DriveAWD/4WD
Seating7 seats · 3 rows

Trims

Premium LuxurySportSport Platinum

Safety & driver-assist features

Automatic emergency brakingStandard
Pedestrian emergency brakingStandard
Forward collision warningStandard
Blind-spot monitoringStandard
Rear cross-traffic alertStandard
Rear automatic brakingStandard
Lane departure warningStandard
Lane keeping assistStandard
Adaptive cruise controlSome trims
Parking assistStandard
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Adaptive driving beamStandard
Keyless startStandard
LED headlightsYes

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

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
Esv Luxury 4dr SUV227.2 in81.1 in76.4 in134.3 in68.5 / 68.1 in5,869 lb53/47
Esv Sport / Premium Luxury 4dr SUV227.2 in81.1 in76.4 in134.3 in68.5 / 68.1 in5,992 lb53/47
Esv Sport Platinum / Premium Luxury Platform 4dr SUV227.2 in81.1 in76.4 in134.3 in68.5 / 68.1 in6,111 lb53/47
Luxury 4dr SUV211.8 in81.1 in76.8 in120.9 in68.5 / 68.1 in5,721 lb52/48
Sport / Premium Luxury 4dr SUV211.8 in81.1 in76.8 in120.9 in68.5 / 68.1 in5,838 lb52/48
Sport Platinum / Premium Luxury Platform 4dr SUV211.8 in81.1 in76.8 in120.9 in68.5 / 68.1 in5,972 lb52/48

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Escalade 2WD Diesel3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic 10-spdRear-Wheel Drive21 / 27 / 23+17%$4,150437
Escalade 4WD Diesel3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic 10-spd4-Wheel Drive20 / 26 / 22+17%$4,350444
Escalade 2WD6.2L 8-cylAutomatic 10-spdRear-Wheel Drive15 / 20 / 17-13%$4,850530
Escalade 4WD6.2L 8-cylAutomatic 10-spd4-Wheel Drive14 / 19 / 16-15%$5,150558
Escalade 2WD6.2L 8-cylAutomatic 10-spdRear-Wheel Drive14 / 20 / 16-18%$5,150552
Escalade 4WD6.2L 8-cylAutomatic 10-spd4-Wheel Drive13 / 19 / 16-15%$5,150570
5/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
4/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $8,750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
19.6 MPG2021 Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV SUV 4WD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★21.9%
2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV SUV 2WD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★21.2%
StandardElectronic stability control
StandardForward collision warning
OptionalLane departure warning

Similar 2021 standard SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2021 Cadillac Escalade (this car)23 MPG★★★★★12
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class23 MPGNot rated0

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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2021 Cadillac Escalade is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

169Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
5Involved a crash
2Involved a fire
5Injuries reported
40,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Engine107
Power Train23
Electrical System23
Engine And Engine Cooling17
Fuel/Propulsion System13
Unknown Or Other10
Service Brakes9
Seat Belts5
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/10: 324/12: 125/01: 925/02: 225/03: 525/04: 825/05: 525/06: 725/07: 325/08: 1425/09: 625/10: 625/11: 425/12: 126/01: 426/02: 926/03: 526/04: 626/05: 126/06: 426/07: 326/08: 1526/09: 626/10: 924/1025/0225/0525/0825/1126/0226/0526/08max 15

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2021 Cadillac Escalade buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 12 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Engine — 107 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  3. Power Train — 23 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  4. Electrical System — 23 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 40,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. 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 →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 Escalade17228.3 inNot rated00
2026 Escalade17227.2 inNot rated454
2025 Escalade17227.2 in★★★★★139
2024 Escalade23227.2 in★★★★★274
2023 Escalade23227.2 in★★★★★4234
2022 Escalade23227.2 in★★★★★4143
2020 Escalade17203.9 inNot rated236
2019 Escalade17203.9 inNot rated159
2018 Escalade17203.9 in★★★★★237
2017 Escalade17203.9 in★★★★★289
2016 Escalade17203.9 inNot rated4104
2015 Escalade17203.9 inNot rated9106

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Cadillac. How we calculate this →