2021 Cadillac Escalade Luxury SUV Review | Better than the Navigator?

The fully redesigned 2021 Cadillac Escalade is a luxury SUV that has more interior space, especially for rear passengers, significant gains in second-and third-row seating space, and added cargo space. The enhanced driving dynamics with a new independent rear suspension and available Magnetic Ride Control, Air Ride Adaptive Suspension, and Electronic Limited Slip Differential.
We take it for a drive and give it a Car Coach Reports Rating in 10 categories. If I didn't cover anything else, put it in the comments below and I'll be happy to answer your questions.
Competitors:
Lincoln Navigator • 2020 Lincoln Navigator...
Mercedes GLS • Mercedes G-Wagon Is Un...
Lexus 570 • Lexus LX570 2020 - Is ...
0:00 2021 #Cadillac #Escalade
1:01 what's new on the Escalade
1:52 Performance - gas and diesel and MPG - horsepower
3:24 Handling - Cadillac escalade pov
5:07 Safety - night drive
7:51 Visibility - HUD
9:06 Seating Comfort - massage
12:28 Technology - supercruise
19:09 Features - super tech SUV
22:47 Design
25:16 Quality
25:46 Cargo
27:03 Value & insurance
28:12 Car Coach Reports Total
29:18 Comments and questions
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[@johnshuler8688]

I’m hooked. I’m shopping large SUVs. What an excellent, thorough review including many things to consider!You really did your homework ma’am! I’ll be checking out Your other reviews.Thank You so much!

[@CarCoachReports]

Thank you! Glad it helped you. Please spread the word. If you questions, let me know. 😊

[@thenotoriousc8846]

Man she got a body like Kim k dayummm

[@user-xl2dg9kp2b]

@@CarCoachReports Cadillac escalade or Mercedes gls, which one would you rather have and why?

[@christopherbourgeois5833]

Wonderful review of this vehicle. I took the plunge about 3 weeks ago after driving a F250 for the last 20 years. The attention to detail in this vehicle is awesome, the features are useful and its a beautiful design. I recently traveled from Houston to Austin and used the super cruise feature for the majority of the drive without an issue. My daughter was able to watch a movie in the back and we had 2 small suitcases, folding chairs, ice chest and hanging clothes and could of put much more (normal size not the ESV).

[@carlomendoza1687]

This is the most exact review I’ve ever watched. Now I know what to buy. Excellent video.

[@agustinliden6189]

I really love this Car driving Review you did on the 2021 Cadillac Escalade, and I would like to say that, I'm super eager to order a new Cadillac Escalade in the absolute most luxurious version and in the ESV.

[@bobdavis3357]

GREAT REVIEW, as usual. I absolutely love the Slade.

[@andrekleyn727]

This thing is humongous in size, but boy oh boy, the tech, comfort and safety is simply outstanding 🙂

[@CarCoachReports]

agreed

[@thewindofchangescorpion0075]

me , searching that Escalade on OfferUp in 2044!! with a salvage or rebuild title 😌

[@JoeGM24]

Great review!! Escalade is such a beautiful SUV. The Escalade ESV Platinum is my dream car. I currently have the XTS Platinum and I love it, but once I'm ready to upgrade, I'm getting the Escalade. :)

[@CarCoachReports]

You will love it

[@AL-pu7ux]

This is a really good review. Very helpful to buyers. Went with the Navigator as it was not in its first year of a major re-design.

[@CarCoachReports]

Love the Navigator. Thanks for letting us know your thoughts

[@uzyoc]

One of the best and most detailed Escalade reviews. I am sold on this Escalade!!!

[@CarCoachReports]

Thank you very much - please share it around. 😊

[@osamabinladen824]

@@CarCoachReports I like it

[@avincb]

Again, your format brings the goods.

[@CarCoachReports]

😊

[@Mabeylater293]

My kind of review!!! Holding no punches!!!! THUMBS UP!!!

[@CarCoachReports]

🙂

[@themightymrpink]

26:05 That’s the max cargo volume rating for the standard wheelbase Escalade. The ESV version you reviewed offers 142.8 cubic feet of maximum cargo space behind the first row.

[@bingo2069]

Excellent video! You’re definitely a pro!

[@CarCoachReports]

Thank you 😊

[@jakebe4915]

Excellent review, ...you are up there in my book with Alex on Autos ..perfect balancing of information....indeed required with such a major purchase.

[@CarCoachReports]

Thank you very much! Please share and appreciate your support.

[@jackwright8163]

Just made the decision to pull the trigger on a 21. I went for the premium luxury . Can’t wait to pick it up.

[@cj4l323]

Love your videos! I could watch them all day long especially when it’s about my favorite GM trio ! Escalade ESV like this exact one is my dream

[@whommee]

You do a great review of this vehicle, the best information and presentation of any review of automobiles I have saw on KZbin.

[@CarCoachReports]

Thank you so very much!

[@davidhammond1475]

good review! love the detail you mention

[@CarCoachReports]

Thank you

[@rizaldymarcella5203]

Best car reviewer i have ever seen super detailed

[@CarCoachReports]

Thank you!

[@velboone6041]

This thing is beautiful 😍❤️

[@mrjodoe]

this front height escalade quickly

[@williebender1895]

Your reviews is the bomb sister I’m a new fan 😆

[@CarCoachReports]

Aww thanks

[@justSTUMBLEDupon]

Didn't know that about the airbag and the distance between the stearing wheel and your chest. Good info

[@CarCoachReports]

Thanks

[@realitydoll216]

Love those extra tips, especially the safety tips.

[@CarCoachReports]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@arcade8092]

Just awsome! Thank you~

[@CarCoachReports]

Thank you

[@normt430]

The Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, the GMC Yukon and Yukon XL, and the Cadillac Escalade account for 50% of all large SUV sales in the US. GM makes 340,000 of them every year and exports about 80,000 to 31 countries. They’re made in GM’s plant in Arlington, Texas, which is said to be the most profitable assembly plant in the world. We estimate they generate $20 billion in revenue for GM and about $4 billion in profits. Autoline Daily.

[@CarCoachReports]

Wow

[@cn4626]

That was an awesome review

[@CarCoachReports]

Thank you!

[@willw3736]

Great review!

[@CarCoachReports]

Thank you

[@dangriffin607]

Great review . . .as usual!

[@CarCoachReports]

I appreciate that

[@levonyoung7361]

I am for sure a new subscriber i love how you did this review and the Escalade is my dream car I am not old enough to dream yet though lol

[@CarCoachReports]

Thank you, welcome to the channel.

[@earledison7977]

The Escalade video was very informative. I like the extra storage, especially in the rear underneath! I need a place to conceal my golf club out of site!

[@earledison7977]

Correction: golf clubs

[@CarCoachReports]

lol yes, conceal your clubs. lol

[@Jawidagan94]

Very beautiful thanks. From somalia 🇸🇴♥

[@mtnbiker014]

Very thorough review. A few observations.... MPG - you indicated 21 city/27hwy. I've seen these same figures listed elsewhere as well, but that's just not accurate - although from what I've seen that maybe close for the 3l diesel. There's some variation with the mixture of 2wheel vs 4wheel and standard vs ESC, but generally the 6.2l is rated at 15cty/20hwy/17combined.. Cargo - you indicated 121 cubic ft. That's correct for the standard length. The ESC you demo'd is nearly 143.

[@CarCoachReports]

Thanks for that!

[@adrianpettway4180]

I’ve owned every generation Escalade from 99 until current. Even had a 2010 ESV. By far my fav features on the current model is the super cruse and the Qled screens. The screens are on par with the ones I have in my house. Looking forward to more reviews on the Escalade V series

[@frankie3591]

GM has really dropped the ball on Super Cruise. First they discontinued in 2021, then they bought it back as a standard and now it is discontinued.

[@CarCoachReports]

This all has to do with the microchip shortage. Believe me they would love it on every vehicle standard.

[@rmf2941]

Best review of new Escalade I've seen

[@CarCoachReports]

Thank you very much.

[@dogface2022]

Great review! A few things you might want to mention about the Yukon Denali... -GMC recommends premium (93 octane) fuel in the 6.2L. Lower octanes can be used with a lower engine performance. -I didn't hear anything about the Dynamic Fuel Management System which turns off cylinders to save fuel? -I don't care for the 2nd row buckets and went with the 60/40 power bench seats. Both my large dogs and my 2 grown children didn't care for them in our Acadia. -The Lane Keep Assist doesn't have lane centering. It keeps bouncing your vehicle from edge line to edge line. For +$80K, I was disappointed. -Automatic Emergency Braking works at speeds below 50 mph. -The rear camera mirror washer is a great feature.

[@CarCoachReports]

I could add all that and more - but it would be a one hour video. I agree with the Lane Keeping, I always shut it off. Drives me crazy along with the start / stop. Thanks for your comment.

[@mihaelapassow9950]

I don't like the fact that you keep calling it a Tahoe if it's so much like the Tahoe in the why am I paying the price of a Cadillac

[@Crazyuncle1]

Great review by someone who’s obviously done her homework. You almost make me want to buy one.

[@CarCoachReports]

Thanks

[@janyswhite3182]

I am buying this vehicle, it is beautiful!

[@naseeralkhalidialkhalidi9148]

The luxury car of my dreams, its durability, its size, is amazing

[@apacheman59]

If I'm not mistaken the 10 speed transmission is built by Ford and GM so both SUV's share the same transmission

[@manoman0]

Yes and No, both GM and Ford tune the 10 speed transmission very differently. I think, despite the collaboration, it is not the "same" transmission.

[@Passportbros8]

I have a hyundai 2021 palisade limited. It is just stunning. It has turned alot of heads. Everywhere i go even to the car wash and gas stations people ask me what kind of car it is. Some people would literally come up to my palisade limited and look into the car. I have had countless people congratulating me and telling me how stunning the car looks. My Hyundai Palisade Limited has some things and features that the 2021 Cadillac Escalade does not have. I thank you for taking the time to read my comment.

[@CarCoachReports]

Thank you for sharing your experience. Great news.

[@inchlorIentztJiIu]

Are you serious 😂

[@Passportbros8]

@@inchlorIentztJiIu Yes i am Serious Buddy. And a laughing emogi does not signify anything. I thank you for taking the time to read my comment.

[@joasimariosilva7844]

Aqui no Brasil e muito raro ver um desses! Seu canal e ótimo. 🇧🇷

[@CarCoachReports]

translation: Here in Brazil it is very rare to see one of these! Your channel is great. Thank you very much! (Muito obrigado!)

[@colsphere]

I like when you fold down the second row seats the headrest slams into rear passenger monitor... ouch! great engineering!

[@CarCoachReports]

Tell me about it

[@colsphere]

@@CarCoachReports see time 26:40

[@juliestanescu4976]

it only happens if the rear seat is brought all the way forward, but that's why you have a warranty and rear captain chairs so you can walk through. onlyreal flaw other than you can't over accelerate around turns...Damn safety feature!

[@Ev-mo]

I love screens and lights in cars just love it the bigger the nicer some people don’t like it I love technology and entertainment in cars by the way does this screen have wifi ? Can you watch KZbin or search the web and things like that ? If you connect to wifi ?

[@quanahhall]

planning on buying... would love to see examples in every exterior color option... that is my biggest problem with ordering a vehicle "sight unseen". it has been so hard to chose between colors I have not been able to compare and contrast with my own eyes

[@manoman0]

Am I seeing you recording yourself from overhead on a screen or is that some kind of screen-in-screen? Oh, and yes, I like your reporting on cars, pro and good info. Thanks.

[@CarCoachReports]

Yes and yes. Thank you very much! Appreciated

[@candsisslaughter9101]

EXCELLENT review as always! Recommend the Diesel or gas version for the ESV? Seeing bad reviews on the Diesel engine GMC is using

[@CarCoachReports]

I prefer the diesel for better torque, fuel economy and towing. I’d test drive both to see which one you prefer.

[@CarCoachReports]

I haven’t seen any bad reviews on the new Diesel engine yet.

[@mtnbiker014]

I've seen some critical comments on one aspect of the new" 3l diesel design. It has to do with the oil pump belt. Servicing/inspection is required @150k mile intervals. To do this it's necessary to back out the transmission in order to gain access to the belt.

[@candsisslaughter9101]

@@mtnbiker014 That is what I am seeing as well. Do you know if the engine in this 2021 is a new engine or a major redesign? I know sometimes these SUV will share engines with pickups of the same brand.

[@mtnbiker014]

@@candsisslaughter9101 this 3l diesel is exactly the same as offered in various GM pickups. I think just since 2020 MY so long term/high mileage reviews don’t exist.

[@Hemidakota]

I just wish they have added the mode interior lightning that is now seen on several newer MB vehicles for long-distance driving.

[@CarCoachReports]

That would be a great feature, I’ll pass the word along. Great idea

[@garythornton4523]

Nice review, one error, the seat massage selection is located on the seat left side lower, the seat heat and cooling is on the door which you referred to as the massage selection. Opps

[@bobdavis3357]

SWEET Ride! LOVE the Slade. Need's more HP and TORQUE though.

[@williebender1895]

They did a great job of blending the s class and 7 series interior together

[@wizardguy14]

I really like this! That interior is Fabulous glad GM spent more on the interior quality and beautiful design!! How does that too audio system sound?? Might have missed that part

[@CarCoachReports]

The audio system has a standard 19-speaker system or the optional 36-speaker AKG which is amazing!

[@TDBurrow]

Go check out the new Grand Wagoneer. That thing is beautiful, nicer than the Escalade to me.

[@wizardguy14]

@@TDBurrow I bet it is nice I went and test drove the New Grand Cherokee and it rides great and interior is plush for 53000 it was limited model I think it was pretty loaded! I don't recall seeing the Grand Wagoneer because I was in the showroom but they had 6 of the new Cherokee

[@realitydoll216]

I was leaning towards Denali because from other reviews it was 20k cheaper and had nearly all the same features. But I think the Escalade is worth the extra coins. Overall great review.

[@PS-zw4yc]

Performance. Handling. Ride quality safety is same. Exact same Caddie has trim differences and a sweet cluster and nav screen. The Denali is sweet but the infotainment is dated The overall is so close it’s crazy how much price difference there is.

[@realitydoll216]

@@PS-zw4yc Thanks. Which one do you have? Some reviews said that the Escalade had a smoother ride and the Denali was a little rough and felt big. Your thoughts?

[@femiogunsola5436]

@@realitydoll216 I've had both. Denali for a year before the Slade. Trust me, the Slade rides better , but they are both good SUVs

[@realitydoll216]

@@femiogunsola5436 Thanks. Do you feel like you are in a big SUV? How is backing up? It will be my first large SUV.

[@agustinliden6189]

Cadillac Escalade model 2021 is the most beautiful Cadillac Escalade ever made, and it has a beautiful and sexy interior with a lot of goodies you can play with, I prefer Cadillac Escalade ESV in the absolute most luxurious version.

[@devaneyjunior3764]

This is the best review by far. Congrats.

[@CarCoachReports]

Thank you!

[@devaneyjunior3764]

@@CarCoachReports greetings from Brazil 😊👍

[@CarCoachReports]

Hola - oops I don’t speak Portuguese. Thanks for watching!

[@MrFergilo]

Luv your presentation, objective and to the point .

[@CarCoachReports]

Thank you!

[@mvchia7442]

my 2016 Escalade ESV with magnetic ride and 22 inch wheels rides hard and uncomfortable its feels like you’re driving on a washboard road compared to my old 2009 escalade which has a much smoother ride did the new escalade do way with that 2016 hard washboard ride and how? I believe you give the overall score an 8 why?

[@AlexPyti]

Спасибо! Очень, интересно, подробно и информативно!

[@CarCoachReports]

translated: Thank you! Very, interesting, detailed and informative! Thank you!

[@bobdavis3357]

THERE's my Slade!! Have you been driving my caddy again? hahaha

[@CarCoachReports]

Lol

[@bobdavis3357]

The IRS allowed for more rear seat interior volume.

[@salmanhashmi4645]

That is an excellent review. You must be congratulated for a thorough job. What is your perspective on the long term reliability of turbo engine compared to naturally aspirated engines ? N.A. Is why I would prefer Cadillac. What are your views ?

[@CarCoachReports]

Personally I prefer a naturally aspirated engine. the new turbos are very reliable unlike those of the 80s.

[@CarCoachReports]

Thank you 😁

[@salmanhashmi4645]

You are welcome. I also prefer naturally aspirated engines. I feel that with impending electrification of cars and emergence of turbo’s and hybrids those who love N.A.’s should get their hands on one before they are eased out.

[@adrianpettway4180]

N.A 6.2 is a tried and true power plant. I’ve owned this vehicle in the 5.7 5.3 6.0 6.2 and now the 3.0 duramax diesel. Every single one of the gas N.A engines were reliable outside of normal wear items like coil packs and plugs, batteries and if I remember correctly I had to put a alternator on my ext. the verdict is still out on this baby duramax but so far it’s been rock solid and tows like a champ. I waiting to see the reviews on. The V series Escalade.

[@ministerfreddywhales4112]

What color is this? I'd like the same exterior color for my family by summer

[@CarCoachReports]

Dark Mocha Metallic

[@realitydoll216]

Is the rear and back up camera only in the mirror and not the dash?

[@CarCoachReports]

Mirror only

[@ernestvickers6079]

Love it! Just wish it had more Exterior Color options other than Black or White

[@CarCoachReports]

Agreed - they need a better color pallet

[@juliestanescu4976]

They have alot more colors

[@justSTUMBLEDupon]

@@juliestanescu4976 not enough

[@mtnbiker014]

@@justSTUMBLEDupon not too many colors look good on something that large.

[@bernardcaillouet5565]

Lauren did you say I can get an Escalade in a 3.0 liter diesel?

[@manthanyagnik20]

Awesome car

[@ApostleDrGregoryWrightPHD]

I love 💕 it

[@edkaempf906]

NIght vision. Cool. Or, just turn on the headlights.

[@QR_Code]

made for creepin, gotta turn the headlights off under certain situations 🤔

[@CarCoachReports]

😁

[@apache6084]

do the rear seat recline?

[@Saturdayz_In_The_Fall]

Best Escalade ever designed!! Too bad I won’t be able to afford it anytime soon

[@Hamzamain513]

Aslam Alkum My name is Hamza from Pakistan 🇵🇰 City of Sialkot industrial City Anyway I like your videos This Cadillac Escalade v8 6.2 litr My favourite SUV Because This is the big , Luxurious, heavy, V8 6.2 litr More Beautiful Shape This reason I like this big SUV Mashalla again I appreciate you and your videos Best of luck 🤞 Be happy 😊

[@derrickhouston2202]

hi is this dark mocha metallic for exterior color

[@CarCoachReports]

Yes it is. It’s a cool color

[@yadiigar]

Tank

[@oneup1098]

GREAT ARMY SENIOR VEHICLES : HE DESERVES A BEST SEAT ETC

[@CarCoachReports]

Agreed.

[@Bravowilly]

Lincoln Navigator 👨‍✈️ please and thank you!

[@CarCoachReports]

I agree

[@Romeo7771]

I do not understand why GM has made the ambient lighting so simple with so few choices of colors. Why it does not let you use the automatic color changing while you drive??? Also why the ambient lighting is so feint. You can not even see it at all during the daylight. But you can see it in the Mercedes easily during the day. Why, why why????

[@WhiteLivesMatterPL]

Way better than doug score

[@CarCoachReports]

Thank you!

[@ZmannR2]

Short answer. Yes.

[@mtnbiker014]

Even OLED screens will develop image ghosting. Wonder what Cadillac is planning to do for the customer when this will inevitably happen?

[@realitydoll216]

Do you think the Denali is a better buy? It would have been nice to compare the Escalade and Denali.

[@CarCoachReports]

The Denali is the better buy.

[@realitydoll216]

@@CarCoachReports Thanks.

[@pomonasantoyo5690]

@@CarCoachReports u got the best reviews and I ve been so confused for the last 5 weeks on whether to pay the extra $20k or so for the Escalade… I guess I m going for the Denali… muchas gracias!!

[@hazmirullah6759]

Best Car so is power full extrime 👍

[@qiaoliu188]

21/27 MPG, that’s impressive !

[@cps1321]

It's also wrong. It's 14 mpg city and 19 mpg highway

[@mario_survivor]

G.M need to make the Escalade slanted in the back like the Aviator is.

[@CarCoachReports]

The Aviator is beautiful.

[@dgvette1]

No way does it get over 20 mpg city, 27 hwy

[@PS-zw4yc]

The diesel does. Not the gas

[@ernesthogan8448]

👍👍👍

[@ulimbombonaulindi5088]

The front looks identical to the 2021 Land Cruiser 300? 🤔

[@JG-wn7cj]

The mercedes GLS is smaller than this, the only competitor is the Navigator

[@thomasfelder5279]

How much?

[@frankierobinsonsr277]

Should have had console in 2nd row would have really look nice that open space doesn't look good space that could be used.don't like captain chair most of the escalades I've seen the arm.rest after a while are pointing to the floor from leaning on them..give me the bench seat.if your going to have captain chairs put a console there..it would look better if you want luxury...Hell look at the big Q from infintey...other than that nice Cadillac

[@mtnbiker014]

2nd row console - you’re right, and it should at least should be an option.

[@kb8570]

nice looking car but they should have made it fully electric.

[@derekwilliams6188]

Basic Brands are becoming more and more Luxurious. That means the luxury brands need to go the extra mile now. Car companies are seriously coming up with new trends. It's 2021 so by now those 2nd row passenger doors on the Escalade and Navigator need to open up like the rear doors on a Rolls Royce and not the traditional way. It's 2021.

[@CarCoachReports]

That is a fact.

[@whitemailprivilege2830]

Is the new Escalade gluten free?

[@CarCoachReports]

Lol

[@inchlorIentztJiIu]

Top 5 CARS THAT MAKE YOU FEEL LIKE THE KING OF THE ROAD 1. 2021CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV PLATINUM SPORT 2. 2021 Rolls Royce Phantom 3. 2020 Cadillac Escalade ESV Platinum 4. 2020 Bentley Continental GT 5. 2021 Bentley Flying Spur

[@CarCoachReports]

We have driven all of them, big cars for sure.

[@CarCoachReports]

We have driven all of them, big cars for sure.

[@rickewald9257]

I own a ct5 and really like..very nice presentation, but much car than I need. I would feel very confident refering other large SUV drivers to this model. Thanks again great job!! My guess you know more than the Cadillac sales person. Rick

[@CarCoachReports]

Thanks for the comments. The sales person just wants you to buy the car. 😀

[@user-uu1bx9dv4h]

@@CarCoachReports Сколько стоит это машина ? я из Самарканд .

[@esubalewtilahun1055]

Nice

[@Hemidakota]

Tough fight between the coming Jeep Grand Wagoneer and this pinnacle of the top dog for the three-row SUV King.

[@CarCoachReports]

Tough call. I’ll be reviewing the new Grand Cherokee in 2 weeks.

[@SongsLove]

price

[@CarCoachReports]

$76,195 - $102,995

[@frankie3591]

The last good car Lincoln made was the Towncar whose production ended in 2011. After that it's a blur for me. Sticking to GM.

[@tasrinliza4413]

I like full size SUVs and bug trucks

[@CarCoachReports]

The brands are making some really great product.

[@JoseChavez-kq2cz]

I wish they add a faster Engine because the top speed on the Cadillac Escalade is 130 mph Which And Lincoln Navigator you Have v6 and it has a top speed of 150 mph who else would agreed?