2021 Cadillac Escalade Super Cruise | The Hands-Free Experience You Need

[@mybro727]

You’re genuinely the ONLY reviewer I’ve seen to use the turn signal stalk correctly whenever you’re NOT making a turn, but only a simple lane change. It makes the greatest difference while the Super Cruise feature is engaged. I’ve seen so many operators latch the turn signal either left or right and after the vehicle has successfully changed lanes the driver has to manually disengage the turn signal and return it back to it’s original resting position. That’s *not* the most effective way to make a lane change with Super Cruise. However, _you_ got it right! What can I say? It’s the small things that stick out to me. Great review!

[@stevehammes]

Great point! It's one less step you have to do by just touching it.

[@mybro727]

@@stevehammes Exactly! And that’s arguably the main point in autonomous driving technology, it’s to reduce the “steps” of or fatigue from all the reaching, twisting, pushing, pulling, etc. that we do on longer drives. SN: I wonder if GM picked up on the fact that the release of this feature alone is literally a second round of advertisement for the same vehicle(s). You said yourself, you’ve reviewed this vehicle once before already because of it’s all new architecture for 2021 but now you’re reviewing it again solely because of the upgraded technology and the rollout of one of their latest innovative features here. What a great marketing technique IMO.

[@bentleytran1442]

Love love love this Escalade

[@Andrew8126]

Thanks for the look, Steve. Definitely seems that Caddy is the only one “ready for prime time” with this tech, including Tesla. I will never, ever buy an Escalade or anything that size, but I DO see the appeal. Nice to see it mature so well.

[@davidwolf226]

Interesting, Steve. Speaking for myself, I've been leasing my vehicles since just before I retired over 8 years ago. So, given the "connectivity" fee for the Super Cruise that would be incurred after the first 3 years, a lease of this vehicle would also be a no-brainer for me.

[@rj9617]

Nice looking ride!

[@reynaldocordero4247]

Autobot roll out. In my Optimus Prime voice 🤗.

[@Integratedcraig]

Steve, as per normal, your reviews are superb! I always appreciate your common sense approach to auto-review. My real concern with the Escalade, is the apportioned space available in the second row. As a taller driver over 6'0 tall, AND with taller teenagers, there is simply not enough space between the rows, this is not the case with some of the other full size contenders in the category. Furthermore, the head space seems/feels/appears greatly reduced due to the pano-glass roof and requisite AKG 30+ speakers that are now filling the ceiling space of so many new cars, trucks and SUV's. A trend that is scary to the 'larger' set among us. I would love for you to really take a deep dive into the advertised space of these full size SUV's, as I've learned in some cases are simply not full sized. Steve, this family very much appreciates all you do in your reviews and the professional nature of your delivery. Sempre Avanti.!!

[@velboone6041]

Beautiful

[@lancelane217]

I guess if you can afford a six figure luxury liner like this, the additional $25/month is nothing. Hopefully the technology will find its way down to the common brands more quickly, as I am incredibly irritated by the wandering texters that can't seem to stay between the lines. Nice review!

[@stevehammes]

Thanks, Lance!

[@Jferrari427]

Pretty cool tech. Although I wish the heavy subscription models would go away. I’m ok with adding $2500 to the bottom line, despite $25/mo ($300/yr) after 3 years being not too crazy, but you’d really have to use the feature for it to make sense as a recurring vehicle expense. I guess if you’re dropping $100k+ on a vehicle, you’re not too concerned with $30 a month.

[@cmair77]

Would love to try it on the 1500 mile trip down I-75 to Florida

[@stevehammes]

Amen! I’ve driven from New York to Florida more times than I can count and this would be so incredibly awesome to have

[@superioraddo2381]

Very interesting Steve...I love your videos but please kindly review the Toyota landcruiser..that's another big boy I need to know more about

[@trewilliams54321]

A chance for GM to do something really big and smart with technology that they(kinda)have a hold on...guess we’ll have to wait and see what they do. Cool review, Steve😎

[@stevehammes]

Thanks, Tre!

[@normt430]

Selling like hotcakes to $100,000 too!

[@inchlorIentztJiIu]

Top 5 CARS THAT MAKE YOU FEEL LIKE THE KING OF THE ROAD 1. 2021 CADILLAC 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

[@Nate-zy5ce]

Thanks Steve, for yet another solid review. Any chance you, or any posters here, might reply here with some added insights into two issues I am struggling with. One, how well the 2021 Escalade can handle off road, and how that is accomplished mechanically/electronically? And two, and more importantly, how well the 2021 Escalade can handle winter driving, be it highways or less well maintained back roads, especially during the most severe snow storms and winter driving conditions (Those are the best ski days after all)? I realize this is a luxury vehicle, and not one to take "off roading", but it is still supposed to be an suv, it does appear to have all the same mechanical/electronics under the hood that the AT4 and Denali have, as long as you include its heavy towing package to get the ltd slip differential and 4W Low, and I do want something that can handle the broader array of road and weather conditions, especially ski season in mountainy ski country, not just summer driving on well maintained roads and highways. I would also welcome insights into the new diesel version. Its high torque kicking in at lower rpm's is great, but that low 277 hp concerns me, and though I want the much improved mpg of the Escalade Sport Platinum turbo diesel, I worry about trade-offs, say its ability to handle passing going up mountain hills on highways at higher speeds, and if I should be concerned about the diesel at high altitudes (Denver is a mile high, some cities are 7k and 8k feet high), and running or starting in sub zero temperatures compared to the 6.2 liter. Thanks. (Note: I have been considering the 2021 Yukon AT4, and love its higher sidewall 275/60/20 tires, but it's not anywhere near as luxurious as the Escalade, and I will be doing a lot of highway driving in the summer too, and it doesn't come with either the 6.2 liter or the diesel. I have also been considering the smaller but still large coupe style 2021 Audi Q8 or SQ8, it is very nice, but I prefer the full size suv, as long as it works for me, and am thinking the Cadillac might handle the winter roads and weather better than the Audi.)

[@stevehammes]

I have thoughts but give me until Thursday. Just a tad busy right now.

[@Nate-zy5ce]

@@stevehammes Thank you so much, Steve. That would be great.

[@stevehammes]

I'm late. Sorry. So I'm producing my Yukon AT4 vid right now. And I've driven the diesel Suburban and 2 Escalades. If you're really concerned with having the off-road potential you can save yourself a ton of money and get the AT4. Interestingly, you cannot get snow tires for the Escalade...they don't exist. The 4-wheel drive systems are essentially the same with the exception of the optional limited slip on the Yukon. Plus, you also get an off-road driving mode to go with it. The diesel is a great engine but the 5.3 in the AT4 (only engine available) is more than enough. I wouldn't worry about any of your other concerns.

[@Nate-zy5ce]

@@stevehammes Thanks, Steve. I look forward to your review on the AT4. One thing I'm wondering about the AT4 is if you drive 2WD instead of the 4WD, and an easy mode, if when you do so how much better the mpg might be city and highway. I saw a review a month or so ago where the reviewer said on his long distance highway drives he got 3-4 mpg better than the highway rating. That would be amazing. I could see myself driving 2WD most of the year, but for those time it is pouring down rain then Auto or when off road, and then using auto most winter days but full time 4WD during and after the storms when snow is always on the road, and maybe 4WD Low on the rare occasion needed. If you want to comment on any of that as part of your AT4 review that would be great. Oh, I did get the chance to test drive an AT4 and noticed what some reviewers have said, that the seat is a little thin and firm, with less side bolstering, though most said it was acceptable. One guy said he thought it might soften with use over time. Apparently the Denali has the same padding but a slightly higher quality leather. That seat comfort is a concern for me, because among my driving will be a lot of long distance. So if you want to comment on that issue in your review, I'd welcome it. Just so you know, I've watched well over 100 reviews this last month or so on different vehicles as I've narrowed my choices, and your reviews are among the very best, certainly top 5. So great job. And thank you. As for your comments above about my questions. Thank you so much. I do have two follow ups: First, I would get the loaded version of any vehicle I decide on, so in the case of the AT4 and Denali that 2 speed transfer case and Electronic ltd slip differential are included. I have assumed that's part of the Active Response 4WD System they promote. I have learned, however, that if you get the high end Escalade with the optional Heavy Duty Towing Package, it will come with a 2 speed transfer case and Electronic ltd slip diff. I hope that means it would have that same Active Response 4WD System that sends power/torque to any or all of the 4 wheels, but I don't know for sure. I do know that by adding that you also get the 4WD Low option with the Escalade. Am I right to assume given all this that the Escalade has the same off road capacity but is tuned down for luxury/comfort so nowhere near as effective, for that reason and the thinner 22 tires compared to the AT4's 275/60/20's it's just nowhere near as good off road? Can you expand at all on that? Also, just a heads up, in a Canadian review of the 2021 Escalade he had put Bridgestone Blizzak's on his Escalade; and when I went to Discount Tire online, it showed both that Blizzak as well as a Nokian snow tire available for the Escalade, matching at least the core numbers of the tire size (275/50/22). That may be something new since you did your review? Thanks again for everything. And if you can spare a few moments, please feel free to respond to my follow up question(s). Keep up the great work. I look forward to your AT4 review. And in case you are interested, I've narrowed my choices down to the Escalade Sport Platinum with tow package and the diesel, the top trim, loaded AT4 (Maybe the loaded Denali Ultimate with diesel but likely not), or the Audi Q8 or SQ8 Prestige if I choose a coupe style suv, all the latest 2021 models. Am trying to educate myself more now on the pros and cons of the Audi all wheel drive system versus the GM 4 wheel drive systems. Am almost to the point of decision, and purchase, a few weeks to a couple months at most. I think I'll wait for your AT4 review first. And as for my going off road, it isn't what most people think of as going "off roading". Just people able to get to destinations. My bigger concern is less well maintained or rough secondary roads, and any roads during the worst snow and ice storms, and the bumps and washboards that often come with such storms.

[@keithbeef]

It'd be interesting to see those commuting statistics for people with the smaller vehicles. I haven't done a 50 mile+ drive in 2 years (unless its riding a motorcycle for pleasure). I certainly wouldn't be willing to pay $25 a month for the privilege of basically never using it.

[@limpunsing224]

How about a comparison review with GLS 450 & X7 40i ?

[@healthyamerican]

maybe im the only one on earth who feels that hands should remain on the steering wheel at all times

[@Xenon-4300]

All these companies want you to subscribe now so they can constantly report revenue. $25 a month isn't bad, but it just seems like a way for them to milk more dollars out of consumers. Subscription mania is right!

[@DrewFu319]

A little odd that Tesla wasn’t mentioned here for comparison.

[@stevehammes]

You know why? 1) despite our amicable relationship they haven’t loaned cars to me for whatever reason so I can’t compare and 2) I still don’t consider them a mainstream automaker.

[@YODAddyLIVE]

@@stevehammes Curious as to what would make them "mainstream" in your definition? If it comes up enough in peoples comparison shopping I would consider it mainstream.

[@evoemperor3776]

If it relies on updates then think of it as a Playstation when it gets old enough they cut the server.

[@johnls39]

It will get over-the-air updates that will make the system feel new. However if more advance driving aids come out a year or two like Ultra Cruise, it will not be used for the '21 model due to needing extra sensors.

[@jondoes6895]

Subscription to drive your car is BS IMHO.

[@anthonyb2559]

I hate white cars but this is gorgeous in it

[@alexone7516]

The green/red LED light is so disturbing and annoying. It's the only thing that keeps me not buying it. I don't want to drive with a LED light in my face. It's stupid. In addition, you have constant flashing red LED dots in your face.