Cadillac has given the 2021 Escalade the tagline “Never stop arriving” which seems apropos for a full-size SUV that shows up in nearly every way. Having undergone a complete redesign, the 2021 Cadillac Escalade finds itself securely at the top of the company’s lineup showcasing the high-tech features and plush accommodations buyers are looking for.

The three-row SUV is built on the same platform as the Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe, and the GMC Yukon at the General Motors Arlington Assembly plant outside of Dallas. The platform is ridged and good, allowing the Escalade and its brethren to take on corners at speed without fear of coffee spilling.

The Escalade continues to have a commanding presence on the street.Photo courtesy of Cadillac

That also means that it’s big. Huge, in fact. But, the Escalade isn’t so big it’s unmanageable. Sure, you’ll need a stepladder to see below the hood. But, how many Escalade owners are doing their own maintenance these days? Camera views help tremendously, as does safety technology.

As tested in the Premium Luxury trim, the two-wheel drive Escalade was powered by Cadillac’s standard 6.2-liter V8 that’s paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, a fresh addition to GM’s offering list. The power plant delivers 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, just as it is in the SUV’s full-size GM stablemates, and has the same SAE-certified horsepower and torque top-out points. It’s a competent power plant but it works better in the Yukon Denali.

Why?

That’s the big question. The two SUVs are nearly the same weight – pushing 5,800 pounds – and were similarly equipped underneath, as tested. Yet, the Escalade drove like it had a 1,000 pound-boulder strapped into the second row. It didn’t feel as agile or swift as the Yukon, but also didn’t give the feeling like you’re towing when you’re not.

The Escalade’s imposing body style is not so large that it proves unmanageable.
Photo courtesy of Cadillac

The Escalade was test driven back-to-back-to-back with other vehicles in its segment, the Yukon and the Ford Expedition, and it proved to be, hands down, the least maneuverable. Those poor limousine service drivers in L.A. are not going to enjoy working their way up, and then back down the snaked driveways of the Hollywood elite in this Cadillac.

However, once they get on the road and are able to sit back and relax a touch with their clientele all buckled up, they’re going to enjoy the drive. The tester wasn’t equipped with GM’s Super Cruise, which is a hands-free driver assist technology, but the addition would be a welcome one as the lane keep assist isn’t as proactive as other systems from other automakers, and the massive Caddy requires a driver’s full attention to stay in the lane.

The 2021 Escalade’s massive standard 38-inch OLED screen display area is the highlight of the interior and likely the biggest talking point of the vehicle. Its layout is sensical, proves to not be distracting while driving, and supplies just the right amount of information without going overkill on moving graphics.

The OLED display darkens to deep black at night, giving your drivers’ eyes a rest.Photo courtesy of Cadillac

The best part of the tech, which is actually made up of three separate screens under the same thin housing, is that it quickly and smoothly goes to near-black, giving drivers the least amount of distraction possible while on the road at night. Its resolution is twice the pixel density of a 4K television.

Though a minor issue, the screen’s design does not allow for turn signal indicators to be easily seen as they are positioned directly behind the steering wheel rim. With the indicator’s generally soft tone, it’s easy to miss when an indicator remains on when exiting a roundabout or merging into traffic.

Surrounding the Escalade’s screen are a variety of appointments, some of which feel and look luxurious while others do not. These are, however, typical General Motors product quibbles. The synthetic materials on the dashboard, and thin leather door inserts are not as luxe as what you’ll find in SUVs made by Cadillac’s rivals. Not that anyone will notice them for long with the OLED elephant in the room.

The layout of the OLED display is easy to understand and read on-the-fly.
Photo courtesy of Cadillac

Seats in the Escalade are comfortable, providing ample room. No matter the row, the upholstery is well-executed and the ride is sublime as the suspension easily soaks up the road’s imperfections. It’s a vehicle the aforementioned elite won’t mind being seen in and will look forward to riding in.

Along with its comfortable seats and enough legroom in all three rows for adults, one of the best parts of the Escalade is its sound system. It’s the first vehicle with an AKG system (offered with either 19 (standard) or 36 speakers), and it pairs the system with an already-quiet cabin. The sound is all-encompassing for front row occupants and musical elements are separated, coming at you like you’re at a concert, rather than listening to a glossed-over recorded session. Turning it up, the quality of the sound is not lost. D-E-lightful.

Individual technology elements of the Escalade are why buyers should choose it over the Yukon and the Lincoln Navigator. The OLED display, Super Cruise, and AKG sound system make the Cadillac a step up from its competition even though its drive feels like a step down.

Cadillac has made the seats of the Escalade comfortable and appointed them well.
Photo courtesy of Cadillac

The Cadillac Escalade is pricey. As tested it was well over $85,000, and that’s just a mid-grade model. The Escalade faces stiff competition from the Yukon Denali, which comes in at least $15,000 cheaper and delivers a better drive experience. The similarly priced Navigator is also an elegant option that’s sure to be upgraded with Ford’s hands-free driving technology in the not-too-distant future.

There may be a sleeper competitor on the horizon. The Jeep Grand Wagoneer is set to debut soon and will likely rival the Escalade with its sound system and elegant design, and come with a similar price tag.