The 2021 Cadillac Escalade starts its fifth generation with a thorough redesign. A new independent rear suspension, updated interior technology, attractive styling, and a new optional diesel-powered engine are part of its new generation. The 2021 GMC Yukon also introduces an all-new generation, with Denali as its top trim. Let’s take a look at both.
Design
The Cadillac Escalade offers some impressive new changes for 2021. The longest and largest Escalade extends 8 inches and lowers its floor for an additional 10.1 inches of third-row legroom. Escalade delivers a maximum of 121 cubic feet of cargo room with its standard wheelbase configuration. Behind the third-row seats you will get 25.5 cubic feet of space, and with the third row folded down, you will get 72.9 cubic feet of space. It seats up to eight people with the second-row bench seat and it drops down to seven with optional captain’s chairs. It has increased its cabin luxury in its materials, craftsmanship, and comfort. Leatherette seats with Linear Tiger Wood trim are standard, as well as ambient interior lighting, automatic heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, and 12-way power driver and front-passenger heated seats with lumbar function. You can choose from five distinct trims, with two choices of a Platinum trim: Luxury, Premium Luxury, Sport, Premium Luxury Platinum, and Sport Platinum. Starting price for the Luxury trim is $76,195 and ranges to a starting price of $99,995 for the Sport Platinum.
The range-topping Yukon Denali model offers an all-new interior design with extra luxury, finer interior materials and upgraded styling. The signature Denali Grille features a satin-chrome finish and block-style elements that create 10,000 reflective surfaces. It comes with second-row bucket seats, a unique instrument panel and a choice of four exclusive color themes. All themes feature premium leather seating surfaces, Denali-Exclusive fractal stitching and authentic wood details. It seats seven with its second-row bucket seats. All three rows of seats provide plenty of head- and legroom for adults to ride comfortably. Yukon Denali provides 25.5 cubic feet of space behind the third-row seats, which expands to 72.6 cubic feet with the third-row seats folded down and 122.9 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded down. Pricing starts at $68,400 for this top-ranging trim.
Safety and Technology
There are plenty of driver-assistance features that come standard in all trims of the Escalade. The standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, HD surround vision, front pedestrian braking, rear pedestrian alert, and a safety alert seat. All trims also come standard with a three-curved OLED displaying a 7.2-inch digital control panel, a 14.2-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 15.9-inch touch screen infotainment system - all laying on top of one another to create almost 38-inches of combined digital housing. Standard is wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability and a AKG Studio 19-speaker sound system.
The Denali features a 10.2-inch diagonal premium GMC infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, six speakers, satellite radio, HD Radio, a Wi-Fi hot spot, six USB ports, and Bluetooth. Navigation and a rear-seat entertainment system is available; as well as a power-sliding center console. Standard advanced safety features include rear view camera, rear seat reminder, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and front and rear parking sensors. Denali also adds a head-up display, a surround-view parking camera system, and rear pedestrian alert. An Advanced Technology Package includes a rear camera mirror and adaptive cruise control.
Power, Fuel, Pricing
All Escalades come standard with a powerful 6.2-liter V8 engine that produces 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. A newly available Duramax 3.0-liter turbo-diesel inline six-cylinder engine is an option and a 10-speed automatic transmission is standard with both engines. The turbo-diesel is estimated at 277 horsepower with the same torque output of 460 pound-feet. It now rides on an all-new platform with an independent rear suspension to help provide a smoother ride. Four-wheel drive is available on all models. A Performance Package is available on higher trims and includes Electronic Limited -Slip Differential, Magnetic Ride Control and Trailering Integration package. You will get an estimated 15/20 mpg city/highway with the rear-wheel drive and 14/19 mpg city/highway with all-wheel drive. The Escalade can tow between 7,400 and 8,200 pounds
The Denali comes with a 420-horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque V8 engine. The powerful 6.2L V8 engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It adds special features, such as Magnetic Ride Control, Hill Descent Control, and Hill Start Assist. An available Max Trailering Package that delivers a max towing capacity of 8,400 lbs. and features an enhanced cooling radiator is an option. It gets an estimated 15/20 mpg city and highway.
Conclusion
The newly redesigned 2021 Cadillac Escalade and the 2021 GMC Yukon Denali are sure to impress with their new style and performance. Each SUV features luxury class elements and design to their new styling, but are different in their infotainment system set-up and pricing.