The 2021 Cadillac Escalade promises a host of flashy upgrades, including an independent rear suspension, massive 38-inch display, and Super Cruise driver-assistance technology. One thing that hasn’t changed dramatically is the 6.2-liter V-8 engine. Although it gets more sophisticated fuel-saving cylinder-deactivation technology, it makes the same 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque as before. So, we’re not surprised that the new Escalade’s fuel economy is about the same as its predecessor’s—meaning, well, just be glad gas is cheap.
Per the rig’s official EPA fuel economy estimates, the new Escalade with rear-wheel drive is rated at 15 mpg city, 20 mpg highway, and 17 mpg combined. Upgrade to four-wheel drive, and the ’21 Escalade’s figures drop to 14/19/16 mpg (city/highway/combined). It seems those figures apply to both the short- and long-wheelbase Escalade ESV models, and both are both better and worse than those of their 2020 counterparts.
Last year’s rear-drive Escalade was rated for 14/23/17 mpg (city/highway/combined), with 4WD dropping those to 14/21/17, meaning they boasted significantly better highway fuel economy but worse city and combined numbers. The drop in the Escalade’s highway efficiency is particularly odd given the V-8 engine’s highly touted, improved cylinder deactivation feature, but we’ll reserve judgment until we test a 2021 Escalade’s fuel economy ourselves in the real world. If you’re hinging your full-size luxury SUV purchase on fuel economy, the Caddy’s crosstown rival, the Lincoln Navigator, tops out at 19 mpg combined.
The new Escalade’s fuel economy numbers, predictably, match those of the 2021 Tahoe and 2021 GMC Yukon with the 6.2-liter engine. Of course, we’re still awaiting MPG numbers for the new diesel engine coming to GM’s big SUVs, which will be a no-cost option on the Cadillac. The 277-hp 3.0-liter turbodiesel inline-six will pair to the same 10-speed automatic transmission as the V-8 (the two engines share a 460-lb-ft peak torque rating), and should provide a considerable efficiency bump. If the diesel is behaves as it does in the 2020 Chevy Silverado 1500 pickup, it should feel buttery smooth.
Last month, Cadillac released some pricing information for the 2021 Escalade. Again, surprisingly, there is no difference in the starting price of gas and diesel models. No matter which engine you choose, prices start at $77,490 for rear-drive, short-wheelbase models and rise from there as you add four-wheel drive or jump to the longer-wheelbase model.
