2021 Cadillac Escalade — Full Specifications
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The 2021 Cadillac Escalade is an SUV offered with 2 engines (3L 6-cyl turbo, 6.2L 8-cyl). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 28 mpg (UK) / 23 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 19–28 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a Cadillac Escalade workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2020 Cadillac Escalade: Fuel economy improves from 20 to 28 mpg (UK) combined on the most efficient configuration. EPA lists new engine options for 2021: 3L 6-cyl turbo. It holds a 4★ overall NHTSA rating (none is on record for the 2020 model).
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 3L 6-cyl turbo |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 3L 6-cyl turbo · 6.2L 8-cyl |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Automatic 10-spd |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | SUV |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 28 combined / 25 urban / 32 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 23 combined / 21 city / 27 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 272 g/km |
| EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | 2 / 10 (10 = lowest emissions) |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $4,150 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 4 configurations for the 2021 Cadillac Escalade across 2 engines (3L 6-cyl turbo, 6.2L 8-cyl). Combined fuel economy ranges from 16 to 23 mpg (US), or 19 to 28 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic 10-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 26 | 22 (20/26) | 276 | $4,350 |
| 3L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic 10-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 28 | 23 (21/27) | 272 | $4,150 |
| 6.2L 8-cyl | Automatic 10-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 19 | 16 (14/19) | 347 | $5,150 |
| 6.2L 8-cyl | Automatic 10-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 | 17 (15/20) | 329 | $4,850 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
Owner Essentials for the 2021 Cadillac Escalade
Running Costs: 2021 Cadillac Escalade
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2021 Cadillac Escalade at 28 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,299 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $4,150 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Planning a road trip? Grab a road trip packing list. Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2021 Cadillac Escalade Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 11 safety recall campaigns that include the 2021 Cadillac Escalade (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Seat belts (3), Power train (2), Fuel system (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Fuel system — campaign 25V619000, reported 18 September 2025. Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a vehicle fire.
- Engine and engine cooling — campaign 25V274000, reported 24 April 2025. Risk: Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.
- Power train — campaign 24V797000, reported 24 October 2024. Risk: Rear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.
- Exterior lighting — campaign 22V827000, reported 3 November 2022. Risk: Daytime Running Lights that do not deactivate as intended may cause a glare, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
Showing the 4 most recent of 11 campaigns.
Owners have filed 160 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Cadillac Escalade. The most-reported areas are Engine (101), Power train (22), Electrical system (21). Complaints include 5 reported crashes, 2 reported fires, 5 reported injuries. That is well above the median of 59 complaints across the 17 Cadillac Escalade model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2021 Cadillac Escalade
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Engine (101 owner complaints) — Listen for unusual noise on a cold start, check for warning lights and ask for the service records.
- Transmission & drivetrain (2 recall campaigns · 22 owner complaints) — On the test drive, watch for hesitation, jerking or slipping between gears and ask for transmission service history.
- Engine cooling (1 recall campaign · 17 owner complaints) — Check coolant level, look for leaks and make sure the temperature stays steady in traffic.
- Seat belts (3 recall campaigns) — Check every belt latches and retracts properly and that any restraint recalls were completed.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
How does the Cadillac Escalade compare to similar SUVs? SUVs in our database average around 27 mpg (UK) combined — this model sits close to that average, within 1 mpg. Its 272 g/km CO₂ figure is 19 g/km higher than the 253 g/km average for SUVs on this site. This comparison is based on 1824 SUVs in our dataset.
At 28 mpg (UK) combined it sits close to the 27 mpg average for Cadillac models in our database. Its 272 g/km CO₂ figure is 24 g/km higher than the 248 g/km Cadillac average.
Of the 17 Cadillac Escalade model years we cover, the 2021 is the most economical on its best configuration (28 mpg UK combined). See every Cadillac Escalade year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2021 Cadillac Escalade
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2021 Cadillac Escalade have?
EPA lists 2 engines for the 2021 Cadillac Escalade: 3L 6-cyl turbo, 6.2L 8-cyl. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 3L 6-cyl turbo with a automatic 10-spd.
What is the fuel economy of the 2021 Cadillac Escalade?
The most efficient configuration returns around 28 mpg (UK) combined, or 23 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 19 to 28 mpg.
How much does the 2021 Cadillac Escalade cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $4,150 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2021 Cadillac Escalade have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 4 stars, with 4 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2021 Cadillac Escalade have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 11 safety recall campaigns that include the 2021 Cadillac Escalade (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Seat belts (3), Power train (2), Fuel system (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2021 Cadillac Escalade?
Among the 160 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Engine (101 complaints), Power train (22 complaints), Electrical system (21 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
Is the Cadillac Escalade's fuel economy good for an SUV?
Yes — it returns around 28 mpg (UK) combined, against a same-body-style average of roughly 27 mpg among the SUVs we track.