2021 Cadillac Escalade Trims & Specs

Despite the many ways in which the 2021 Cadillac Escalade is improved over its predecessor, it isn't much more expensive. That said, this level of space and luxury doesn't come cheap. The base Luxury costs $76,195, and that's before tax, licensing, and registration costs, plus a $1,295 destination charge. Following this is the Premium Luxury at $82,995 and the Sport at $85,595. Topping the lineup are the Premium Luxury Platinum and Sport Platinum trims which, although styled differently, carry the same MSRP of $99,995. Upgrading to either 4WD or the long-wheelbase ESV will further inflate the price. On the base Escalade, 4WD will add a further $3,000 to the bill. The base Escalade ESV Luxury starts at $79,195, a $3,000 increase over the equivalent shorter model. A fully loaded Cadillac Escalade ESV Sport Platinum with 4WD and all the options ticked will cost over $120,000. Fortunately, the diesel option is a no-cost one to select.

A high standard specification doesn't mean that the Cadillac Escalade can't be upgraded with numerous extras. One of the pricier packages on the base Luxury derivative is the Performance Upgrade Package at $2,795. It adds a performance air intake system and a cat-back performance exhaust system. Even more expensive is the Radiant Package - which could be named the 'Bling' Package - at $3,245 which adds chrome alloy wheels, a bright sport mesh grille with Galvano surround, and puddle lamps with the Cadillac crest.

The Premium Luxury adds a number of additional upgrades such as the Driver Assist Tech Package. The total cost of this upgrade is $6,350 but additions are soft-close doors, adaptive cruise control, an adaptive air ride suspension, magnetic ride control, and the Performance Package that includes an electronic limited-slip differential. A rear-seat entertainment system can be specified for $1,995 at this level and includes dual 12.6-inch LCD HD screens. If you want Cadillac's fancy Super Cruise hands-free system, it can only be had as part of several other upgrades that will add a hefty $8,850 to the final bill. However, on the top two trims, Super Cruise can be added on its own for $2,500.

On the mid-range Sport and the pricier Sport Platinum, the Onyx Package goes for $2,295 and adds gloss black 22-inch alloy wheels, monochromatic Cadillac emblems, a gloss black Escalade name badge, and puddle lamps with the Cadillac crest.

Should you plan to use the third row frequently and need plenty of space behind it, the Escalade ESV is worth the price increase over the standard model. The base Luxury trim offers plenty of comfort features, but we think the Premium Luxury and Sport trims are worth the upgrade. We slightly prefer the Sport, which adds a more aggressive appearance plus the Magnetic Ride Suspension and a limited-slip differential. From there, we'd add the Driver Assist Tech Package for $3,660, which rolls in the Air Ride Adaptive Suspension, adaptive cruise control, soft close doors, rear automatic braking, and more. If you can show restraint without choosing any more options, you can get an Escalade ESV Sport for $93,540.