The 2021 Cadillac Escalade just got a nice redesign to continue being a luxury king. However, the Caddy is still missing one crucial feature. General Motors tried to update the new Cadillac Escalade to be more modern, but they may have forgotten one important update. 

What is the 2021 Cadillac Escalade missing? 

Power. According to Cars.com, the 2021 Cadillac Escalade is missing the ‘S’ in SUV, which stands for sporty. This could be because the Escalade has the same engine that Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon have with their top trims. 

But the Escalade is supposed to be an upgrade from those models. Heck, the Cadillac Escalade has an MSRP of $76,195, so more should come with it. The High Country Chevy Tahoe, which is currently the highest trim option, has an MSRP of $70,895. 

To be fair, the engine in the Cadillac is still pretty beastly. It’s a 6.2-liter V8 engine with 420-hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. It can tow up to 8,000 lb when properly equipped. It can also accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about six seconds, according to Auto Blog. 

But despite having that power, the ride is a little lacking. It handles like a larger SUV with noticeable body roll around curves. Meanwhile, rivals have more nimble handling to execute agile maneuvers. 

The ride can be stiff and choppy. However, impacts are absorbed a little better than with rivals. The GM Magnetic Ride Control shock absorbers and air suspension help smooth out bumps, and the cabin is very quiet. 

What’s new for the 2021 Escalade? 

Some buyers aren’t interested in this luxury family hauler for the engine or a sport ride. So, if you can overlook those qualities, the Cadillac Escalade is very impressive. It has a new platform to increase space and comfort. It also has a new independent rear suspension to smooth out bumps. 

If you aren’t feeling the 6.2-liter V8 engine, you can spring with the new 3.0-liter inline-six diesel engine for 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. Both options are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. 

You can enjoy the latest tech with the option to have up to five screens in the cabin with USB-C ports in every row for charging devices. It also had Super Cruise technology. The dash features 38-inches of curved LED screens too. 

Cadillac Escalade features 

You can add four-wheel drive to your 2021 Cadillac Escalade, but it comes with a $3,000 price tag. The Escalade isn’t really built for off-roading, but 4×4 can help you live in a snowy area. 

The Car Connection is disappointed in the 2021 Caddy’s fuel economy. It gets an EPA estimated 15 mpg in the city, 20 mpg on the highway, and 17 mpg combined. Adding 4×4 will lower these numbers a little, and the diesel engine should be more fuel-efficient. 

The 2021 Escalade hasn’t been tested by the IIHS or NHTSA for safety ratings yet. But it comes with a few standard safety features such as automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, front and rear parking sensors, active lane control, a surround-view camera system. Optional features include adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitors, night vision, and more.