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2021 Cadillac

Escalade 2WD

Auto 10-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, SIDI; Stop-Start

Cadillac Escalade: best and worst years
2021 Cadillac Escalade 2WD
2021 photoBaron MaddockCC BY 4.0Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Body
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WDEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel DriveEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Transmission
Automatic 10-spdEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Powertrain
GasEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Fuel
PremiumEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Engine & performance

Cyl
8EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Aspiration
Naturally aspiratedEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Start-stop system
YesEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Efficiency

MPG Hwy
20 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
MPG City
15 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
MPG Comb
17 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Fuel $/yr
$4,550EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
CO₂
530 g/miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Eco Score
3/10EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Smog score
3/10
Elec. Range
0 miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
SmartWay certified
No

Dimensions & capacity

Length
212 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/4/2026
Width
81 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/4/2026
Height
76 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/4/2026
Wheelbase
121 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/4/2026
Curb Weight
5,869 lbNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/4/2026

Safety NHTSA, model year

Overall crash rating
★★★★
Rollover rating
★★★★★
Stability control (ESC)
Standard
Forward-collision warning
Standard
Lane-departure warning
Optional
Recalls
9
Owner complaints
71
Reported injuries
2

Reported problems NHTSA owner complaints, model year

  • ENGINE36%
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM9%
  • ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING8%
  • POWER TRAIN8%
  • FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE7%
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER6%

Source: NHTSA owner complaints, 106 total.

Cadillac Escalade: best and worst years

Federal investigations NHTSA defect investigations, model year

  • RQ26001Openopened Jan 16, 2026ENGINE

    Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy

  • EA25007Openopened Oct 23, 2025ENGINE

    Loss of motive power due to engine failure

  • PE25001opened Jan 16, 2025ENGINE

    Loss of motive power due to engine failure

  • PE21010opened Apr 9, 2021AIR BAGS:SRS MALFUNCTION WARNING LAMP/LIGHT

    Air Bag Malfunction

Known issues manufacturer service bulletins, model year

536 service bulletins filed with NHTSA for this model year

  • Jun 5, 2026UNKNOWN OR OTHERPIT6477C

    This preliminary PI was created to advise techniians in the field that they will not be able to perform a GDS automated bleed with the scan tool dues to a issue with the software in the scan tool

  • May 21, 2026UNKNOWN OR OTHERPIT6516B

    This Preliminary information communicates ordering process for the night vision camera that are on restriction for all listed vehicles for Technical Assistance review.

  • May 14, 2026UNKNOWN OR OTHERPIT5509M

    This PI provides diagnostic tips for diagnosing electric trailer brakes issues.

  • May 13, 2026UNKNOWN OR OTHERPIT6516A

    This Preliminary information communicates ordering process for the night vision camera that are on restriction for all listed vehicles for Technical Assistance review.

  • May 11, 2026UNKNOWN OR OTHERPIC6551B

    This Preliminary information communicates to dealer to perform a MEC reset for wireless projection issues

  • May 11, 2026UNKNOWN OR OTHERPIC6423A

    Pi created to provide GM dealers with information on gathering information for projection issue

  • May 11, 2026ENGINEN262552620

    Certain vehicles may have a condition that could cause the cylinder 2 glow plug to fail. If this failure occurs, the Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine Light) will illuminate and a diagnostic trouble code will set. This special coverage covers the condition described above for a period of 15 years or 150,000 miles (240,000 km), whichever occurs first, from the date the vehicle was originally placed in service, regardless of ownership. For vehicles covered by Vehicle Service Contracts,

  • May 8, 2026UNKNOWN OR OTHERPIT6516

    This Preliminary information communicates ordering process for the night vision camera that are on restriction for all listed vehicles for Technical Assistance review.

  • and 528 more

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).

Warranty manufacturer terms, by make

Basic
4 yr / 50k mi
Powertrain
6 yr / 70k mi
Roadside assistance
6 yr / 70k mi
Maintenance
1 yr / 12k mi
EV battery
8 yr / 100k mi

Information is gathered on a best-effort basis from public sources, may be incomplete or out of date, and is not purchasing or financial advice. Verify with the manufacturer or dealer before buying.