The four-wheel-drive model is even more thirsty.
We know that luxury SUV buyers don’t prioritize fuel economy, especially when considering the new Cadillac Escalade. It is easy to overlook the 3-row’s lackluster efficiency when you look at its list of features like the 16.9-inch OLED infotainment screen, augmented reality navigation system, and GM Super Cruise ( a $2,500 additional).
The 2021 Escalade, with a standard 6.2-liter engine and two-wheel drive, gets 17 MPG combined according to new numbers. The four-wheel-drive Escalade review unit that we tested returned just 16 mpg when combined with the same engine. These numbers indicate that the Escalade is the most inefficient SUV of the competition. However, we don’t yet have fuel economy data for the GMC Yukon’s 6.2-liter V8. The Infiniti is by far the most thirsty of the group.
Engine |
Horsepower |
Transmission |
Fuel Economy (2WD). |
Fuel Economy (4WD). |
|
2020 BMW X7 |
4.4L V8 | 456 | Auto 8-Speed | 15 / 21 / 17 | 15 / 21 / 17 |
2021 Cadillac Escalade |
6.2L V8 | 420 | Auto 10-Speed | 15 / 20 / 17 | 14 / 19 / 16 |
2021 GMC Yukon |
5.3L V8 | 355 | 10-Speed Auto | 16 / 20 / 18 | 16 / 20 / 18 |
2020 Infiniti |
5.6L V8 | 400 | 7-Speed Auto | 14 / 20 / 16 | 13 / 19 / 15 |
2020 Lincoln Navigator |
3.5L V6 | 450 | 10-Speed Auto | 16 / 22 / 19 | 16 / 21 / 18 |
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS |
4.0L V8 | 449 | 9-Speed Auto | N/A | 16 / 21 / 18 |
2020 Range Rover Sport |
5.0L V8 | 518 | 8-Speed Auto | N/A | 17 / 22 / 19 |
Although the Escalade’s V8 engine is not very efficient, it produces 420 horsepower (313kW) and uses the same 10-speed automatic transmission as the GMC Yukon. It also has a towing capability of up to 8,300 pounds . The diesel engine, which is available at no additional cost to Escalade owners who are fuel-conscious, is also available.
Cadillac claims that the turbocharged 3.0-liter diesel engine in the Escalade will be less expensive than the traditional gas V8. It produces 277 horsepower (207 kW) as well as 460 lb/ft (624 Nm) of torque. Cadillac will not release these numbers, however, so we won’t be able to know for sure. The diesel engine is more efficient than the 6.2-liter V8 on other GM models, such as the GMC Sierra or Chevrolet Silverado.
The 2021 Cadillac Escalade will go on sale later in the year at a starting cost of $76,195 (before $12,295 destination and shipping charges). For $79,195, the longer Escalade ESV is available.