These cars will be discontinued by automakers in 2021 as new models are developed.
Cadillac has redesigned the Escalade for 2021 with a new look and an infusion of new technology features. Do these updates make it the best large luxury SUV you can buy?
Not if the competition has anything to say about it. The 2021 Escalade faces off against the 2021 Lincoln Navigator, Edmunds’ preferred pick over the previous-generation Escalade, and one of Europe’s most luxurious SUVs, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS.
Driving experience
Standard with every Escalade is a 420-horsepower 6.2-liter V8, the crown jewel of General Motors’ truck and SUV engines. A diesel-powered six-cylinder engine is also new for 2021, and when paired with rear-wheel drive, it has the highest EPA-estimated fuel economy in this group of 23 mpg. The Escalade is relatively smooth and composed around turns, but its prodigious torque is the highlight of the driving experience.
Every Navigator comes with a turbocharged V6 engine making 450 horsepower. Like the Escalade, the Navigator is comfortable, but you never forget you’re in a massive vehicle.
The GLS lineup ranges from a 362-horsepower six-cylinder engine to a ferocious 603-horsepower turbocharged V8 in high-performance AMG trim.
In Edmunds testing the GLS posted the best acceleration, braking and handling figures of this group. On-road comfort is unparalleled, too.
Winner:Â Mercedes-Benz GLS
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS
Comfort
The 2021 Escalade makes a great first impression, but its seats lack plushness, and the ride is more bumpy over differing road surfaces.
Lincoln makes the Navigator impressively easy to use: The doors open wide and deployable running boards come standard, although there are a number of blind spots.
The GLS has no such problems. Its exceptional ride quality, and an optional road-scanning adaptive suspension elevates the class to new heights.
Winner:Â Mercedes-Benz GLS
Utility
Part of the Escalade’s appeal is its ability to haul heavy toys with ease. And the new version impresses with a maximum towing capacity of 8,200 pounds — enough to pull a camper trailer up to 27 feet long. If you’re looking for maximum space, the longer Escalade ESV has a lower tow rating but cavernous cargo capacity. Lincoln takes a similar approach; the standard Navigator tows up to 8,700 pounds, and the longer Navigator L maxes out cargo space, though it trails the Escalade ESV in total capacity. The Mercedes places a distant third, with a max towing capacity of 7,700 pounds and less cargo space than the two U.S. brands.
Winner:Â Cadillac Escalade
2021 Cadillac Escalade
Features
The Escalade offers a veritable buffet of features. Heated front and second-row seats are standard, and the highlight is Super Cruise, an optional hands-free driving aid that works exceptionally well. However, we’re somewhat disappointed that most features are sold a la carte. For instance, adaptive cruise control isn’t standard even on the Escalade’s midlevel trims.
The Navigator comes with more standard safety equipment, including blind-spot monitoring and lane keeping assist.
Still, the Mercedes shines. Every GLS — even the base model — comes with ventilated front seats, four-zone climate control, eight USB ports, a stellar voice command system and numerous safety aids.
Winner:Â Mercedes-Benz GLS
Value
The main draws for the Escalade are its signature styling and forceful V8 engine. There are also expansive dashboard screens that lend the Escalade some cutting-edge flair. However, the SUV is hampered by costly options and some subpar cabin materials.
The Navigator lacks the modern interior look of the Escalade but otherwise more fully delivers on value with more standard features. More importantly, the Navigator’s upscale materials feel more inherently worthy of the price tag.
As for the Mercedes GLS, its base version is priced similarly to the Escalade and Navigator, but the V8-powered trim levels are downright princely. The GLS delivers, but value isn’t its calling card.
Winner:Â Lincoln Navigator
2021 Lincoln Navigator
Edmunds’ verdict
We expect a lot from large luxury SUVs, and the new Cadillac Escalade meets our expectations. Unfortunately, it doesn’t exceed them, making the Lincoln Navigator a smarter choice for the money.
But at the top of this comparison is the Mercedes-Benz GLS. It may not deliver on the value front, but it provides the most extravagant celebration of grandeur.
These trucks, SUVs expected to make splash in 2021:
2021 trucks and SUVs
Ford F-150
Edmunds just named the redesigned 2021 Ford F-150 its top-rated truck, so that should give some indication how good this truck is. The new F-150 — one of the best-selling vehicles of all time — may not look radically different on the outside, but there are plenty of new and updated features beneath that aluminum sheet metal.
The new F-150 is more powerful, more efficient and more capable than the model it replaces. Notable available features include a hybrid powertrain that provides 430 horsepower plus an EPA-estimated 25 mpg combined and a robust onboard electric generator that’s perfect for tailgating or powering tools on a job site. The revised interior is more comfortable and more practical than before, with lots of clever storage and available front seats that can recline nearly flat.
On-sale date:Â Now
GMC Hummer EV
The original Hummer and its offshoots, the H2 and H3, weren’t exactly eco-minded machines. That makes the new all-electric GMC Hummer EV a bit of a surprise. GMC promises that the Hummer EV will be plenty capable off-road without burning a single ounce of gasoline getting there and back thanks to its touted 350 miles of electric range.
The specs are quite impressive. Three electric motors will send a proclaimed 1,000 horsepower to all four wheels, so power should never be an issue. It also features Super Cruise, General Motors’ driver aid system that allows for hands-free highway driving. Other features include removable roof panels that can be stored in the front trunk, and an adaptive suspension that can adjust ride height to maximize efficiency or off-road potential.
Expected on-sale date:Â Fall 2021
Ford Bronco
The new Bronco has been one of the most hotly anticipated new vehicles since rumors emerged that Ford was developing it. Returning after a 20-plus year absence, the new Bronco’s retro-influenced styling gives it a cool factor that’s hard to replicate. Modern amenities make it far more livable day to day than the iconic-but-basic classic Bronco.
This is an SUV in the old-school sort of mold and the first direct competitor the Jeep Wrangler has had in years. Like the Wrangler, the Bronco will feature robust off-road capability and will be available as both a two- and a four-door model. Customization is a huge draw, so Ford has made it easy to attach accessories or even remove elements such as the Bronco’s doors, fenders and roof. There’s even a special setting in the navigation that allows owners to share off-road trails with friends.
Expected on-sale date:Â Summer 2021
Genesis GV70
Of the South Korean luxury automaker’s first SUVs arriving this year, Edmunds’ experts are most looking forward to the GV70. It should rival the BMW X3 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC on luxury and performance while offering superior value.
There’s not much official information available yet, but photos show a sleek exterior design featuring the brand’s shield-like grille. There’s a horizontally oriented dashboard with a large infotainment display. It’s reasonable to expect a standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine, with a more powerful six-cylinder option, as well.
Expected on-sale date:Â Summer or fall 2021
Jeep Grand Wagoneer
The Grand Wagoneer is set to make its return after nearly 30 years. It was a luxury-like SUV before SUVs were a thing. Along with the Cherokee and Grand Cherokee, it helped popularize sport utilities in America. It’s also arguably the last vehicle that made wood side panels look cool (sorry, PT Cruiser).
While we’ve seen only a concept version, much of it is likely to carry over to the production model. You can expect a luxurious interior, three rows of seating, the latest technology features and hybrid powertrains. And don’t forget that it’s a Jeep, so it should be pretty capable off-road.
Expected on-sale date:Â Summer 2021
