2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV Sport: Review

Nov 18, 2025 by Alex Braham 41 views

2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV Sport: A Comprehensive Review

Let's dive deep into the 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV Sport. If you're in the market for a luxury SUV that offers both space and performance, this behemoth might just be what you're looking for. We’re talking about a vehicle that's not just a mode of transportation, but a statement. The Escalade ESV Sport combines Cadillac's signature styling with impressive technology and a spacious interior, making it a compelling option for families and those who need extra cargo room. The 2021 model year brought significant changes to the Escalade lineup, including a new independent rear suspension, updated technology, and a refreshed design. The ESV (Escalade Stretch Vehicle) variant extends the standard Escalade's length, providing even more room for passengers and cargo. The Sport trim offers a more aggressive appearance with dark exterior accents and unique styling cues. Inside, the Escalade ESV Sport boasts a luxurious cabin with premium materials and advanced features. From leather upholstery to a curved OLED display, every detail is designed to impress. But it's not just about looks; the Escalade ESV Sport also delivers impressive performance. Under the hood, you'll find a powerful engine that provides plenty of horsepower and torque for confident acceleration and towing. The ride quality is smooth and comfortable, thanks to the advanced suspension system and adaptive dampers. Of course, no vehicle is perfect, and the Escalade ESV Sport has its share of drawbacks. Its large size can make it challenging to maneuver in tight spaces, and its fuel economy is not the best. However, for those who prioritize space, luxury, and performance, the 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV Sport is a top contender.

Exterior Design and Styling

When it comes to exterior design, the 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV Sport makes a bold statement. The Sport trim sets itself apart with a dark mesh grille, black exterior accents, and unique wheels, giving it a more aggressive and modern look. The extended length of the ESV variant adds to its imposing presence on the road. The front fascia features a prominent Cadillac crest and slim LED headlights that create a distinctive lighting signature. The side profile is characterized by clean lines, a high beltline, and large windows that provide excellent visibility. The rear of the Escalade ESV Sport is just as striking, with vertical LED taillights that stretch from the roof to the bumper. The dark exterior accents continue on the rear, with a black finish on the liftgate trim and exhaust outlets. One of the standout features of the Escalade ESV Sport is its available power-assist steps, which automatically deploy when the doors are opened, making it easier to get in and out of the vehicle. The hands-free liftgate is another convenient feature, allowing you to open the liftgate with a simple kick motion under the rear bumper. The Escalade ESV Sport is available in a variety of exterior colors, allowing you to customize its appearance to your liking. Some popular options include Black Raven, Dark Moon Blue Metallic, and Crystal White Tricoat. Overall, the exterior design of the 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV Sport is both stylish and functional, combining luxury and practicality in a bold and eye-catching package. The dark exterior accents of the Sport trim give it a unique and sporty appearance, while the extended length of the ESV variant provides even more space for passengers and cargo. Whether you're cruising down the highway or parked in the city, the Escalade ESV Sport is sure to turn heads.

Interior Comfort and Technology

Stepping inside the 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV Sport, you're greeted by a luxurious and high-tech cabin. The interior is designed to provide maximum comfort and convenience for both the driver and passengers. The ESV variant's extended length translates to significantly more space in the third row and cargo area, making it ideal for families or anyone who needs to haul a lot of gear. The seats are upholstered in premium leather and offer ample support and cushioning. The front seats are heated and ventilated, and offer power-adjustable settings, allowing you to find the perfect driving position. The second-row seats are also heated and can be configured as either a bench seat or two individual captain's chairs. The third-row seats are spacious enough to accommodate adults comfortably, which is a rarity in most SUVs. One of the most impressive features of the Escalade ESV Sport's interior is its curved OLED display. This massive screen spans over 38 inches and integrates the instrument cluster, infotainment system, and available augmented reality navigation. The OLED technology provides vibrant colors, sharp graphics, and excellent visibility in all lighting conditions. The infotainment system is intuitive and easy to use, with a responsive touchscreen and voice control functionality. It supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone. Other notable technology features include a premium AKG audio system, a rear-seat entertainment system with dual 12.6-inch displays, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Escalade ESV Sport also comes standard with a suite of advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Overall, the interior of the 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV Sport is a luxurious and technologically advanced space that provides maximum comfort and convenience for all occupants. The extended length of the ESV variant ensures that there's plenty of room for passengers and cargo, while the premium materials and advanced features create a truly upscale experience.

Performance and Handling

Under the hood, the 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV Sport packs a punch, delivering impressive performance and handling for a vehicle of its size. The standard engine is a 6.2-liter V8 that produces 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides plenty of power for confident acceleration and towing. For those who prefer diesel power, there's also an available 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel engine that produces 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. The diesel engine offers excellent fuel economy and plenty of low-end torque for towing heavy loads. Both engines are paired with a smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission that provides seamless gear changes. The Escalade ESV Sport comes standard with rear-wheel drive, but four-wheel drive is available for added traction in inclement weather. One of the biggest improvements for the 2021 model year is the new independent rear suspension. This suspension design provides a smoother and more comfortable ride, as well as improved handling and stability. The Escalade ESV Sport also features adaptive dampers that adjust to road conditions in real-time, further enhancing ride quality. Despite its large size, the Escalade ESV Sport handles surprisingly well. The steering is precise and responsive, and the brakes provide confident stopping power. The available Magnetic Ride Control system uses sensors to monitor road conditions and adjust the suspension dampers accordingly, providing a smooth and controlled ride. The Escalade ESV Sport is also a capable tow vehicle, with a maximum towing capacity of up to 8,200 pounds when properly equipped. The available trailering package includes features such as a trailer brake controller, a trailer hitch guidance system, and a trailer blind-spot monitoring system. Overall, the 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV Sport delivers impressive performance and handling for a large SUV. The powerful engines, smooth-shifting transmission, and advanced suspension system provide a comfortable and confident driving experience. Whether you're hauling passengers, cargo, or a trailer, the Escalade ESV Sport is up to the task.

Pros and Cons

Alright, let's break down the pros and cons of the 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV Sport to give you a clear picture.

Pros:

Spacious Interior: The ESV variant offers ample room for passengers and cargo, making it ideal for families or anyone who needs extra space.
Luxurious Cabin: The interior is designed with premium materials and advanced features, creating a truly upscale experience.
Powerful Engines: The available V8 and diesel engines provide plenty of power for confident acceleration and towing.
Advanced Technology: The curved OLED display, premium audio system, and advanced safety features make the Escalade ESV Sport a technological tour de force.
Smooth Ride: The new independent rear suspension and adaptive dampers provide a smooth and comfortable ride.

Cons:

Large Size: The Escalade ESV Sport's large size can make it challenging to maneuver in tight spaces.
Fuel Economy: Fuel economy is not the best, especially with the V8 engine.
Price: The Escalade ESV Sport is one of the priciest SUVs on the market, which may put it out of reach for some buyers.
Styling: The bold styling of the Escalade ESV Sport may not be for everyone. Some may find it too flashy or ostentatious.

Final Verdict

So, what's the final word on the 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV Sport? Well, if you're in the market for a large, luxurious SUV that offers plenty of space, power, and technology, it's definitely worth considering. The ESV variant's extended length provides ample room for passengers and cargo, making it ideal for families or anyone who needs extra space. The interior is designed with premium materials and advanced features, creating a truly upscale experience. The available V8 and diesel engines provide plenty of power for confident acceleration and towing. However, the Escalade ESV Sport is not without its drawbacks. Its large size can make it challenging to maneuver in tight spaces, and its fuel economy is not the best. It's also one of the priciest SUVs on the market, which may put it out of reach for some buyers. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to buy the 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV Sport comes down to your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize space, luxury, and performance, and don't mind the high price tag and poor fuel economy, it's a top contender. But if you're looking for something more practical and fuel-efficient, there are other options to consider. Before making a decision, it's always a good idea to take a test drive and compare it to other SUVs in its class. Consider your budget, your needs, and your preferences, and choose the vehicle that's right for you.