The 2021 Cadillac Escalade is one of the most expensive (but satisfying) luxury SUVs on the market. The standard model starts at $76,195 and the top-tier Premium Luxury Platinum maxes out at $101,220. What features come standard on the Cadillac Escalade and which ones will require you to spend even more? A quick look at Cadillac’s website yields all the answers.

The Cadillac Escalade Luxury is the most affordable trim level

One of the redesigned Cadillac Escalade’s greatest features is its massive 38-inch center touchscreen. It stretches across the dash and reportedly has twice the pixel density of a 4K television set.

It houses both the infotainment system and the digital gauge cluster behind the steering wheel. The navigation feature also has augmented reality technology, displaying real-time images of what’s ahead of the car as you’re driving.

The Cadillac Escalade’s base engine is a 6.2-liter V8 that makes 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. It has no problems powering this big SUV along both city and highway roads. Body roll is also surprisingly controlled for such a large vehicle.

The Cadillac Escalade comes standard with a 19-speaker stereo system courtesy of AKG Studios. The speakers also have a few unique functions, like embedded microphones to pick up each rider’s voice.

It will then adjust the audio levels accordingly so no one struggles to be heard over the music. Each rider can also control the volume directly from their seats.

Each Cadillac Escalade also includes a large safety suite with forward collision warning, front pedestrian braking, and automatic emergency braking. An HD surround-view camera system and safety alert seat function are also included.

The Premium Luxury trim ups the ante

This trim starts at $82,995. In addition to everything included on the Luxury model, the Escalade Premium Luxury has a few extra safety features. These include lane assistance, side blind-spot monitors, and automatic parking assistance. This model also comes with a panoramic sunroof and a head-up display.

Buying a Cadillac Escalade Premium Luxury or Sport model also allows you to add on some useful packages. The Driver Assist Tech bundle comes with subtle conveniences like soft-closing doors, automatic seat belt-tightening, and an air ride suspension.

You can also get a 36-speaker audio system, night vision capability, and the Super Cruise semi-autonomous driving feature. 

The Cadillac Escalade Sport give this luxury SUV a rugged look

This model starts at $85,595 and comes with the same upgrades as the trims below it. It also has some sportier exterior touches, like matte-black trim along the running boards, window sills, and roof rack.

It also comes standard with a Performance package that includes magnetic ride control, optimized trailering capability, and a limited-slip differential.

For this model, it might be worth it to option the optional turbo-diesel engine. Although it’s less powerful, it provides near-instant access to the engine’s available torque supply, making it faster than the standard engine.

The Premium Luxury Platinum and Sport Platinum trims are the fanciest trims

Both the Premium Luxury Platinum and Sport Platinum trims start at $99,995 already equipped with each Premium Luxury feature. The only difference between the two is that the Premium Luxury Platinum model comes with an exclusive grille design.

Both models definitely have the fanciest interiors, with semi-aniline leather seats and a fully leather-clad dashboard. The seats also come with 16 adjustability options, plus heating, ventilation, and massage settings.

You can keep backseat riders busy with the rear-seat infotainment system, which includes two 12-inch displays on each front seatback. The Driver Assist Package and improved speaker system are standard for these two trims.

Is the 2021 Cadillac Escalade worth the money?

You could find a cheaper SUV with just as much power, but that’s not the reason most people want a Cadillac Escalade. It’s for people who want a vehicle with the most up-to-date technology and stand-out luxury features, which the Escalade definitely has.