Cadillac vehicles are known for their high style and luxuriousness. And the 2021 Escalade turbodiesel is no exception. This vehicle looks and feels fantastic. It also comes with numerous innovative features that are nearly impossible for competitors to beat.

Let’s take a look at the 2021 Cadillac Escalade turbodiesel. We’ll also discuss one unique feature that sets this full-size SUV apart from the others: Super Cruise. 

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade diesel at a glance

Cadillac completely redesigned the 2021 Escalade, and the result is nothing short of stunning. The new model looks more polished and elegant than past versions. However, it still commands attention as a Cadillac Escalade should.

It comes with unique but welcome exterior features such as quiet-closing doors and power-deployable running boards. And on the inside, the 2021 Escalade is breathtaking, thanks to the gorgeous OLED display behind the steering wheel. 

The interior also provides plenty of room for the driver and passengers to get comfortable, no matter their height. Owners have plenty of choices when it comes to customizing the interior to their liking. They can choose the color of leather upholstery and wood textures throughout the vehicle. 

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade diesel version packs a six-cylinder turbodiesel that can produce 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. The standard engine produces up to 400 hp but gets the same torque. The Cadillac Escalade diesel also gets decent fuel economy, up to 27 mph on the highway. This is especially impressive when you consider the standard engine gets only about 20 mph on the highway. 

Super Cruise hands-free driving adds plenty of convenience

Although you might associate self-driving technology with Tesla, Cadillac’s Super Cruise system offers strong competition. Super Cruise hands-free driving can handle the vehicle on divided highways for you, and it can truly be hands-free, unlike other brands’ self-driving features. According to U.S. News, Super Cruise saw a major update at the end of 2020, and it can now change lanes for you using its Lane Change on Demand feature, available in select 2021 Cadillac models. 

Understandably, many drivers believe hands-free driving technology poses major safety risks, especially in the event of vehicle malfunction. Fortunately, Cadillac has created a system for its hands-free driving technology that’s designed to keep drivers attentive to the road even if their hands don’t have to be on the wheel. Super Cruise alerts drivers when an upcoming stoplight or train track is approaching so they can take control of the vehicle. 

When the system detects that a driver isn’t paying attention, it will issue a series of alerts and reminders to bring their attention back to the road. According to Cadillac, if the driver doesn’t respond to any of these prompts, the vehicle will automatically slow to a stop and connect the vehicle with an emergency-certified OnStar adviser. 

Overall, the system seems adept at getting drivers and passengers from point A to B safely on Super Cruise-compatible highways. 

Is the Cadillac Escalade diesel worth the money?

If you plan to buy a 2021 Cadillac Escalade and are trying to decide between diesel or standard, your choice might’ve just gotten tougher. Prospective Escalade owners can choose between the diesel engine or the standard engine for the same price: $77,490 for short-wheelbase, rear-wheel-drive models. 

Your choice may depend on the features most important to you. If you prefer a more fuel-efficient model that’s better suited for highway driving and you don’t care as much about horsepower, the diesel version is the better choice. If you’d rather have a Cadillac Escalade with more horsepower, the standard version may be the way to go. Plus, there are plenty of other upgraded versions to choose from, like the ESV, but that model costs over $100,000. 

Either way, adding Super Cruise will set you back an extra $2,500.