The 2021 Cadillac Escalade officially dropped cover in February at a special media event in California. In addition to new styling, a new platform, new tech, and a new engine lineup, the next-generation Escalade is also replete with new features. One example is the Cadillac crest in back, which doubles as a button to open the trunk.
Operating the feature is simple. The user simply needs to depress the Cadillac crest on the trunk to pop the rear liftgate, which automatically swings up, providing easy access the the rear cargo area. A second button on the inside of the liftgate lowers and closes it.
It’s cute little feature, and definitely helps the 2021 Cadillac Escalade stand out from the previous generation. To note, the previous Escalade came with a single button located near the license plate that would open the rear liftgate.
The previous Escalade also came with a liftgate open button on the key fob, as well as a hands-free system whereby the user could kick under the bumper to pop the hatch. Both of these features carry over to the next-gen model.
In terms of cargo room, the 2021 Cadillac Escalade offers 121 cubic-feet behind the first row, 72.9 cubic-feet behind the second row, and 27.3 cubic-feet behind the third row. Meanwhile, the extended-length 2021 Escalade ESV offers 142.8 cubic-feet behind the first row, 94.1 cubic-feet behind the second row, and 41.5 cubic-feet behind the third-row.
There’s also 167.1 cubic-feet of passenger volume for the standard 2021 Cadillac Escalade, and 169.6 cubic-feet of passenger volume for the Escalade ESV. What’s more, the standard-length next-gen model adds an extra 10.4 inches of third-row legroom compared to the preceding model.
Standard spec includes a naturally aspirated 6.2L V8 engine (production code L87) producing 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, while a new 3.0L inline six-cylinder turbodiesel (production code LM2) joins the lineup for the 2021 model year.
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