The 2021 Cadillac Escalade is all-new from the ground up, with a new platform, fresh styling, and new dimensions both inside and out. Just as it was with the previous generation, the latest fifth-gen Escalade is once again offered in two different body styles, including the standard-length model, and the extended-length Escalade ESV. Now, we’re taking a closer look at what sets the 2021 Escalade apart from the 2021 Escalade ESV in the following Cadillac Society Dimensional Comparison.
From the off, it’s clear that the 2021 Escalade and 2021 Escalade ESV differ in one big area – size. This is pretty obvious just looking at the two models side by side, but as soon as we add some official measurement numbers to the mix, the extent to which these two models differ becomes even clearer.
Both models have an identical track width front and back, while the overall width and overall height are nearly identical. However, there’s a massive gulf in terms of wheelbase and overall length, with the 2021 Escalade ESV sporting an extra 13.2 inches for the former, and an extra 15.9 inches for the latter when compared to the standard 2021 Escalade.
It makes sense, especially when considering what “ESV” stands for in the Cadillac naming convention (Escalade Stretch Vehicle).
| Dimension | 2021 Cadillac Escalade | 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV | + / – Escalade ESV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase (in.) | 120.9 | 134.1 | +13.20 |
| Overall Length (in.) | 211 | 226.9 | +15.90 |
| Overall Width (in.) | 81 | 81.1 | +0.10 |
| Overall Height (in.) | 76.6 | 76.4 | -0.20 |
| Front Track (in.) | 68.5 | 68.5 | 0.00 |
| Rear Track (in.) | 68.3 | 68.3 | 0.00 |
With so much extra wheelbase and overall length to its name, one would assume the 2021 Escalade ESV offers a good deal more passenger room than the standard-length Escalade. However, while the ESV is more spacious in terms of third-row legroom and third-row shoulder room, with an extra 1.7 inches and 0.1 inches, respectively, the rest of the interior dimensions are identical between the two.
| Dimension | 2021 Cadillac Escalade | 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV | + / – Escalade ESV |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Row Headroom (in.) | 42.3 | 42.3 | 0.00 |
| First Row Legroom (in.) | 44.5 | 44.5 | 0.00 |
| First Row Shoulder Room (in.) | 65.5 | 65.5 | 0.00 |
| First Row Hip Room (in.) | 61.7 | 61.7 | 0.00 |
| Second Row Headroom (in.) | 38.9 | 38.9 | 0.00 |
| Second Row Legroom (in.) | 41.7 | 41.7 | 0.00 |
| Second Row Shoulder Room (in.) | 64.6 | 64.6 | 0.00 |
| Second Row Hip Room (in.) | 61.2 | 61.2 | 0.00 |
| Third Row Headroom (in.) | 38.2 | 38.2 | 0.00 |
| Third Row Legroom (in.) | 34.9 | 36.6 | +1.70 |
| Third Row Shoulder Room (in.) | 62.7 | 62.8 | +0.10 |
| Third Row Hip Room (in.) | 49.4 | 49.4 | 0.00 |
Looking over the cargo dimensions, it becomes obvious where all that extra metal goes for the 2021 Escalade ESV. Compared to the standard-length 2021 Escalade, the 2021 Escalade ESV boasts more cargo room in every single measurement, including an extra 33.7 cubic-feet behind the first row, an extra 31.1 cubic-feet behind the second row, and an extra 16 cubic-feet behind the third row.
| Dimension | Note | 2021 Cadillac Escalade | 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV | + / – Escalade ESV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cargo Volume Behind First Row (cu. ft.) | Second, third rows folded | 109.1 | 142.8 | +33.70 |
| Cargo Volume Behind Second Row (cu. ft.) | Third row folded | 63 | 94.1 | +31.10 |
| Cargo Volume Behind Third Row (cu. ft.) | All rows upright | 25.5 | 41.5 | +16.00 |
All told, the extended-length 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV shows impressive cargo room gains over the standard-length model, although it also comes with substantial third-row legroom gains as well.
To get that extra space, buyers must dole out an extra $3,000 for the base-model Luxury trim, with the standard-length 2021 Cadillac Escalade starting at $77,490 (including destination), and the extended-length 2021 Escalade ESV starting at $80,490 (including destination).
Is the extra space worth it? Let us know your thoughts in the comments, and make sure to subscribe to Cadillac Society for more Cadillac Escalade news and around-the-clock Cadillac news coverage.
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