2021 Cadillac Escalade 4WDFuel Economy & MPG Ratings

Diesel Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD4-Wheel Drive
City
20
MPG
Highway
26
MPG
Combined
22
MPG

Trim Comparison

Automatic 10-spd
Diesel Diesel
City
20
Hwy
26
Comb
22
Fuel cost: $3,850/yr
Automatic 10-spd
Premium
City
14
Hwy
19
Comb
16
Fuel cost: $5,100/yr
Automatic 10-spd
Premium
City
13
Hwy
19
Comb
16
Fuel cost: $5,100/yr
Annual Fuel Cost
$3,850

Based on gasoline at $3.67/gal, 15,000 miles/year

5-Year Fuel Savings
$-7,250

vs. average new vehicle

EPA Fuel Economy Score: 4/10
GHG Score: 4/10

Environment

CO₂ Tailpipe Emissions
444 g/mile
Annual Petroleum Consumption
16.2 barrels

Specifications

Engine
6.2L 8-cyl
Transmission
10-speed Automatic
Drivetrain
4WD
Body Style
SUV/Crossover
GVWR
Class 2-3 (6,001–10,000 lbs)

Source: EPA fuel economy data & NHTSA vPIC. Specifications reflect the most common trim configuration.

Engine & Efficiency Details

Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov

Engine Size
3L, 6-cylinder
Efficiency Tech
Auto Start-Stop
Fuel Type
Diesel

Annual Fuel Cost by State

Prices as of week ending May 18, 2026 · Source: EIA

National AvgEPA default
$4.490/gal$3,061/yr
California
$5.957/gal$4,062/yr
Texas
$3.888/gal$2,651/yr
Florida
$4.136/gal$2,820/yr
New York
$4.522/gal$3,083/yr
Ohio
$4.510/gal$3,075/yr
Washington
$5.591/gal$3,812/yr
Colorado
$4.618/gal$3,149/yr
Minnesota
$4.344/gal$2,962/yr
Massachusetts
$4.448/gal$3,033/yr

Calculated at 15,000 miles/year (EPA standard assumption) using 22 MPG combined. Regular gasoline prices. Actual costs vary.

Recall History

Source: NHTSA

No recalls reported for this vehicle.

Owner-Reported Problems71 complaints

Source: NHTSA

NHTSA has received 71 owner complaints for the 2021 Cadillac Escalade 4WD. Top reported issues include engine, electrical system and advanced safety (adas). The data below is sourced from consumer complaints filed directly with NHTSA.

Problems by System / Component

Engine
46
Electrical System
10
Advanced Safety (ADAS)
10
Power Train
8
Fuel System
5
Seat Belts
4
Lighting
4
Brakes
4

2021 Cadillac Escalade 4WD problems by category: Engine: 46 complaints, Electrical System: 10 complaints, Advanced Safety (ADAS): 10 complaints, Power Train: 8 complaints, Fuel System: 5 complaints, Seat Belts: 4 complaints, Lighting: 4 complaints, Brakes: 4 complaints.

5
Crashes Reported
2
Fires Reported
3
Injuries Reported

Sample Owner Complaints

Electrical SystemFiled: 03/09/2026ODI#11723005
- What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The rearview backup camera system seems to be misaligned or improperly calibrated or connecting to …
EngineFiled: 08/02/2025ODI#11677948
I own a 2021 Cadillac Escalade that falls under the manufacturer recall issued by GM/Cadillac for engine problems associated with this specific make, model, and year. I received an official recall not…
SteeringFiled: 02/11/2025ODI#11642093
Our 2021 Cadillac Escalade has experienced multiple ongoing issues. The “driver airbag warning” light has been a major concern, with the dealership stating that the airbag could malfunction at any mom…

Complaint data is sourced from the NHTSA Complaints Database. Reports are filed by vehicle owners and may not reflect confirmed defects. Last updated via NHTSA API.

Related

Cadillac Escalade 4WD MPG History
See how this model's fuel economy changed by year

Similar Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, 2021

All Cadillac Models