The 2021 GMC Yukon XL Vs the 2021 Cadillac Escalade - which one is better for your needs?

For the 2021 model year, both the Escalade and the Yukon XL got a complete remodeling. Everything is redesigned inside and out to make for exceptionally modern vehicles everyone would be proud of owning.

But is one better than the other? And if so, which?

Let’s start with the legendary Escalade, a status symbol car if there ever was one. With the new redesign, the mighty Cadillac got even bigger, with 18% more cargo space and an added 10 inches of legroom on the third row.

Sitting on huge 22-inch rims, the 2021 Escalade comes with the latest tech including Super Cruise technology and up to 5 screens inside the cabin. But what’s beyond impressive are the dimensions of those screens. The dash features a whopping 38-inches of curved OLED made up of a 7.2-inch color touch with vehicle information, a 14.2-inch digital gauge cluster, and a huge 16.90inch color touch part of the infotainment system.

Future owners can also expect perks such as a new independent rear suspension that can be paired with adaptive dampers, an Escalade first, or a four-corner air suspension that can raise or lower the Escalade by up to 4 inches, yet another Escalade first.

A suite of active safety features can be equipped on every escalade, ranging from Forward Collision Warning to Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Keep Assist, or a surround-view camera system.

Under the hood sits one in two engines – either the standard 6.2-liter V-8 that can belt out 420 horsepower or the 3.0-liter turbodiesel inline-six.

Nothing but the best and biggest features on the 2021 Escalade, including its audio system, a 19-speaker AKG premium sound system, the company’s first entry in the auto industry.

The Yukon XL is somewhat more subdued if you can say that about a 225.2-inch bumper-to-bumper beast.

It comes with a total of 145 cubic feet of cargo space behind the first row, which is considerably bigger than Escalade's 109.1, or even the EV model's 126.6 cubic feet. More space but fewer luxury options as the XL only comes standard with a 10.2-inch color touch and you only get luxury perks such as the 9-speaker Bose premium sound system on the SLT trim and above.

And that’s the biggest difference, in our view. Whereas both are made to offer exceptional comfort for every passenger and carry up to eight people with cargo space to boot, the Escalade is aimed at a more exclusive crowd. Evident by its price tag (six figures) and the perks even the base model comes with. The Yukon XL is at least 30% cheaper than the Escalade, and that’s comparing the XL’s top trim with Escalade’s base model. If we were to compare base trim Vs base trim, then you can literally buy two Yukon XLs for the price of one Caddy.

But if you want to see the two in real life, come on over at Northwest Hills Chevrolet Buick GMC Cadillac in Torrington, Connecticut.

We have both the 2021 GMC Yukon XL on display and our sales team will gladly arrange for you to take it out for a test drive.