2021 Cadillac Escalade vs. 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2021 Cadillac Escalade and 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2021 Cadillac Escalade and the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS.
When we compare the 2021 Cadillac Escalade's and the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS's specifications and ratings, the 2021 Cadillac Escalade has the advantage in the areas of reliability, overall quality score and base engine power. The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, and fuel efficiency and resale value. Based on this comparison of the 2021 Cadillac Escalade's and the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS's specifications and ratings, the two cars are fairly comparable.
Pricing: A used 2021 Cadillac Escalade ranges from $66,887 to $91,214 while a used 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS is priced between $50,947 to $106,997.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2021 Cadillac Escalade loses 57.8 percent of its value and the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS loses 55.8 percent of its value. This means the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS retains 2 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2021 Cadillac Escalade.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Cadillac Escalade is 8.0 out of 10 while the Mercedes-Benz GLS's quality rating is 6.3 out of 10. This results in the Cadillac Escalade being ranked 9 out of 22 Best Luxury Large SUVs and the Mercedes-Benz GLS being ranked 14 out of 22. Out of 29 Best Luxury SUVs with 3 Rows, the Cadillac Escalade is ranked 10 and the Mercedes-Benz GLS is ranked 20.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Cadillac Escalade is 9.1 out of 10. For the Mercedes-Benz GLS the reliability rating is 5.6 out of 10. This gives the Cadillac Escalade a substantial advantage in reliability compared to the Mercedes-Benz GLS.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2021 Cadillac Escalade’s base engine makes 420 horsepower, and the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS base engine makes 362 horsepower. The Escalade is rated to deliver an average of 16 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 480 miles. The GLS is rated to deliver an average of 21 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 571 miles. This gives the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the 2021 Cadillac Escalade. Both models use premium unleaded.
Safety Ratings: The 2021 Cadillac Escalade has an average safety rating of 4 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$76,195
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Large SUVs)
$76,620
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Large SUVs)
$40,300 - $131,750
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$76,000
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Large SUVs)
$76,620
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Large SUVs)
$40,300 - $131,750
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$78,245
Price Range:
$66,887 - $91,214
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Large SUVs)
$66,853
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Large SUVs)
$32,035 - $170,791
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
427
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
46,550
# Good or Great Deals:
227
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$68,848
Price Range:
$50,947 - $106,997
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Large SUVs)
$66,853
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Large SUVs)
$32,035 - $170,791
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
275
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
41,666
# Good or Great Deals:
141
Cadillac Escalade Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.0 / 10
Reliability:
9.1 / 10
Retained Value:
6.9 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
Mercedes-Benz GLS Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
6.3 / 10
Reliability:
5.6 / 10
Retained Value:
7.0 / 10
Safety:
Not available
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 Cadillac Escalade
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
7.5
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Large SUVs)
7.4
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Large SUVs)
5.5 - 15.9
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
37.6%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
8.8
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Large SUVs)
7.4
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Large SUVs)
5.5 - 15.9
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
22.2%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
9.8
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Large SUVs)
6.4
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Large SUVs)
1.1 - 32.7
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.1
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Large SUVs)
6.4
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Large SUVs)
1.1 - 32.7
Cadillac Escalade Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 29Ranking
2 out of / 22Ranking
3 out of / 29Ranking
3 out of / 29Ranking
3 out of / 22Ranking
3 out of / 22Ranking
3 out of / 22Ranking
4 out of / 29Ranking
5 out of / 29Ranking
5 out of / 22Ranking
5 out of / 22Ranking
5 out of / 10Ranking
5 out of / 10Ranking
6 out of / 29Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
9 out of / 22Ranking
9 out of / 11Ranking
10 out of / 29Ranking
12 out of / 29Ranking
12 out of / 22Ranking
13 out of / 22Ranking
15 out of / 26Ranking
15 out of / 22Ranking
16 out of / 29Ranking
23 out of / 29Mercedes-Benz GLS Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 68Ranking
2 out of / 68Ranking
2 out of / 29Ranking
2 out of / 22Ranking
2 out of / 4Ranking
4 out of / 68Ranking
4 out of / 29Ranking
4 out of / 22Ranking
5 out of / 68Ranking
5 out of / 68Ranking
5 out of / 22Ranking
6 out of / 29Ranking
7 out of / 22Ranking
8 out of / 22Ranking
8 out of / 10Ranking
8 out of / 10Ranking
11 out of / 29Ranking
12 out of / 22Ranking
12 out of / 22Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
13 out of / 29Ranking
14 out of / 22Ranking
14 out of / 22Ranking
15 out of / 29Ranking
15 out of / 29Ranking
16 out of / 22Ranking
18 out of / 68Ranking
20 out of / 29Ranking
20 out of / 29Ranking
21 out of / 26Ranking
23 out of / 29Ranking
38 out of / 68Ranking
39 out of / 68Ranking
39 out of / 68Ranking
53 out of / 59Ranking
57 out of / 68Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Diesel, Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
2021 Cadillac Escalade Trim Levels
Luxury, Premium Luxury, Premium Luxury Platinum, Sport, Sport Platinum
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS Trim Levels
AMG GLS 63, GLS 450, GLS 580, Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
6 years / 70000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
6 years / 70000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years / 50000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
3 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
3 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
420 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque:
460 foot-lbs @ 4100 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.075 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
7700 lbs
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
362 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
369 foot-lbs @ 1600 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.066 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
6.2 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
8
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / 4X4
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
14 / 20 / 16
Range (city/hwy):
336 / 480 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
20 / 24 / 21
Range (city/hwy):
476 / 571 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Quad Seats:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Air Suspension:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Massage Seats:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Quad Seats:
Available
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Air Suspension:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Standard
Massage Seats:
Available
Roof Rack:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Captain's seat:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Safety Features
360-Degree Camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Backup camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Safety Features
360-Degree Camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Backup camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
42.3 inches
Front Leg Room:
44.5 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
65.5 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.9 inches
Rear Leg Room:
41.7 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
64.6 inches
Cargo Space:
25.5 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
121 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.4 inches
Front Leg Room:
40.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
59.3 inches
Rear Head Room:
40.2 inches
Rear Leg Room:
41.9 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
58.5 inches
Cargo Space:
17.4 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
84.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
161.0 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
5635 lbs
Width:
81.1 inches
Height:
76.7 inches
Length:
211.9 inches
Wheelbase:
120.9 inches
Ground Clearance:
8 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
5467 lbs
Width:
84.9 inches
Height:
72.4 inches
Length:
205 inches
Wheelbase:
123.4 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.9 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
22.0 x 9.0 inches
Wheel Type:
chrome aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
275/50R22
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
20.0 x 8.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
275/50R20
Exterior Colors
Beige
Sandstone Metallic
Black
Black Raven
Blue
Dark Moon Blue Metallic
Brown
Dark Mocha Metallic
Gray
Satin Steel Metallic / Shadow Metallic
Red
Infrared Tintcoat
White
Crystal White Tricoat
Green
Not available
Silver
Not available
Exterior Colors
Beige
Not available
Black
Black / Obsidian Black Metallic
Blue
Brilliant Blue Metallic / Lunar Blue Metallic
Brown
Not available
Gray
Selenite Grey Metallic
Red
designo Cardinal Red Metallic
White
designo Diamond White Metallic / Polar White
Green
Emerald Green Metallic
Silver
Iridium Silver Metallic / Mojave Silver Metallic
Interior Colors
Black
Jet Black
Beige
Not available
Brown
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Black / Tartufo Brown/Black
Beige
Macchiato Beige/Black
Brown
Espresso Brown/Black
