Thoughts - owned both - 2021 Escalade & Denali

[Paul Steele III]

Recently traded my 2021 Denali 6.2 for a loaded 2021 Escalade Sport 2.0 Diesel.

Had the Denali for 14k miles and have 1500 on Escalade already. Traded since I was able to buy Escalade at Msrp and get fantastic trade value on Denali.

Quick observations:

1) power band on the 6.2 vs 3.0 feels very similar. Diesel has plenty of get up and go with out turbo lag. Averaging 26mpg 3.0 combined instead of 16mpg 6.2

2) Escalade ride is little softer and more solid feeling and little quieter

3) akg 19 speaker system in Escalade is amazing - blows the Denali Bose out of the water - have not heard the 36 speaker akg

4) headlights and fog lights were better on Denali - Escalade no fog and low beams lack compared to Denali

5) big screens on Escalade are fantastic and easy to master

6) Obviously interior and attention to detail is better on the Escalade.

7) wish they carried over the sliding center console to Escalade

wanted to share my observations - Escalade is 20k more but you get a lot for the extra cash.

 

[Banks22]

The Escalade sport in white with black rims is sick. What color did you get and post a picture if you can.

 

[Stbentoak]

I almost went this route, but I never could find one equipped the way I wanted. They were either missing critical things wanted or were up in the 100+ range, and none were close to me. I just couldn't justify the money. I'm already pushing near 100K with what I have with sales taxes etc, and that was getting into the crazy range for me. Plus, we pay big money for plates on top of it.... My Denali Dmax has 95% of what the caddy has and just is a little more palatable.
I agree on the dmax though, I find myself over the speed limit rapidly and it doesn't lack for anything at 25 mpg+. Without it I wouldn't have bought one. Congrats and good choice though.... If I could have found one closer and bought under sticker... I'd have possibly bought an Esky too...

 

[Holy Roller]

Thank you for this.

A few questions, based on your experience, please.

1) Did both vehicles have adaptive air suspension?

2) Is there a difference in seat comfort?

…and the most important question:

3) What does the woman in your life think about the difference between driving the two?

 

[Gibby13]

I really wanted an Escalade and was willing to wait for one with the super cruise, but after a few test drives in both Denali and Escalade, wife did not like the Escalade at all. I'm also partial to the sliding center console AKA road head mode.

 

[Quark]

I really wanted an Escalade and was willing to wait for one with the super cruise, but after a few test drives in both Denali and Escalade, wife did not like the Escalade at all. I'm also partial to the sliding center console AKA road head mode.

Curious, what didn't your wife not like about the Escalade that she preferred the Denali?

 

[Goldenbear03]

We also have both. 2021 AT4 and 2021 Escalade. My wife's Escalade is definitely a more refined ride. Both of ours have air ride and both ride great. I personally enjoy driving my AT4, but the seats in her Escalade are definitely more comfortable than the stiffer leather in the AT4. There's also a good bit more support under the backside of your legs in the Escalade, meaning the seat bottom comes out further under your legs. Nothing wrong with either vehicle...just different.

Oh, and I agree. The 19-speaker AKG makes the AT4 Bose system sound pitiful.

 

[Gibby13]

Curious, what didn't your wife not like about the Escalade that she preferred the Denali?

I think the front 2 seats, it is not as open/roomy and she felt a little closed in. We had a '11 Escalade ESV(best vehicle we have had) and a '15 Suburban LTZ prior.

 

[Gibby13]

In terms of ride with air ride and MRC between the Denali and the Escalade, they are the same.

 

[Stbentoak]

In terms of ride with air ride and MRC between the Denali and the Escalade, they are the same.

Other than the surface things, really, many things are the same....