---
title: "2021 Cadillac Escalade’s New Duramax Diesel Engine Is a Free Option: Report"
description: "If you'd rather ditch the thirsty V-8 for a torquey diesel, then there's (apparently) no reason not to."
date: "2020-04-16"
modified: "2020-04-16"
authors:
  - name: "James Gilboy"
    job_title: "Contributing Writer"
    link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/james-gilboy"
url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/33039/2021-cadillac-escalades-new-duramax-diesel-engine-is-a-free-option-report"
categories:
  - "Cadillac News"
  - "News"
  - "News by Brand"
tags:
  - "Cadillac"
  - "Escalade"
  - "luxury"
  - "suv/crossover"
---

# 2021 Cadillac Escalade’s New Duramax Diesel Engine Is a Free Option: Report

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/images-by-url-td/content/2020/04/2021-Cadillac-Escalade-066.jpg>)
*\<em\>www.thedrive.com</em>*

After 22 years in production, Cadillac's flagship luxury SUV the Escalade will at last be available with a diesel engine. [2021 Escalades](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/32055/the-2021-cadillac-escalade-abounds-with-executive-style-excess>) will be produced with 3.0-liter, turbocharged Duramax inline-sixes alongside those powered by General Motors' venerable, 6.2-liter gasoline V8. Better yet, word is these economical compression-ignition lumps won't cost a penny more than their gas siblings.

"Sources familiar with Cadillac's go-to-market plans" allegedly shared the news with [*GM Authority*](<https://gmauthority.com/blog/2020/04/2021-escalade-to-offer-diesel-engine-as-no-cost-option-exclusive/>), including the 2021 model's supposed MSRP of $76,195. That's a $1,000 hike over the outgoing model, though considering the new Escalade will introduce major technical upgrades such as Cadillac's cutting-edge driving aid Super Cruise, it's a small premium to pay. Diesel Escalade customers may even slowly recoup the extra cost by way of increased fuel mileage, which Cadillac touts as the major draw of the [Duramax](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/32361/shop-tries-to-kill-stock-duramax-diesel-with-boost-but-it-just-wont-die>)-powered luxo-barge.

Fuel economy figures haven't yet been released, though power figures for both the diesel and gasoline engines are already known. Both engines will produce up to 460 pound-feet of torque, the diesel lower in its rev range, though the V8 will generate significantly more horsepower; 420 to the diesel's 277. Each will send this power to the rear wheels (or optionally, all four) via a 10-speed automatic transmission, whose plentiful ratios will also serve to boost performance and cut fuel consumption. The latter may not be as important now that [gas prices are at dizzying lows](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/32976/gas-station-price-war-sees-0-62-per-gallon-in-western-new-york>), but filling up less frequently can be considered a luxury in its own right.

GM reportedly planned to commence production of the 2021 Escalade some time mid-year. The new model might be delayed, however, as auto manufacturing struggles to safely restart and [as GM fast-tracks ventilator production in place of new vehicles](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/32998/gm-starts-ventilator-production-this-week-heres-how-it-will-work>).

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## Author
James is a former staff writer for The Drive. He has changed the conversation around electrification, debunked misinformation online, and become a prominent hunter of what he calls "automotive cryptids."

### Author social links  
[Instagram](<https://instagram.com/jamesgilboy>)