The 2021 Cadillac Escalade marks the first model year of the all-new, fifth generation full-size luxury SUV. The all-new model delivers an all-new exterior and an all-new interior. The vehicle rides on a completely new architecture and features pioneering technologies that add a new dimension to the iconic Escalade, such as first-to-market advances including a curved Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) screen, the first AKG automotive audio system and Cadillac’s acclaimed Super Cruise driver assistance technology.
“There is something special about driving an Escalade,” said Steve Carlisle, Cadillac president. “It has the bold presence and exclusive technology to elevate the extraordinary and make every drive feel like an occasion.”
Part of that bold presence is the exterior, which is complemented by various all-new wheel options. We’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to 2021 Escalade wheels, complete with pictures, availability info, and other details for your browsing and shopping pleasure.
In total, the all-new Escalade offers seven wheel choices, including four standard wheels and three LPO-level options. All wheels are made of aluminum, are 22-inches in diameter, and vary in design and finish.
In addition, wheel availability varies by trim level. While Sport and Sport Platinum share the same wheel, other trims get a unique standard wheel. There’s also a notable difference in how LPO-level wheels for the 2021 Escalade are treated compared to other GM SUVs, such as the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe LPO-level wheels. In the case of the Tahoe, the vehicle is shipped from the factory with placeholder steel wheels with 22-inch wheel alignment. The wheels are shipped to the dealer separately from a different facility. Upon arrival, the Chevy dealer replaces these wheels by swapping the placeholder steelies for the LPO-level wheels. In the case of the 2021 Escalade, however, any of the seven ordered wheels are installed at the factory, and are equipped with a factory set of wheel locks.
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- SSX
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- SML
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- SMD
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- SGK
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- SGG
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- SET
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- SEY
All 2021 Escalade wheels available from the factory are shown above, along with the corresponding RPO code.
The table below lists the seven sets of 2021 Tahoe wheels, along with the corresponding RPO Codes, diameters, finishes, and trim level availability.
| RPO Code | Diameter (inches) | Width (inches) | Design | Finish | Trim Level Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SML | 22 | N/A | 14-spoke | Bright Silver | Luxury |
| SGK | 22 | N/A | 14-spoke | Polished | Premium Luxury |
| SMD | 22 | N/A | 12-spoke | Polished with Dark Android | Sport, Sport Platinum |
| SGG | 22 | N/A | 10-spoke | Polished with Dark Android and laser etching | Premium Luxury Platinum |
| SET | 22 | N/A | 12-spoke | Chrome | All models (LPO) |
| SEY | 22 | N/A | Multi-Spoke | Polished with Dark Android Gloss | All models (LPO) |
| SSX | 22 | N/A | 12-spoke | Gloss Black | All models (LPO) |
- All 2021 Cadillac Escalade models ship with a standard, full-size spare 17-inch wheel.
- LPO: official GM accessory.
As you can see, Cadillac offers a fairly decent range of wheel options from the factory, and we’d have to say the SSX and SMD options are some of the sharpest-looking wheel designs for any of GM’s new full-size SUVs, which includes the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban, 2021 Tahoe, 2021 GMC Yukon, and 2021 Yukon XL.
We’ll have a lot more on the 2021 Cadillac Escalade shortly, so be sure to subscribe to GM Authority for more Cadillac Escalade news, Cadillac news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
Comments
It’s like they’re uninspired and not even trying with the wheels. The exterior styling is not “bold” and is as boring as the demographic of the team leading the design.
I agree with you about the wheels. It doesn’t have any inspiration or design characteristics to give the client an “awe” feel, but I will say the fifth-generation is much improved in the styling department compared to the outgoing fourth-generation Cadillac Escalade especially at its first-initial launch which almost likely to be inspired by funeral homes vehicle — that inclined Ed Welburn to take inspirations from skyscrapers — to imply it to the Escalade’s taillights.
I think the third-generation Cadillac Escalade is still the better looking of them all with the first-ever 22-inch chrome wheels, the chiseled body, gorgeous front-end, and the rear was just as beautiful, with a then-unprecedented power plant of 403 HP and 417 lbs. ft. of torque. Make this no mistake, the fifth-generation is heading back to that direction and as mentioned, better looking and better improvements over the outgoing model.
I agree with you navy, I was working for Cadillac at the time the third generation was their best effort. The outgoing version, I’m not a fan of, however the new version, it is a great improvement we’ll see what happens.
This Escalade is so uninspiring to look at . The team that designed the XT6 went down the hall and worked on this car . A good choice of wheels is fine , how about half that number of different colors of the interior. After all thats where your time is spent . Maybe this is the cheap way to go .
I can’t get past the Uninspiring front end of this Escalade, Man…
I saw a new Escalade on the highway and pictures don’t convey everything they way that seeing it in the flesh does.
Idk why everyone’s hating on the wheel choices – not only are they NOT boring but you get 7 options…
I have to agree with everyone here. “Uninspiring” is the best way to put it. My third-gen Platinum Escalade was just unbelievable. It looked nothing like anything else on the road. You can see that jewel approach from a mile away.
My fourth gen Platinum is meh. Still nice. Big improvement on the interior, but nothing amazing on the exterior. I do like my chrome wheels, though.
I was really, really, really hoping for a home run with this new one. Quite disappointing. I was counting down the minutes for the 2021 reveal, for the past two years(!!). Then came those spy shots from the factory, the day before the reveal, and it was truly such a let down.
I hope they will look nicer in person. I think the problem is with the demographic of the designers, to be honest. That’s what my wife said as soon as she saw their photos in a marketing email we received.
If you ask me, one of the new 2021 GMC trucks has a more bold and aggressive look than the Escalade.
I realize there are more important things in life, but I it was just such a let down. If the biggest and coolest feature of a new truck is the instrument panel (yes, yes, a 38-inch curves OLED screen…), then something is wrong.
I took my name off the waiting list at my dealership. We have to wait 3 months for Super Cruise anyhow.
I love the new design, ill choose the 10 spoke wheels oh a yes the “blackwing” engine please.
You can not get the set chrome wheel any more 😰👎🏻
Was an Escalade owners up until last year when my vehicle was bought back. Buy a Lincoln Black Label, truly well thought out and impressed after over a year of ownership. GM has lost its way a bit.
Obviously you guys do not own a 2021 Escalade Sport or you would know how awesome of a vehicle it is.