Escalade vs QX80
Rivals in the full-size luxury suv class rarely match spec for spec, and the Escalade and the QX80 are no exception. Across 4 compared areas, the QX80 takes 2. The widest gap shows up under engine & performance.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance QX80 wins
- Fuel Economy & Range QX80 wins
- Space & Practicality Escalade wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance6.6
- Fuel Economy & Range0.0
- Space & Practicality10.0
- Engine & Performance10.0
- Fuel Economy & Range2.4
- Space & Practicality7.1
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The Escalade has 16% more cargo space
Here the Escalade pulls well ahead of the QX80, with 25.5 cu ft compared to 22 cu ft. Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage.
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The Escalade has 20% more maximum cargo space
The Escalade doesn’t just edge this one; 121 cu ft against 101 cu ft is a lead you’ll feel. The Escalade can swallow more with the seats down, which makes it more versatile for occasional big loads.
-
The QX80 has 30 hp more power
A narrow win for the QX80. With 450 hp to 420 hp, it’s the kind of difference that adds up rather than stands out. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
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The QX80 has better fuel economy
Close, but not identical: the QX80 lists 18 mpg and the Escalade lists 17 mpg. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
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The QX80 has 56 lb-ft more torque
The gap on torque is slim (516 lb-ft against 460 lb-ft), yet it tips toward the QX80. The QX80’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Design & Size
On overall dimensions, the Escalade and the QX80 are separated by very little.
Dimensions
| Spec | Escalade | QX80 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 211.9 in | 211.2 in |
| Wheelbase | 120.9 in | 121.1 in |
Engine & Performance
QX80 leads
The Escalade has a tough time in the engine & performance section, where the QX80 pulls well ahead. Here the QX80 offers 30 hp more power. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board. On engine & performance alone, the QX80 gets the nod.
Total system output
Escalade: 420 hp QX80: 450 hp The QX80’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Torque
Escalade: 460 lb-ft QX80: 516 lb-ft More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Fuel Economy & Range
QX80 leads
The fuel economy & range comparison is one-sided. The QX80 leads where it counts. The QX80 steps ahead thanks to better fuel economy. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership. If fuel economy & range is your priority, the QX80 is the car to pick.
Fuel economy (combined)
Escalade: 17 mpg QX80: 18 mpg The QX80 uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
Fuel economy (city)
Escalade: 15 mpg QX80: 16 mpg Hybrids often shine in the city, and the QX80 has the better rating here.
Space & Practicality
Escalade leads
The QX80 is outclassed on space & practicality; the Escalade leads by a clear margin. Point to the Escalade for 16% more cargo space. Cargo figures are measured in different ways by different makers, so small gaps may not show in practice. The takeaway: on space & practicality, the Escalade is the stronger car.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
Escalade: 25.5 cu ft QX80: 22 cu ft The Escalade’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier.
Cargo (seats folded)
Escalade: 121 cu ft QX80: 101 cu ft Check the shape of the load floor too: a flat floor can matter as much as the number.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Evenly matched is the fairest summary of the off-road & towing section. In short, off-road & towing is a draw; the decision lies elsewhere.
Safety & Tech
The safety & tech entries below are descriptive rather than numeric. Read them side by side to see where the Escalade and the QX80 part ways.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Escalade | QX80 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 6.2L V8 | 3.5L twin-turbo V6 |
| Total system output | 420 hp | 450 hp (winner) Most powerful in class |
| Torque | 460 lb-ft | 516 lb-ft (winner) Most torque in class |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | 9-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD (4WD available) | RWD (4WD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Escalade | QX80 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 17 mpg | 18 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 15 mpg | 16 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 19 mpg Thirstiest on the highway | 20 mpg (winner) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Escalade | QX80 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | N/A (not specified) | 8 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 25.5 cu ft (winner) Biggest cargo area | 22 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 121 cu ft (winner) Most room, seats folded | 101 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Escalade | QX80 |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | N/A (not specified) | 8,500 lb |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Escalade | QX80 |
|---|---|---|
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 60,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Escalade | QX80 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 211.9 in | 211.2 in |
| Wheelbase | 120.9 in | 121.1 in |
Price
| Spec | Escalade | QX80 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $90,700 Lowest price in class | N/A (not specified) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Escalade if…
- you haul strollers, luggage or sports gear every week (25.5 cu ft vs 22 cu ft)
- you move bulky items now and then (121 cu ft vs 101 cu ft maximum cargo)
- you’re comfortable with how Cadillac does things
Choose the QX80 if…
- you want more power (450 hp vs 420 hp)
- you want better combined fuel economy (18 mpg vs 17 mpg)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (516 lb-ft vs 460 lb-ft of torque)
- you want better city fuel economy (16 mpg vs 15 mpg)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Escalade or the QX80?
For most people, the QX80 is the stronger choice, unless you care more about 16% more cargo space than anything else.
Which is larger, the Escalade or the QX80?
They’re practically the same size. The difference between the Escalade and the QX80 is too small to matter.
Executive Summary
On paper, the Escalade and the QX80 chase the same buyer. In the details, Cadillac and Infiniti made different calls. Start with the headline difference (the QX80 has 30 hp more power), and a lot of the decision falls into place. It also helps that the QX80 has better fuel economy. The Escalade’s strongest argument is 16% more cargo space.
Put simply, the Escalade suits people who care about space & practicality, while the QX80 suits people who put engine & performance first.
My pick: if it were my money, the QX80, unless your top priority is 16% more cargo space.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.