Escalade vs LX 600
Choosing between Cadillac and Lexus often comes down to a specific pair of products. In the full-size luxury suv class, that pair is the Escalade and the LX 600. Each has a clear strength: the Escalade leads on space & practicality, and the LX 600 answers with fuel economy & range.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Tie
- Fuel Economy & Range LX 600 wins
- Space & Practicality Escalade wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Price Escalade wins
- Engine & Performance6.6
- Fuel Economy & Range0.0
- Space & Practicality10.0
- Engine & Performance6.4
- Fuel Economy & Range5.0
- Space & Practicality0.0
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 132% more cargo space
On this line of the spec sheet, the Escalade is in a different league: 25.5 cu ft, next to 11 cu ft for the LX 600. Cargo figures are measured in different ways by different makers, so small gaps may not show in practice.
-
The Escalade has 89% more maximum cargo space
For cargo (seats folded), the Escalade leads by a wide margin: 121 cu ft versus 64 cu ft. Maximum cargo space with the seats folded matters when you move furniture, bikes or bulky gear.
-
The LX 600 has better fuel economy
If everything else were equal, this small edge would favor the LX 600: 19 mpg against 17 mpg. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
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The LX 600 has better highway fuel economy
This is a headline difference. With 22 mpg to the Escalade’s 19 mpg, the LX 600 has a lead that’s easy to see on paper and in practice. Speed, wind and load affect highway use a lot, but the official rating is a fair comparison point.
-
The Escalade has
This one isn’t a win or a loss. The Escalade is larger here (120.9 in versus 112.2 in), which suits some people and not others. Neither is better in general; it’s a trade-off between cabin space and maneuverability.
Design & Size
If compact matters to you, the LX 600 is the one to look at. The Escalade is physically larger all round.
Dimensions
| Spec | Escalade | LX 600 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 211.9 in | 200.6 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 78.4 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 74.2 in |
| Wheelbase | 120.9 in | 112.2 in |
Engine & Performance
Too close to call
On engine & performance, the Escalade and the LX 600 are effectively level. Neither car gives you a reason to choose it on engine & performance.
Fuel Economy & Range
LX 600 leads
The LX 600 clearly takes the fuel economy & range round. Point to the LX 600 for better fuel economy. The LX 600 uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot. Prioritize fuel economy & range, and the LX 600 is where you should land.
Fuel economy (combined)
Escalade: 17 mpg LX 600: 19 mpg Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
Fuel economy (highway)
Escalade: 19 mpg LX 600: 22 mpg The LX 600 uses less fuel on the highway, a real saving on road trips and long commutes.
Space & Practicality
Escalade leads
This is one of the Escalade’s strongest areas. On space & practicality, the LX 600 falls well short. The Escalade takes this one with 132% more cargo space. The Escalade’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier. If this section decides it for you, choose the Escalade.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
Escalade: 25.5 cu ft LX 600: 11 cu ft Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage.
Cargo (seats folded)
Escalade: 121 cu ft LX 600: 64 cu ft The Escalade can swallow more with the seats down, which makes it more versatile for occasional big loads.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Both the Escalade and the LX 600 cover off-road & towing equally well on paper. This section won’t settle the choice, so weigh the other areas more heavily.
Safety & Tech
We don’t score this area directly, because the safety & tech specs are labels rather than measurements. The table shows what each lists.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Escalade | LX 600 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 6.2L V8 | 3.4L twin-turbo V6 |
| Total system output | 420 hp | 409 hp |
| Torque | 460 lb-ft | 479 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD (4WD available) | 4WD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Escalade | LX 600 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 17 mpg | 19 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 15 mpg | 17 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 19 mpg Thirstiest on the highway | 22 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel tank | N/A (not specified) | 21.1 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Escalade | LX 600 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | N/A (not specified) | 7 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 25.5 cu ft (winner) Biggest cargo area | 11 cu ft Smallest cargo area |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 121 cu ft (winner) Most room, seats folded | 64 cu ft Least room, seats folded |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Escalade | LX 600 |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | N/A (not specified) | 8,000 lb |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Escalade | LX 600 |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) | 12.3 in |
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Escalade | LX 600 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 211.9 in | 200.6 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 78.4 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 74.2 in |
| Wheelbase | 120.9 in | 112.2 in |
Price
| Spec | Escalade | LX 600 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $90,700 (winner) Lowest price in class | $107,000 |
“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.
Price & Value
Only $16,300 separated these two at launch, in favor of the Escalade. With strengths on both sides, the $16,300 price gap becomes a useful tiebreaker.
All prices are official US launch prices, last checked launch. Actual prices at stores may differ.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Escalade if…
- you want more cargo space behind the rear seats (25.5 cu ft vs 11 cu ft)
- you move bulky items now and then (121 cu ft vs 64 cu ft maximum cargo)
- you want the lower price and can live with the trade-offs ($16,300 less)
Choose the LX 600 if…
- you drive a lot and want lower running costs (19 mpg vs 17 mpg combined)
- you cover long highway distances (22 mpg vs 19 mpg on the highway)
- you mostly drive in town (17 mpg vs 15 mpg in the city)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Escalade or the LX 600?
The Escalade offers better value, saving $16,300 compared with the LX 600.
Is the Escalade bigger than the LX 600?
Going by the official dimensions, the Escalade is the bigger of the two at 211.9 in. The LX 600 measures 200.6 × 78.4 × 74.2 in.
Is the Escalade cheaper than the LX 600?
The Escalade is the cheaper option, launching at $16,300 less than the LX 600 (launch prices as of launch).
Executive Summary
I don’t have a favorite brand in this fight between the Escalade and the LX 600. I just have opinions about the numbers. What tips it for me is that the Escalade has 132% more cargo space. The LX 600 does have a strong card to play: better fuel economy.
Choose by what you’d use most: space & practicality leads to the Escalade, fuel economy & range leads to the LX 600.
My pick: the Escalade, because $16,300 is a lot to pay for what the LX 600 adds.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.