Escalade IQ vs QX80
In the full-size luxury suv class, the Escalade IQ and the QX80 are natural rivals. Lay the spec sheets side by side and you’ll see more overlap than contrast.
At a glance
- Space & Practicality QX80 wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Off-road & Towing6.1
- Off-road & Towing8.9
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
-
The QX80 has room for 8 seats
Small gaps can still matter over time, and here the QX80 leads 8 seats to 7 seats. The QX80 has room for more passengers, useful for growing families and carpools.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Escalade IQ | QX80 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 211.2 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 121.1 in |
Engine & Performance
On engine & performance, the useful details are the names in the table: what each one uses, not a figure we can rank.
Space & Practicality
QX80 leads
A modest lead on space & practicality belongs to the QX80. The QX80 wins here with room for 8 seats. Extra seats mean you can take more people along without taking a second car. The space & practicality verdict goes to the QX80.
Seats
Escalade IQ: 7 seats QX80: 8 seats Third-row seats are often best for kids, so check legroom figures if adults will sit there.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
You can skip ahead if off-road & towing was your deciding factor: the two are evenly matched here. So off-road & towing is a non-factor here; move on to the areas where they actually differ.
Safety & Tech
The safety & tech data here comes as names and types, not scores. Check the table to see what each one uses.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Escalade IQ | QX80 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Battery electric | Gas |
| Engine | Dual-motor electric | 3.5L twin-turbo V6 |
| Total system output | N/A (not specified) | 450 hp Most powerful in class |
| Torque | N/A (not specified) | 516 lb-ft Most torque in class |
| Transmission | Single-speed | 9-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD (dual motor) | RWD (4WD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Escalade IQ | QX80 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | N/A (not specified) | 18 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | N/A (not specified) | 16 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | N/A (not specified) | 20 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Escalade IQ | QX80 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 7 seats | 8 seats (winner) |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | N/A (not specified) | 22 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | N/A (not specified) | 101 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Escalade IQ | QX80 |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 8,000 lb | 8,500 lb |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Escalade IQ | QX80 |
|---|---|---|
| Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | No Apple CarPlay / Android Auto (Google built-in) | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 60,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Escalade IQ | QX80 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 211.2 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 121.1 in |
Price
| Spec | Escalade IQ | QX80 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $127,700 Priciest 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 QX80 if…
- you need more seats (8 seats vs 7 seats)
- you’re comfortable with how Infiniti does things
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Escalade IQ or the QX80?
On the specs compared here, the QX80 makes more sense for most buyers; the Escalade IQ doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
I read both spec sheets (the Escalade IQ’s and the QX80’s) so you don’t have to. Start with the headline difference (the QX80 has room for 8 seats), and a lot of the decision falls into place.
I think of the Escalade IQ as the one for the things a spec sheet can’t capture and the QX80 as the one for space & practicality.
My pick: the QX80.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.